Leigh Collier, AuDHDer, Leadership coach
From unknowingly spicy to neurodivergent and proud
I was diagnosed with ADHD at 29 years old after a period of upheaval in my life that led to my diagnosis, quitting my job and starting two businesses at the same time, because there’s nothing more ADHD than overwhelming yourself with too many things at once.
My background is in financial services where I worked as a quantitative analyst for seven years, making mathematical models for fast pace traders. I get my creative side out with my best friends in my cello and piano.
Through my corporate career, entrepreneurial endeavours and the collection of diverse and interesting hobbies, I always bring unique and varied experience into the room. Pairing this with my ICF-ACC Coaching Credential, I’m qualified to set off on adventures with neurospicy brains and support them in building a career that works for them.
I’m passionate about building a future where neurodiversity is valued and embraced, rather than seen as an inconvenience in the workplace, and nothing gets me more excited than celebrating my clients’ success.
Because I’m not just looking to coach individuals, I’m looking to build a movement. Through education, advocacy and helping build neurodivergent individuals into the best version they can be, I’m looking to change perceptions and change the world.
Want to get on board? Get in touch.
The ALIGN Methodology
Through years of working with neurodivergent professionals and countless hours keeping up to date with the academic literature in this space, I have shaped the way I work to get the best results for my clients. And luckily for me it backronyms out into the word ALIGN.
It’s all about helping neurodivergent leaders understand themselves and how to lead in their own way, with confidence, clarity and a deep understanding of what makes them powerful. But it’s also not about fluff. I’m autistic, I only have the patience for actionable steps to move things forward.
Broadly, the stages shake out like this:
A - Awareness
Understand how your values, energy and unique wiring shape your leadership. This enables you to understand yourself so that you can start to uncover your unique way forward.
L - Leverage
No more overcompensating or stressing about all the weaknesses you need to fix. Let’s find out what you are good at and how to use it to perform at your absolute best in your career, securing the roles you’ve always wanted and becoming a leader people are inspired to follow.
I - Integration
The real power comes from putting things into action. Let’s take the leadership insights you’ve gained and apply them to real systems, conversations and goals that you care about. Forget the abstract, we’re working in the real world.
G - Growth
Development isn’t always comfortable and sometimes I’ll give you a push outside of your comfort zone but it has to be in an area you want to grow in. I’m not going to tell you to go for a promotion if you don’t want it, but if you’re ready for the next level, a new chapter or just getting the best out of where you are, we’ll make a plan to get you there.
N - Narrative
There’s so much stigma out there about what us neurodivergents should do or what success should look like. Forget about it. We’ll rewrite the story you tell yourself and the one others tell about you. Because you’re in control.
All of the services I offer take the client on a journey through various parts of the ALIGN Methodology and my one on one leadership coaching in particular is designed to meet you at your exact stage of the journey and unlock whatever it is you need to get unstuck, to lead with confidence in a way that works for you and take on career opportunities you might never had dared to dream of.
If you’d like to explore how the ALIGN Methodology fits where you are now, let’s explore it together.
The Special Interests
Devoted mother of four guinea pigs who I talk about at length
Will monologue about music if given half the chance
Exercise enthusiast with a particular love for martial arts
I’m a Sci Fi nerd and this one is my all time fave
What is neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence refers to individuals who think a little differently, including ADHD, Autism, Tourette’s Syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and more. Neurotypicals are individuals who do not fit the neurodivergence definition. We also enjoy the term “neurospicy” as a colloquial reference to neurodivergence.
Leigh works with individuals of any neurotype - neurodivergent, neurotypical or not yet sure - regardless of diagnosis or not. She is also sensitive to those who would prefer not to disclose their neurodivergence in the workplace, or even during coaching, and would just like to talk to someone who is appreciative of their different way of thinking.
For more information about various types of neurodivergence, I find the Exceptional Individuals website very helpful.
Is your neurotype not listed? Get in touch.
What is coaching?
Coaching is a process of coach and leader partnering to maximise the client’s potential. While acknowledging that the leader is the expert in themselves, the coach works with them to widen their perspective, facilitating new discovery about themselves and the challenges they’re facing.
Coaching is different from mentoring in that the coach is not instructing the client or giving advice, rather working with the client to find their own solutions that work for them. Coaching also differs from therapy which is more focused towards healing, whereas coaching is focused on growth.
For more information about coaching, you might find the ICF website helpful.
Want to learn more? Get in touch.
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