Sometimes it’s not a diagnosis that changes everything - it’s a moment of recognition.

In this clip, Mike talks about never quite feeling like he fitted in, developing behaviour to adapt to blend in, and the cost that came with that. He shares the moment that changed everything: watching a TV show and realising he had never felt so seen in his entire life.

Full episode releasing Monday 15 December on The Mindset Exchange.

Podcast host Katherine Ashmore, personal coach for leaders and entrepreneurs, is joined by Mike Walker, Co-Founder of StopPress, for an honest, compassionate and deeply human conversation about discovering neurodiversity later in life and what can change when things finally begin to make sense.

Mike reflects on what life felt like before that point: masking, overwhelm, people-pleasing, and a constant sense of not quite fitting. Together, Katherine and Mike explore the lightbulb moments that can follow increased self-understanding, including the mix of relief and grief that often comes with it.

They also discuss how traits such as curiosity, sensitivity, adaptability and a strong internal drive can become strengths in entrepreneurship, alongside the challenges many neurodiverse founders experience, including burnout and emotional overload. Mike shares simple, practical shifts that have helped him since, from learning to pause and trust his gut, to creating environments where he can genuinely thrive.

This episode is grounded in lived experience and offers a compassionate and lightly humorous exploration of self-understanding and identity.

Full episode releasing Monday 15 December on The Mindset Exchange.

👉 You can follow or subscribe to The Mindset Exchange to hear the full episode when it’s released.

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If you suspect you may be neurodivergent and wish to seek support, speaking with your GP is a good place to start.

Additional resources include:

▪︎ The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity

▪︎ The National Autistic Society

▪︎ Neurodiversity Support UK

▪︎ The Counselling and Therapy Hub (The CATH)

If any of the themes discussed in this episode resonated with you and you’d like coaching support,

🔗 Connect with Katherine:

⁠linkedin.com/in/katherine-ashmore⁠⁠

⁠⁠katherineashmore.com ⁠⁠

⁠⁠contact@katherineashmore.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.katherineashmore.com/my-links

Disclaimer

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Produced and created by Katherine Ashmore. Recorded remotely. © Katherine Ashmore 2025. All rights reserved.