Paul Stevenson works as an ambassador for Genius Within CIC and is well known for his advocacy in the Tourette Syndrome Community as well as being featured in the BBC documentary Employable Me.
Paul’s Story:
“Disability Pride Month is an excellent time for me to share my story, celebrating the progress I’ve made on my journey and the achievements I’ve reached through support and empowerment. My life has been a constant uphill struggle, often without support and not even knowing what kind of help I needed, leaving me feeling desperate and helpless. Receiving a late diagnosis of the conditions affecting my life was the first step, although at the time, I still felt less of a person and somewhat ashamed of having a disability. One vital change in my mindset was receiving positive recognition of my strengths and coaching sessions to guide me through daily challenges. This structured, positive support truly worked for me.
I have transformed from someone who was afraid to leave my house, merely a shell of a person due to social anxiety and embarrassment about my disability, feeling unemployable and unable to travel on public transport, fearing that I wouldn’t be taken seriously or that my voice wouldn’t be heard. Now, I work for a company that supports organisations, businesses, and individuals in discovering how they can perform at their best. I am a public speaker both at home and across Europe, using my lived experience to educate professionals about what life is like for people with disabilities and how we can collectively improve the lives of others. Making a difference means the world to me.
I have completely flipped the paradigm, using what I once thought held me back—my speech, opinions, and education—to realise that my voice matters. I now use it to speak publicly and share my lifetime of experience to educate others, offering life hacks and strategies.”
About Genius Within:
Valuable 500 Directory Member Genius Within is a neurodivergent led and owned business working towards a future where all neurodivergent talents are celebrated and all organisations work systemically to maximise our potential and work to our strengths.
