Becca Brighty is the founder of ADHD Impact and dedicates her work to helping fellow ADHD entrepreneurs and their employees understand how their brains are wired and how to thrive both personally and professionally.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? My first job was working at Greggs on weekends, earning £3.30 an hour. It taught me the value of hard work from an early age.
What is the best advice or support you've been given in business? The best support I've received has been from my assistant, Caz. She deeply understands ADHD from working with children, which allows her to help me stay on track and play to my strengths. Caz acts as my executive function – she remembers the things I'll forget and gives me those gentle nudges when I need them. Without her, I wouldn't be where I am today.
What are the main changes you've seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you're facing? There are two main changes I've seen. One is the relentless drive for productivity, especially in remote work. The pressure to make every minute count can be overwhelming and unsustainable. But on the flip side, there's been a positive shift towards recognising the importance of workplace wellbeing and neurodiversity. Companies are increasingly realising that people are not just resources, and they're more open to conversations about mental health and inclusive work environments.
A significant challenge is how businesses view neurodiversity. Too often, it's treated as something that needs to be managed, as if it's a problem. But I see neurodivergence as a competitive advantage that can lead to innovation and greater productivity. The difficulty is convincing businesses to shift their mindset from seeing neurodiversity as a limitation to viewing it as an opportunity for growth and success.
What would your dream job be? At one point, I dreamed of being a backing dancer for Beyoncé! Now, my dream job would be a motivational speaker, sharing my journey with ADHD and entrepreneurship. I want to inspire people to embrace their unique strengths and celebrate the beauty of different ways of thinking.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? Find your people. Networking may seem daunting, but it's essential for growth. Surround yourself with individuals you genuinely enjoy working with, and it'll make your journey more enjoyable. Build those connections – because they're what create opportunities.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? The North East is special because of the people. The community is so supportive. It's a tight-knit region where reputations matter, and doing a great job can really help your business thrive.
How important is it for business to play a role in society? Business has a huge responsibility in society. When businesses take neurodiversity seriously, they can transform not only the lives of their employees but also the society around them. The impact goes beyond just profits – it's about creating inclusive environments where people can thrive. That has a ripple effect, shaping the future for generations to come.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? I'm good at being a mum in the areas that really matter. I might not always remember homework or clean uniforms, but I'm great at connecting with my kids, playing with them, and making sure they feel seen and heard. I'm proud of how I make them feel loved and understood.
Who would play you in a film about your life? Zooey Deschanel. She has ADHD, and her character in New Girl is a bit quirky and chaotic, which is very much like me.
Which three people would you invite to a dinner party, and why? First, I'd invite Simon Sinek. He's been a major influence in my understanding of business psychology, and I love how he communicates his ideas. Olivia Attwood would also be at the table – I've been a fan since Love Island, and she's smart, funny, and unapologetically herself. Lastly, I'd invite my grandma. She got dementia when I was 13, and she died when I was 21 – I would just love to hear her views on the crazy world we live in now, and I'd like to know what she'd think of my life… I think she'd be proud.
