SME News Q3 2025 / 44 Neurodivergence Business Coaching from a Neurodiverse Coach Having spent most of her 20s in a wheelchair as a result of hip dysplasia and been diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2023, Stephanie Ward knows a thing or two about overcoming the issues marginalised people face in the working world. From the basis of her lived experiences, Stephanie created Stephanie Ward Online Business Servies Ltd, which is part of her wider brand, the Spicy Brain Collective. Named as the Leading Provider of Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Support 2025 for her work in this space, we caught up with Stephanie to find out more about her services. On a mission to deliver empowering, highquality services to the tens of thousands of neurodivergent adults in the UK workforce, Stephanie Ward offers her comprehensive support through a combination of done-for services and premium coaching/mentoring. Blending this approach with a trio of core values that spans a proactive approach to inclusion, boundless excitement in supporting client ventures, and real compassion, Stephanie stands as both the creator of a community and the curator of a chosen family. “We pretty much invented the services we provide”, Stephanie told us, “but what makes us stand out is our energy, welcoming vibe, and genuine joy at spending time with our community.” This was seen at a recent conference, where, as event sponsors, Stephanie and the small team behind her business provided an ‘overwhelm’ concierge service, helping neurodivergent entrepreneurs navigate all the noise. Even though most had never met the team before, they felt safe approaching when they needed support. “We are proud to be known as a safe hub for all, which is no easy label to achieve and a testament to our proactive work supporting everyone who needs us.” An extension of this can be seen through the aforementioned Spicy Brain Collective, a free community opened up by Stephanie and co. in 2023. Through this initiative, members can drop in and receive support and advice, all in addition to weekly Rousing Pep Talks – purpose-built sessions that are the equivalent of ‘water cooler moments’ for those who work from home. The community also offers additional resources, useful links, handouts, self-promotion opportunities, and a range of add-on products and services. These services are acting as a lifeline for her clients, who are being severely impacted by government changes to the likes of Access to Work and PIP. Explaining exactly what this means, Stephanie commented: “These valuable schemes to support incomes are being stripped back, and with clients unable to get assessed and diagnosed for neurodivergent conditions in a timely manner, protecting their livelihood is essential.” Despite just how rewarding Stephanie finds this work, readers may be interested to know that she never really decided to work in this industry as such. These people simply found her. Realising early on that she was very good at supporting neurodivergent people – likely as a result of having ADHD and ASD herself, then undiagnosed – Stephanie simply stuck with it. Today, the fit is perfect, and offering opportunities that are welcoming of employees with neurodivergent conditions remains Stephanie’s ultimate passion. Stephanie’s enthusiasm for this work is reflected in the glowing testimonials members of her community for neurodivergent entrepreneurs have left after receiving the likes of her ADHD coaching services, including this one from Jason, a valued client. Jason said: “I’ve been working with Steph for a year now, and she helped me realise that ADHD wasn’t a flaw, just part of the ride. She was endlessly patient when I was floundering – think less ‘motivational quote’ and more ‘cheerleader with a clipboard and a battle plan’.” “She’s been my biggest hype woman, strategic sounding board, and unofficial therapist rolled into one. If you’re thinking of working with her, just do it. She’s magic.” Committed to more positive outcomes such as this through her neurodivergent entrepreneur support and coaching, Stephanie told us how her plans for the future involve revolutionising virtual assistant services for ADHD professionals, supporting clients through structured autonomy rather than blind delegation. In this way, Stephanie is both setting clients up for the future and empowering them by keeping the human element alive. Reflecting on how far she has come, Stephanie Ward recognises that, although she has a backstory that inspires, it is important to speak from the scar, not the wound. This ethos fuels the great work she does in the neurodiverse coaching space, for which she has been named the Leading Provider of Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Support 2025. Contact: Stephanie Ward Company: Stephanie Ward Online Business Services Ltd Web Address: https://stephanie-ward.com
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