Why being neurodivergent is my strength, not my weakness

When I joined Virgin Media O2 over 10 years ago, I knew I was stepping into a new chapter, but I did not fully appreciate how much of myself I would bring into it as well.

Being supported, encouraged and accepted for who I am

I am neurodivergent and on the autism spectrum. For me, interacting with people has always been different. I process things differently, I read situations differently, and sometimes I communicate differently. That is not a weakness, but for a long time I thought it was. Earlier in my career, I often felt I had to mask parts of who I was just to fit in, and that was exhausting.

What I have found at Virgin Media O2 is an environment where difference is not something to hide. I have been supported, listened to, and encouraged to be myself, rather than trying to fit into a mould that was never designed for people like me. That sense of psychological safety has made a real difference, not just personally, but professionally too.

I’m now a Business Response Engineer and since joining, my career journey has grown in ways I genuinely did not expect. Being neurodivergent means I tend to think in patterns, spot gaps in processes, and become deeply focused on solving complex problems. In the past, those traits were not always recognised or valued. At Virgin Media O2, they have been encouraged. I have been trusted with bigger responsibilities, more complex challenges, and opportunities to lead improvements that really matter.

The power of mentorship

One of the most meaningful parts of that growth has been mentoring. I have had mentors who have helped me understand how to navigate the organisation, communicate my ideas more effectively, and build confidence in my own voice. More recently, I have been incredibly fortunate to be mentored by one of our director’s at the company. That experience has been transformational. Having someone at that level invest time in me, believe in my potential, and actively support my development has changed how I see my own career path.

A small but powerful example of this support was being encouraged to step into spaces I would once have avoided, like speaking at events, leading cross-team conversations on important projects, and putting my ideas forward to senior stakeholders. Those moments were uncomfortable at first, but they stretched me in the right way. Each one built confidence, visibility, and credibility, and they directly contributed to my progression and the opportunities I now have.

What I have learned is that neurodiversity is not about limitations. It is about different ways of thinking, problem-solving, and contributing. With the right environment, the right support, and people who genuinely care about inclusion, those differences become strengths.

Everyone experiences the workplace differently. My journey is just one of many, but if sharing it helps even one person feel more seen, more understood, or more comfortable being themselves at work, then it is worth telling.