In this engaging conversation, Catherine Millan, founder of Be What You See Consultancy and advocate for equity and inclusion, shares her inspiring journey navigating ADHD and discrimination. She discusses the importance of community support and personal stories in embracing one's identity. Catherine also reflects on her transition from academia to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for inclusive training. With insights on empowering bystanders against discrimination, she sheds light on systemic inequalities and the power of hope in challenging times.
Catherine Millan's late ADHD diagnosis at 38 exemplifies the unique struggles individuals face, empowering her to advocate for genuine understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion training to create welcoming environments and combat discrimination in various sectors like education and sport.
Millan's journey showcases how personal acceptance, effective strategies, and community support can significantly enhance the quality of life for those with ADHD and dyslexia.
Deep dives
Coping with Societal Challenges
The podcast highlights the emotional impact of current societal issues, particularly regarding violence and racism. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support during distressing times and mentions organizations like Samaritans and Mind Charity, which offer resources for mental health assistance. The episode discusses how the struggles faced by individuals due to systemic problems can affect everyone, underscoring the belief that collective harm necessitates collective healing. By encouraging listeners to seek help, the speaker aims to foster a sense of community and solidarity in addressing these pressing concerns.
Understanding and Accepting ADHD
The conversation delves into the complexities of ADHD, particularly the late diagnosis that many individuals experience. The guest, Catherine Millen, shares her life-altering journey after her diagnosis at 38, emphasizing how understanding ADHD has empowered her to advocate for change. She promotes the idea that each ADHD experience is unique, and she reinforces the validity of self-diagnosis, aiming to dismantle stereotypes that trivialize ADHD as a mere trend. Millen's personal narrative resonates with those who struggle with similar challenges and strengthens the message that ADHD is a genuine and significant condition.
Building Inclusive Communities
Catherine Millen discusses her work in equity, diversity, and inclusion training, focusing on the importance of creating welcoming spaces for individuals of diverse backgrounds. Her consultancy actively engages with various sectors, such as sport and education, to develop training packages that tackle issues like neurodiversity and anti-racism. Millen believes in equipping organizations with the tools to foster inclusivity and address discriminatory behaviors, offering a framework for individuals to become active bystanders. This proactive approach to education emphasizes the role of personal responsibility in creating a more equitable society.
Navigating Personal and Professional Growth
Millen shares her experiences in discovering strategies to manage her ADHD and dyslexia while successfully launching her consultancy. She highlights the importance of discipline in maintaining her routines and emphasizes the need for personal acceptance when facing daily challenges. By employing practical techniques—such as dietary adjustments and structured schedules—she illustrates how these changes can significantly enhance one's quality of life. Her journey shows that navigating personal growth involves understanding one's unique needs and implementing adjustments for a more fulfilling life.
The Power of Hope and Influence
The discussion culminates in the theme of hope, emphasizing its necessity for personal fulfillment and societal change. Millen and the host connect their stories to a broader narrative, finding inspiration in younger generations who are advocating for equity and diversity. They underscore the significance of harnessing life experiences to drive positive change, hinting at a movement towards a more inclusive future. By recognizing the potential impact of their work, both speakers cultivate a optimistic outlook, seeing their efforts as foundational in shaping a better world for others.
'Have you seen Slumdog Millionaire?' This informal chat with Catherine Millan is as much about Destiny and Dharma as it is all that the episode title denotes. Late discovered ADHDer Catherine and I were thinking about that same film at the exact same moment, and this picture in which she blends in with the ADHDAF leopard print is again a total 'coincidence'... Or is it?! :) Whatever you believe in, and despite the current climate, I am certain that this crucial conversation will leave you feeling hopeful for the future!
Catherine Millan founded Be What You See because she believed the world was ready to make the real change required to reduce all forms of discrimination.
As a Black, female lesbian who lives with ADHD and Dyslexia, Catherine has always lived in the margins of society and has witnessed first-hand inequalities in healthcare, education and the workplace. This fuelled Catherine's passion to get involved in initiatives such as the Stonewall Awards, the Race Equality Charter Mark and working with her employers to design inclusive environments for neurodiverse employees.
Liverpool's finest, Catherine's first-hand experience of adversity and learning from others' stories have been a driving force for her to bring about changes in society to help build inclusive communities.
I am so grateful to Catherine for this Chinwag, for speaking at ADHD AF Alien Nation at Salford Lads Club and at ADHDAF Emporium at Flackstock Festival. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING CATHERINE, YOU ABSOLUTE LEGEND!
TRIGGER WARNING: Contains swearing and mentions of: racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, violence, Depression, Suicidal ideation, Becoming a carer in youth, poverty, classism, serious injury in military service, Criminality,Discrimination, Incarcaration, mysogyny, dangerous media, identity struggles, trauma, bullying, false accusation, education struggles
If you are in need of support YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There is immediate help out there so please REACH OUT
Thank you to Sessionz for editing and jingle and an enormous THANK YOU to the Planet ADHDAF Community Members for keeping this Podcast going for over 2 YEARS so that other literally like-minded legends can benefit from these crucial conversations (also making this the longest job I've ever had!) xx
You can apply to be part of ADHDAF Emporium: an online marketplace supporting neurodivergent makers and small creative businesses HERE If you would like to connect online you can join the Patreon Membership HERE
If you've enjoyed this episode please share, review, hit those stars... all help others gain information, validation & lols. I REALLY appreciate your support! SELF DIAGNOSIS IS VALID & ADHD IS REAL! Big love Laura
