International Women's Day Stories: Amy Simpson

To celebrate International Women’s Day and Neurodiversity Celebration Week this March, Greene Sky and Ability are sharing the stories and experiences of inspirational neurodivergent women at Greene King. In this edition, we speak to Amy Simpson, Marketing Planning Manager in the Greene King Pubs Division.

My name is Amy Simpson, I’m 31 years old and I’ve worked at Greene King for five and a half years. During that time, I’ve bought a house, got engaged, got married, and welcomed two beautiful cats into my life – Rodney and Boycie!

I’ve had several roles across the business, including Ops Comms, Social Media, Digital Marketing, and now Planning within Marketing. I absolutely love my current role and feel like I’ve found something that truly suits my skill set. I’m a real people person, but I also love problem-solving (and a good spreadsheet), so this job gives me the best of both worlds.

Amazingly, a former Greene King colleague first mentioned ADHD to me in 2022 while we were working from a pub as they noticed I’d been twirling my foot non-stop for two hours! As they listed symptoms, so many resonated with me. I’m very chatty, constantly misplace things (although I always find them), and seem to always be the most animated person in the room. I initially put the conversation to the back of my mind. However, a few months later I went through a particularly stressful period in my life, and went to see my GP. They said what I was describing sounded like ADHD burnout and suggested I complete a questionnaire and begin the diagnostic process.

I was diagnosed with ADHD in April 2023. During the assessment, the psychologist suggested I might be autistic, as I experience sensory sensitivities (noise and smells), struggle with last-minute changes to social plans, and interpret communication very literally. After a long wait, I was then also diagnosed with Autism in September 2025.

100%! When I was growing up, there simply wasn’t enough awareness of how ADHD and Autism present in girls. The focus tended to be on visible hyperactivity, such as running around or not being able to sit still. For many women, hyperactivity shows up internally as mental restlessness instead. As a result, women are often misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression when they seek help. Masking is another huge factor. Women frequently hide or compensate for their symptoms to fit societal expectations, which makes diagnosis even more difficult which I think is heart breaking.

Absolutely. If you asked someone to picture a colleague with ADHD, they might imagine someone disorganised or unfocused at work. In reality, I’m the opposite. My role is all about planning, organisation and keeping people on track – and I love it. I even won an award last year, so I must be doing something right!

It sometimes feels like there’s a ‘work me’ and a ‘home me’, and many of my symptoms don’t transfer between the two. But, there are also lots of positives to having ADHD and Autism in a role. I can hyperfocus and complete a large amount of work in a short time. I problem-solve creatively because my brain works differently. And my big, positive emotions bring energy (I’ve been told I bring a bit of sunshine to the office!)

A challenge many neurodivergent people face is the perception that friendly, chatty personalities don’t align with senior leadership, and I want to champion that isn’t true. My personality helps me collaborate across teams, present confidently, hold a room and deliver strong outcomes.

Yes, absolutely. I’ve never felt the need to hide any part of myself. My team go above and beyond to understand the challenges I might face, support me where needed, and celebrate my achievements.

I was even invited to share my journey and explain how ADHD and Autism can show up in the workplace at a divisional marketing meeting during ADHD Awareness Month last year. I feel genuinely supported and unjudged, and I’m incredibly grateful to work in that kind of environment.

The most important thing any business can do is create a safe environment where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences – and then truly listen. No two neurodivergent people are the same, so personalised support is key.

It’s also important not to assume someone’s weaknesses or overlook them for new opportunities. Sometimes their differences and strengths might make them an unexpected perfect fit for a role.

I love this theme. To me, it perfectly captures what supporting neurodivergent women is all about. We have so much to offer, and our differences bring unique strengths.

If you give women empowerment, support and opportunity, there’s no limit to what they can achieve – especially in the workplace. Believe in women. Believe in neurodivergent women. And let us show you what we can do!