Celebrating neurodiversity with Claire-Jones Hughes: neurodiverse leadership

by Hannah Jackson, Membership & Marketing Executive at Brighton Chamber.

About 15-20% of the world’s population is neurodivergent. When we talk about neurodiversity, or being neurodivergent, we’re referring to the cognitive differences in our brains – the way we perceive and process the world around us.

This might include the autism spectrum, ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, dyspraxia. Having diverse teams, talent and leaders has proven to lead to more productivity, better performance and, ultimately, better business.

As part of a mini-series celebrating neurodiversity in business, we spoke to Claire Jones-Hughes, Partner at Contentim. She shares what she’s learnt about herself after receiving her diagnosis as an adult, how she celebrates neurodiverse leadership in her business and her ADHD superpowers.

Here’s what Claire had to say.

On the initial diagnosis

At the grand age of 48, I received a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Perimenopause triggered escalations of symptoms I had been masking very well since childhood. Getting a diagnosis is the start of the journey, and it’s a positive step forwards to understanding your brain and developing strategies to live and work positively.

After receiving a diagnosis as an adult, it’s not uncommon to look back over your life and reframe moments that were stressful or felt like a failure. This process also allowed me to spot common denominators that contributed to success at school, university and work and see how I can continue to apply them.

What I learned about myself

I learned that where there is structure, I thrive. I like deadlines, clear objectives and data. In the past, where structure was lacking, I could deviate and procrastinate. I get bored quickly (it’s in the title – attention deficit). You often see me zone out, fiddle with my hair or doodle. But I am processing audibly and usually get the gist. My desire for structure and change means I often look to where processes can be streamlined and improved. This also fuels my role as a creative lead, where I never accept the status quo and seek new ways to communicate and new visual ideas.

I am accepting my brain is different. In a leadership role and as a business partner, it’s been crucial to educate my team to understand areas where I struggle. But also show them which tools and tactics I employ to improve productivity and focus. More importantly, I talk about my ADHD superpowers and where they can rely on me.

My ADHD superpowers – the benefits of working with someone like me

ADHD people can often hyperfocus on specific things. When channelled well, it helps regulate brain activity and emotions. The most valuable hyperfocus in my professional life is my desire to connect mentally with other humans. Adults with ADHD can often have social challenges. I do not like small talk. And will attempt to get to the heart of a meaty topic quite quickly while networking. 

I have recently realised this is my need to make sense of the world around me by understanding how people feel and think. I want to broaden my perspective on life through other people’s experiences. It’s no surprise then, that I found myself in a variety of customer-centric roles during my professional life.

Claire Jones-Hughes is a Partner at Contentim.

As part of our series celebrating neurodiversity in business, we also spoke to James Dempster, MD of Fox&Bear, and Alice Reeves, Co-founder of The Joyful. Read their stories on the Chamber website: 

www.brightonchamber.co.uk/blog