From Self-Doubt to Self-Defined: Why This Nomination Means So Much

If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be nominated for a National Diversity Award, especially as a Role Model for Disability, I’d probably have laughed nervously, said something self-deprecating, and changed the subject.

But here we are.

🟡 Vote for me here

It’s a strange and humbling thing, being recognised. Not for shouting the loudest, or ticking all the traditional boxes, but for being... me. Messy, honest, neurodivergent me.

And honestly? That’s the most powerful part.

Learning to Lead From Lived Experience and nomination

For most of my life, I’ve been told I’m too much. Too intense. Too quiet. Too loud. Too obsessed with that one project I’ve been chipping away at for 25+ years. (Yes, The Raven, I’m looking at you.)

I spent years fighting my AuDHD brain...that wonderful, relentless imagination-machine that dreams big but sometimes crashes just as hard. I tried to fit in. I masked. I minimised myself so others could feel comfortable.

But something changed.

I stopped being best friends with the corrosive voice of Imposter Syndrome. I stopped chasing random approval. And I started setting intentions.

Creativity Needs Structure (Even When You’re Riding a Golden Unicorn)

If you're anything like me, your brain can take a small spark of an idea and sprint with it at 100mph. One minute you’re thinking about a short story, the next you’ve mapped out a trilogy, theme park, and Netflix pitch deck — complete with merch.

It’s fun. But it’s also exhausting. And when the excitement fades, that voice sneaks back in.

"You’ll never make it."

"This was stupid."

"Who do you think you are?"

That’s where intention comes in. Dial it down. Set your goals. Honour the dream, but keep your feet somewhere close to the ground, even if you are riding a golden unicorn in a rainbow cape shouting about screenplays.

What I’m Focusing on in 2025:

🟢 Consistency as Gav/Tobey: neurodivergent writer, screenwriter and advocate

🟢 Building NeuroEdge as a resource grounded in real experience

🟢 Finding joy in creating The Raven

🟢 Collaborating on meaningful film and writing projects

🟢 Being seen, being proud, being myself

These aren’t fireworks goals. They’re foundations. They keep me aligned — and that’s where the power lives.

You Are Not Broken. You’re Building.

This nomination isn’t just about me. It’s a reflection of how many of us are rewriting the story, redefining what strength, success, and leadership really look like.

If you’re creative, neurodivergent, overwhelmed, or unsure — know this: you don’t need to become someone else to achieve great things.

Start where you are. Set your intention. Dial it back. Then go again.

And if my story resonates, if it makes you feel less alone or a little more inspire, that’s more meaningful than any award.

🟡 Vote here for the NDA Role Model for Disability Award

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Tobey