My Place in this World by Johnny Timpson OBE

For GAIN's My Place in this World Campaign, Johnny Timpson OBE, Supervisory Board Member of GAIN shares his story. 

"My personal drive and mojo stems from personal experience of losing out on a myriad of educational, professional and social opportunities from not being seen as a “team player” and “ not someone who fits in” plus, a fundamental belief in fairness, equality, access and inclusion. Being one of the 1 in 7 of us navigating life and work with a neurodiversity ( e.g, ADHD, autism, dyslexia) and networking with people like me has highlighted the unnecessary hurdles and barriers that neurodivergent people face into in all areas of life. My constant challenge of myself is asking, “ blocked by what?” – 

What are the hurdles preventing neurodivergent people of all ages, genders, ethnicities from accessing the same opportunities, products, services, freedoms and in many cases psychological safety as anyone else and importantly, being the best version of ourselves that we can be ? Having demasked many years ago, my personal approach involves raising awareness, challenging misconceptions, offering a helping hand and a friendly ear.

"Professionally, from my lived experience I’ve sought to adopt a collaborative and strategic approach, bringing together stakeholders to identify systemic barriers and develop practical solutions. Establishing working groups, using lived experience case studies to support advocacy, and fostering open dialogue are my key pillars of activity. I am driven by the question, “If not me, then who?”, believing that it is important for people, particularly younger neurodivergent colleagues to “see it, to be it “. This meaning that neurodivergent people like me who are in leadership roles and positions must actively challenge barriers and open pathways for those coming behind us plus share learning with, coach and mentor them on their journey as this enables them in turn to pick up the baton and continue to make the running.

"In closing, whilst my journey may be different to others, being neurodivergent is simply how I’m wired and has not stopped me from chairing companies, holding public office roles and sitting on Boards, indeed I hold that it enables me to bring a different perspective to these roles."

Thank you, Johnny for taking the time to share your personal journey. 

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