Final Year Chem Eng Student and CEO of Pleotek Anastasia chats to inSTEM about the challenges of being diagnosed with ADHD, its impacts on her academics and how she is using it as a tool for success. Recognised in 2020 as part of the Top 100 Women in UK Tech and starting her Social care focused company in the same year, we discuss how she has been able to leverage the opportunities and connections at university to develop a startup set to transform the way in which social care is delivered.
Anastasia's story represents a source of optimism for students who may have had difficulties with their transition into university or anyone who thinks or learns unconventionally for that matter!
After a lengthy period of contending with the feeling of not realising her true potential, things began to turn around for Anastasia, ironically, when the disruptions she often experienced were root caused to Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Her awareness and understanding of this condition has enabled her to identify the right support; from clinical to classroom modifications, which she cites as having a huge impact on the transformation of her academic experience. Now combining her studies with the role of CEO at Pleotek, a social and healthcare start-up she founded last year, Anastasia is proof that owning those traits that make you "different" could be the key to unlocking your potential.
To learn more about Anastasia's experience, click on the video below and to find out more about resources which you can utilise to develop your idea, scroll to the bottom of this article.
Some useful resources you may find helpful to get you idea off the ground:
University: This should be your starting point if you are studying at any UK university! Most UK- based universities have enterprise hubs which provide extensive support for individuals who want to grow their ideas! Make sure you identify your local hub and take advantage of the resources available.
The Royal Academy of Engineering's Enterprise Hub: Aimed at aspiring Engineering & Technology entrepreneurs, the RAEng's enterprise hub offers funding (up to £60,000 equity free), training, mentoring, networking etc to help turn your ideas into reality.
Shell LiveWIRE: This is a social investment programme run by Shell to help and support young people aged 16-30, to start sustainable businesses, and create employment. Operating in several countries across the globe, this programme has helped thousands of young people so far.
The Prince's Trust: This is probably one of the more well-known initiatives supporting young people! The Prince's Trust offers a variety of support to help individuals based in the UK aged 18-30 to help kick-start their businesses.
Enjoy watching the interview and stay tuned for more inspiring stories!
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