This is Me Yorkshire Chair Jodie Hill, who is also Founder and Managing Partner of Thrive Law in Leeds, tells her story to the TIM Yorkshire blog.
Can you tell us about your mental breakdown in 2017?
Absolutely. My mental breakdown in 2017 was a pivotal moment that made me re-evaluate my career and the traditional law firm environment. I realised there was a profound need for a workspace where mental health and wellbeing were prioritised, leading to the launch of Thrive Law. It became my mission to create an inclusive and psychologically safe environment where everyone could thrive, not just survive.
What about your journey to being diagnosed with ADHD and how this affected your career?
My ADHD diagnosis came relatively late in my career. For years, I navigated the challenges and pressures of the legal profession, often feeling out of step because traditional environments didn’t support how my brain works. I felt like the odd one out and like I didn’t fit. My diagnosis was a turning point though—it offered clarity and explained why I sought to innovate, and why certain traditional practices felt restrictive and why I felt like I didn’t fit—it was because I was trying to fit into a neurotypical world.
In your own business, how are you changing the narrative around mental health, neurodiversity, and disability in the workplace?
At Thrive, we’re committed to destigmatising mental health, neurodiversity, and disability in the workplace. Our approach is multifaceted, involving education, empowerment, and advocacy. We’re not only advising our clients legally but also guiding them on fostering a supportive work environment. By sharing our own stories and championing mental health initiatives, we aim to inspire other organisations to follow suit.
I’m passionate about ensuring my leadership style fosters an inclusive and psychologically safe environment and lead by example, sharing my story and being honest when I have tough days. I also share self-care tips that I have tried, to encourage others to be their true self and take care of themselves as a priority.
Finally, why is the kind of storytelling that This is Me champions such a powerful tool for ending the stigma around mental health, neurodiversity, and disability in the workplace?
I think storytelling invites listeners to share an experience, not just information. By engaging emotions, it creates a strong connection between the story and the audience, enhancing memory and understanding.
Stories also allow us to walk in someone else’s shoes, fostering empathy and understanding. And a compelling story not only informs but also motivates.
In essence, storytelling is not just conveying information; it’s about connecting, inspiring, and transforming perspectives, making it an invaluable tool in any context. It’s relatable and helps others feel they are not alone, and they will get through the darker days.
You can find out more about Jodie’s story here.
This Is Me Yorkshire (thisismeyorkshire.co.uk) is the regional arm of the national This is Me campaign, led by The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
Our goal is to destigmatise mental health, neurodiversity, and disability in business by encouraging people to share their personal stories.
We are leaders, advocates, and real people, with lived experience.
Stretching from east to west, north to south, our committee works throughout the Yorkshire region to ensure business leaders know the support This is Me can bring to their colleagues, employees, and the workplace.
We live our mission through events, shared resources, campaigns, and storytelling.
As part of our mental health campaign, you and your business will gain the tools and confidence to share your experiences.