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ISSUE 4
Fun fact: The Maori word for autism is “takiwatanga” , which means “in their own time and space” and this is the most wonderful way to see it.
the fear of what other people are going to think. I kept my diagnosis to myself for well over a year, ashamed and afraid. It was a random TikTok one day that made something switch in my head, a very simple reframing from “this condition has hindered you all your life” to “this has been the superpower that allowed you to succeed”. I had just secured a role as a Head of Payroll at the time and suddenly I realised my success in payroll, my ability to juggle 100 different things at any given time, the raw passion I have for the industry in which I am so privileged to work and for the teams I am incredibly lucky to lead, was really all thanks to the wonderful gift that is my AuDHD. It is my superpower. My diagnosis empowered me to learn who I am and what I value. I first shared my story with my close friend Linda Burt, Director of Payroll for All3Media, because I’d observed some behaviours in her that felt familiar. Since sharing it with Linda, who inspired me to keep sharing my story because of the impact that seeking her own diagnosis had on her own life, I know of 9 people who have sought out their own diagnoses, most of them adult females. We all have a different normal and although sharing these stories for women is seldom easy, there is strength in numbers and I hope this article will inspire someone else to share theirs. Together we can keep the spotlight on this to help influence and change the diagnostic process for future generations of girls and women.
Author: Victoria Thatcher Victoria is a Chartered Member of the CIPP with 18 years of experience in the
payroll industry, known for her dynamic leadership and proven ability to drive business growth and profitability. Passionate about enhancing payroll operations, she has been instrumental in aligning them strategically with broader business objectives, thereby increasing their value within organisations. Victoria’s mentorship and strong leadership have played a pivotal role in nurturing talent and driving professional growth within the industry. Committed to advancing the payroll industry as a whole, Victoria actively engages in initiatives aimed at supporting and developing others. Whether through mentoring programs, industry associations, or speaking engagements, her dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering positive change reflects her passion for shaping the future of payroll.
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