My Story

From the moment we enter this world, our identity is shaped by our early experiences. But what if those experiences are anything but ordinary? For me, life has often felt like an uphill battle, filled with health issues and a deep sense of alienation from both people and places around me. The expectations—both from society and those I care about—have often felt like a heavy cloud hovering above, amplifying that outsider feeling.

At 39, everything changed unexpectedly when I learned about my dyspraxia and ADHD. It was like a switch flipped—suddenly, everything made sense. I began to see how the academic struggles, social awkwardness, and chaos of daily life all fit together. My late diagnosis of dyspraxia became a turning point—not a defining label, but a compass guiding me through a world that often felt too big and confusing.

Throughout my dynamic career in prison and probation services, I've had the privilege of working with individuals whom society often labels as misfits. It's a role that resonates deeply with me. My passion lies in helping others on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment. One of the pivotal moments in my career was when I integrated contemporary theories of desistance from crime into practical work within London's probation system, helping offenders touch base with their non-offending selves. My studies at Cambridge deepened my understanding of how justice systems shape identities, reinforcing my belief in self-awareness as a source of transformation.

Then came the upheaval of COVID-19, which turned my world upside down, bringing uncertainty and profound loss. Yet, amidst that chaos, I found something invaluable—a moment of deep reflection. It became clear to me: I had been chasing the wrong dreams, focusing on things that didn't resonate with my true self. This clarity sparked a journey of self-redefinition.

Instead of trying to meet everyone else's expectations, I began to focus on what I truly cared about. For too long, I had attempted to navigate the world by mirroring others instead of embracing who I am. I started crafting a sense of belonging within myself, championing my unique identity. I learned to manage my life in alignment with my beliefs and values, letting go of patterns of overcommitting and people-pleasing that had held me back. One day, while driving through familiar streets, an idea struck me: What if I could create courses to help others uncover their true selves? Imagine igniting joy and equipping them with a personal toolkit—a constant reminder that they deserve to prioritise themselves! And that's how WAY was born.