Four years ago this week, I started working at Inclusee.
Four years may not sound impressive to some people, but for me it’s kind of a big deal. I’ve never stayed in a full‑time role this long before. My career history is something my resume has described as... varied, adaptable, diverse. But honestly, most people would call it HECTIC.
Prior to my ADHD diagnosis, I felt embarrassed that I've never been able to stick with one career-path for long. I've had great success in almost every field I've worked in, but as soon as I felt I'd mastered it, I'd get bored and either move on or lose interest enough to be 'encouraged' out. (How did I miss the ADHD for nearly 5 decades?)
So why is this job the one that stuck?
Part of it is because I’m doing work that makes me happy and feel genuinely proud of. I get to be part of things that matter, not just on paper but in real people’s lives. That alone goes a long way.
A bigger part is because I’ve been encouraged to follow my curiosity, which, I now understand, is absolutely essential for my brain. Over the last four years I’ve been supported to create projects I really care about, like our intergenerational program, working with the KIND team to help create a more neurodivergent‑safe framework, developing and launching our national awareness campaign, Say G'Day Day, and connecting Inclusee into global communities like GILC and the Social Connection Collective.
That kind of trust and freedom is rare in my experience. But not under Rachael's leadership as CEO. She has created an environment where I feel safe to be my authentic self at work. Her willingness to genuinely accommodate my neurodivergence, not as a favour but as part of how good leadership practice, has kept me engaged, interested, and feeling secure. I don’t have to mask or pretend to be anything I'm not. I can work in ways that bring out the best in me.
That sense of safety has made all the difference.
And then, of course, there’s the Inclusee team. I get to work with colleagues who are inspirational, fun, supportive, and simply wonderful humans. The kind of people who embrace everyone's unique quirks with great enthusiasm and make coming to work a delight, rather than a chore.
Four years in, I’m still learning about the ways my brain works and making adaptations regularly. And, most importantly, I'm still excited about what we’re building together. I’m proud of Inclusee and the work we do, and I'm so proud to be part of this team.
So yes, I’m celebrating this milestone. 
And for the first time in my working life, I can honestly say I hope I’m still here until I retire.
🌈♾️
Find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration week - Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Tatia is Inclusee's Strategic Partnerships Manager. She cares deeply about social connection, neurodiversity, and building community spaces that people actually enjoy being part of. Tatia brings lived experience, curiosity, and a slightly chaotic brain to her work, and believes good leadership and inclusive design make all the difference.
