meet the team
ALICE REEVES,
FOUNDER & Co-DIRECTOR
I knew entrepreneurship would be tough, but I didn’t understand why it felt SO tough for me compared to other people. I was successful, but I was also anxious, depressed and burnt out. I couldn’t understand why all the advice from business courses and coaches didn’t work for me. Then, getting my ADHD diagnosis made it all make sense. Ever since then, I’ve been working on designing my business to support my neurodivergent brain instead of trying to make myself to confirm to the ‘norms’ of business and the pressure I was putting on myself based on what I thought a business owner ‘should’ be. It’s made a world of difference.
Through Joyfully Different, I now support other neurodivergent business owners to create a life and business that works FOR them instead of against their unique needs and differences, bringing them fulfilment, joy and success – without the burnout.
DEANNA AVIS,
Co-DIRECTOR
Despite climbing the corporate ladder, years of masking had left me in meltdown, shutdown, and completely out of alignment with who I was. (Fun fact: I was also diagnosed with ADHD early on but, being so ADHD, forgot about it until I was re-diagnosed!)
My autism diagnosis was a turning point. It motivated me to build a neuroinclusive business instead of perpetuating the internalised ableism I had carried for years.
Over the past three years, I’ve run my own global coaching and consulting practice, specialising in brand strategy and customer experience, neurodiversity and inclusion, and trauma-informed approaches grounded in my psychotherapy training.
I have always been a huge fan of Joyfully Different, so when Alice said yes to my proposal to join forces, I was thrilled! Together, we’re helping neurodivergent entrepreneurs and leaders create careers they love, in true alignment with who they are. My mantra? Be more you and embrace your too-muchness.
HELEN DAVIES,
CO-DIRECTOR
The whole Joyfully Different team share a passion for personal and business development, support through community and taking a diverse approach to this. It's such a great space for neurodivergent founders to find their tribe.
My background is in the NHS as a qualified nurse, lecturer and programme manager. Currently, I am a part-time Clinical Director leading on areas such as trauma informed approach and urgent care. I run a number of successful programmes, courses and workshops for neurodivergent people through my not-for-profit organisation, Practical Wisdom. I am also a dyslexic author, public speaker and workshop facilitator as well as the G100 England Mental Health Wing Lead, at the forefront of changing policy and reducing gender inequality.
Ever since understanding my own neurodivergence, I’ve been working on designing my business and ways of working to support my neurodivergent brain – instead of trying to make myself to confirm to the ‘norms’ of business and the pressure of what I thought a business owner ‘should’ be. It’s made a world of difference.
OUR support Team
TEA LEWIS
Marketing Manager
“As an AuDHD marketer, I’ve discovered that my neurodivergent brain gives me a unique lens on patterns and connections others might miss – but with all the benefits, it’s hard to fit into an allistic world. After navigating traditional work environments, finding Joyfully Different feels like coming home – a place where both my expertise and lived experience truly make a difference. I’m excited to use my perspective to help grow this space where we can all be authentically ourselves. It’s amazing to be part of creating the inclusive environment I always hoped existed!”
LUCY BRAND
community assistant
“I have found connecting with other neurodivergent people really helped me, so I didn’t feel so alone and misunderstood. Joyfully Different is the first community where I’ve felt understood and I’m excited to be a part of and contribute to it. I’ve always struggled with communities and lurked on the outskirts, but I feel like I’ve come home and found my people within the Joyfully Different Community and where I can drop the mask and be truly myself. It feels like freedom.”
OUR ADVISORY BOARD
AMY DENRO
“I’m looking forward to supporting Joyfully Different in providing a welcome and much needed community to support neurodivergent entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders and founders. I recognise the unique contribution, ideas and entrepreneurialism that neurodivergent people demonstrate when they start businesses, and am keen to be part of helping them harness unparalleled support and knowledge, designed specifically for their requirements.”
Anja Gradisar
“I’m ecstatic to support Joyfully Different as a neurodivergent founder. Especially after discovering the value of community for fostering confidence to take risks and get outside of your comfort zone. Owning a business and being neurodivergent tends to go hand in hand, many of us find it excruciatingly difficult to fit into the corporate world and become unstoppable forces when able to shape our own paths.”
OUR VOLUNTEERS
HEIKE JORD KNIP
Regional champion for surrey
“I am very much looking forward to supporting Joyfully Different to expand in Surrey. As a neurodivergent business owner, I know the benefits we bring to the wider community as creatives, problem solvers and much more. You will find many people from the ND community are business owners – since I have accepted my neurodivergence, I’ve noticed that many around me are as well. This is because often the climate as an employee is far from ideal for us, and there is still a need for more understanding and for change, which I advocate for in our community.”
Ready to find your tribe?
Join the membership community or check out our upcoming drop-in events for neurodivergent business owners.
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