By Will Wheeler – Neurodivergent Mates Podcast

Introduction: Why Breaking the Mould Matters

From the moment we step into a classroom, most of us are told there’s one tried-and-tested route to success: finish school, attend university, get a degree, and then land a respectable job. For some, that path works. But for others – particularly those who are neurodivergent – it feels restrictive, frustrating, and at times impossible.

The reality is that the world does not operate in straight lines, and neither do our lives. Many of us succeed not despite leaving the traditional path, but because we dared to take a different one.

In a recent episode of Neurodivergent Mates, I sat down with my good friend Gemma McLean to explore this very idea. Gemma’s story is one of resilience, humour, and determination. She walked away from high school without graduating, never went to university, and yet has built a thriving career in education technology while raising a family and embracing her ADHD diagnosis.

Her story is proof that success is not about ticking boxes but about breaking the mould.

Why Traditional Education Doesn’t Work for Everyone

Gemma knew from as early as Year 3 that school wasn’t for her. Sitting still, copying from textbooks, and rote learning were battles she couldn’t win. She wanted to be creative, ask questions, and connect with people – but instead she was labelled the “naughty kid.”

Despite performing well in tests, she struggled to conform. Reading was painful, attention to detail was a nightmare, and being told what to do made her bristle. She often found herself in trouble not because she lacked ability, but because she thought differently.

“I wasn’t dumb. But I hated being told to jump through hoops to prove myself. School just wasn’t built for me.” – Gemma

Walking Away: Choosing Herself Over the System

By her teenage years, the cracks had become impossible to ignore. When she was denied leadership positions for being “too disruptive,” Gemma made her decision. She walked away from school entirely.

For some, leaving early is painted as failure. For Gemma, it was survival. She needed to step outside the mould to find her own future. Teachers signed her out with relief, but she left knowing she was capable of much more.

Falling Into Vocational Education (By Accident)

One of the most pivotal moments of Gemma’s life happened by accident. She applied for a job selling “VET textbooks,” assuming VET meant veterinary. In fact, it meant Vocational Education and Training.

That mistake launched her into an unexpected career in education. Over the years, she built a reputation for connecting with people, understanding real-world challenges, and solving problems. Her career eventually took her to Amazon Web Services and, today, to Instructure, where she helps schools and universities implement Canvas LMS.

This path – unconventional as it was – became her success story.

ADHD: From Struggle to Strength

Like many neurodivergent professionals, Gemma didn’t understand her differences until later in life. Receiving an ADHD diagnosis reframed everything.

Instead of weaknesses, she began to see strengths:

• Problem-solving creativity – spotting shortcuts and seeing connections others miss.
• Energy and enthusiasm – her “excitable” personality drives progress.
• Resilience – setbacks motivate her to push harder.
• Empathy and people skills – building trust and authenticity in professional relationships.

“Would I change my ADHD? Absolutely not. It makes me who I am. It’s frustrating sometimes, but it’s also my strength.”

Her diagnosis also helped her reduce imposter syndrome and anxiety. Medication gave her the clarity to manage challenges while doubling down on her natural gifts.

Redefining What Success Looks Like

In industries obsessed with degrees, Gemma’s journey proves that formal qualifications are not the only measure of capability.

She has sat in boardrooms with professors, executives, and policymakers. At first, she battled imposter syndrome. But over time she learned that her soft skills, life experience, and determination mattered just as much.

She even recalls a boss once telling her she was a “train wreck” who’d never achieve anything. Years later, she returned to his office – this time as a supplier, selling him her product.

“That was my moment of proving him wrong. I wasn’t a train wreck. I was building a career and making an impact.”

Raising the Next Generation Differently

As a parent, Gemma is equally determined to raise her son with ADHD in ways that embrace his strengths. Homework is a constant battle, but she reframes tasks by explaining the skills they build, not just the instructions.

She also believes in real-world learning. Taking him to user groups and exposing him to experiences gives him more than worksheets ever could.

“I don’t need him to be the smartest kid in class. I just need him to be the kindest.”

Overcoming Challenges Without a Degree

Breaking the mould comes with its hurdles:

• Imposter syndrome – questioning whether she belongs in academic discussions.
• Rejection sensitivity – overthinking personal setbacks and friendships.
• Self-criticism – holding herself to impossible standards.

Yet Gemma has turned these challenges into strengths. In sales, she reframes rejection as “not a no, just not right now.” In life, she’s learned to value determination over pedigree.

5 Lessons From Breaking the Mould

1. Education is bigger than school. Learning happens in workplaces, communities, and life itself.
2. Never reject yourself first. Let someone else say no – you might be surprised how often they say yes.
3. Authenticity attracts. Success flows when you stop pretending and show up as yourself.
4. Failure is fuel. What schools call failure can become your greatest resilience training.
5. Your tribe is out there. Sometimes your biggest cheerleaders are strangers who see your value.

Why This Matters for Neurodivergent Learners

Traditional education systems often fail neurodivergent students by trying to force everyone into one mould. Gemma’s journey is a reminder that learning and success come in many forms.

For neurodivergent individuals, the alternative paths – vocational education, self-directed learning, entrepreneurship – are often where creativity and innovation shine brightest.

Conclusion: Building Success on Your Own Terms

Gemma McLean’s story isn’t just about leaving school. It’s about refusing to let other people’s definitions of success dictate your future.

She walked away from the classroom, embraced her ADHD, found purpose in vocational education, and built a thriving career in technology and education. Along the way, she proved that intelligence, creativity, and resilience matter more than certificates.

Her advice is simple but powerful:

“Be unapologetically yourself. Keep going. The people who don’t get you aren’t your people. The ones who clap the loudest – often strangers – are the ones who matter.”

For anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fit in, Gemma’s story is proof: you don’t need to fit the mould. You can break it – and succeed because of it.

Where to Find Gemma

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Listen to the Full Episode

Catch the full conversation on the Neurodivergent Mates podcast by clicking below: