Katrina Young

Katrina Young - She/Her

Innovator in Digital Tech, Venture/SME's Advisor & Business Consultant at KYC

As a multi-award-winning business consultant, Katrina Young is a strategic business venture consultant, online innovation and technology enabler, sales funnel architect, and digital transformation and marketing specialist. She has been named as one of the top 40 Digital UK Women to watch and has been featured in Forbes, Psychologies Magazine and The Times. Her expertise lies in demystifying technology, innovation, and R&D research at the intersection of marketing, and she supports global clients by training and coaching agencies, corporations, and business owners with her framework process. Being Neurodivergent has given her the insight to empower and guide Neurodivergent business owners to reach their goals through body-doubling. She uses her unique perspective to help clients and learners, especially those with additional learning needs, impairments and who may be Neurodivergent, to get clear on and achieve results.

How has being Neurodivergent shaped the direction of your career?

My first coach told me to hide the fact that I was slightly dyslexic. “People won’t work with you if you mention Neurodivergence”. So I did what they said - and hid behind faceless brands, copy, systems, messaging. I feel this approach cost me thousands…and myself. What they were really telling me was to hide my genius.

And they were wrong! A billion dollar company have used my services since Covid to help them become marketproof. I got feedback yesterday on one of my software models, which ended with “we love the way your brain works”. I was, and am, hired for the way my brain is wired. Yet for so, so long - I had hidden.

If this sounds like you, please don’t hide.
If any of this resonates with you - go find your people:

• The right people will need you
• The right people will hire you
• The right people will see your strengths and maximise your genius
• The right people will find you
• The right people will support you

Don’t always believe what others say. I know I trigger some people. I have had to make myself small to be safe. I have lived a lifetime of hiding my capabilities to make others feel big. Well, I ain’t doing that any more. I have done too much work on myself.

What advice would you give to another Neurodivergent woman navigating their way through life?

As a Neurodivergent woman myself, I understand the unique challenges and obstacles that come with navigating life in a world that may not always be accommodating to our differences. My advice to another Neurodivergent woman would be to embrace and celebrate your unique perspective and abilities. Don't let anyone make you feel like you have to conform to societal norms or expectations. Instead, use your Neurodivergence as a strength and leverage it to your advantage in both your personal and professional life. Seek out mentors, role models, and support systems that understand and appreciate Neurodiversity. Also, don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. Life is a journey, and it's important to be open to new experiences and opportunities. Remember to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. And most importantly, never give up on your dreams and aspirations. You have the power to accomplish great things, and I believe in you.