**“I went from barely surviving in my career to realising I had unique strengths that made me an asset, I knew I had to help others experience that same shift.”**

Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski, Founder and Director at Thinking Light Coach

For Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski, being neurodivergent in a corporate world that wasn’t built for her was a challenge she faced for over 20 years. But instead of letting that hold her back, she used her experiences to create Thinking Light Coach—a space where neurodivergent professionals can stop just getting by and start thriving.

“I spent years feeling out of place, like I was constantly trying to fit into a mould that wasn’t made for me,” she says. “Once I embraced my neurodivergence as a strength rather than a setback, everything changed. And now, I help others do the same.”

As a certified ICF ACC coach and trainer, Danielle supports neurodiverse (ND) professionals by helping them navigate workplaces that don’t always understand them, build confidence, and advocate for themselves. Her work isn’t just about coaching—it’s about changing workplace culture to ensure ND professionals are valued, supported, and included.

From Frustration to Empowerment

Danielle’s path to coaching started with a powerful realisation: her differences weren’t weaknesses—they were superpowers.

For years, she struggled with work environments that felt overwhelming and rigid. Then, a coach helped her reframe her neurodivergence as an asset, showing her how to work with her brain instead of against it. That moment changed everything.

“I went from barely surviving in my career to realising I had unique strengths that made me an asset,” she shares. “I knew I had to help others experience that same shift.”

That’s why she founded Thinking Light Coach—to help neurodivergent professionals step into their power, navigate challenges, and build careers that work for them, not against them.

Impacting Lives, One Conversation at a Time

One of Danielle’s clients had spent years feeling disconnected at work, struggling with communication, and believing they weren’t cut out for the corporate world. Through coaching, they learned how to understand their neurodivergence, develop practical strategies, and advocate for the support they needed.

By the end of their sessions, not only had they improved their work relationships, but they had also built the confidence to push for workplace accommodations—something they never thought they could do.

“These moments remind me why I do this work,” Danielle says. “Helping people realise they’re not ‘broken’—they just think differently—is everything.”

Building a Neuro-Inclusive Future

Danielle isn’t just working with individuals—she’s changing workplace culture. Through coaching, consultancy, and advocacy, she helps businesses create more neuro-inclusive environments where ND professionals can thrive rather than struggle to fit in.

One of her proudest achievements was co-founding and co-leading the Neurodiversity Network (NDN) at GSK. What started as a small coffee chat with seven employees grew into a 750-strong global community that changed how the company approached neurodiversity in the workplace.

“That experience proved the power of community and advocacy,” she says. “It’s what led me to establish Thinking Light Coach—to keep pushing for change.”

DiNN’s Role in the Journey

Danielle’s work has been supported by Do it Now Now (DiNN), particularly through the Starting Up programme, where she learned how to build the business side of Thinking Light Coach. Being part of the DiNN wellness discussion panel also gave her a chance to share her story, connect with others, and advocate for neurodivergent inclusion.

Beyond DiNN, her community of neurodiversity advocates, business owners, and mentors has been invaluable.

“These connections keep me grounded,” she says. “I’ve built a network of people who believe in my vision, and that support makes all the difference.”

Why Black Voices Must Be at Decision-Making Tables

Danielle is passionate about ensuring Black voices are present and heard in leadership spaces—especially when it comes to discussions about neurodiversity, workplace inclusion, and accessibility.

“True representation isn’t just about having a seat at the table,” she says. “It’s about making sure that seat leads to action.”

She ensures representation by:

Challenging outdated workplace policies that overlook neurodivergent Black professionals
Creating spaces where Neurodiverse professionals feel valued and supported
Speaking openly about her experiences to inspire others to do the same

Advice for Black Entrepreneurs

For those starting or growing a business, Danielle offers these key lessons:

Just start. Stop waiting for the perfect moment—your idea doesn’t have to be perfect to take action.
Find your people. Surround yourself with mentors, advocates, and a network that believes in your vision.
Learn from every experience. Every challenge is a lesson that can fuel your growth.
Use your voice. Your story matters—own it, share it, and use it to push for change.

Creating a Lasting Legacy

Through Thinking Light Coach, Danielle isn’t just helping neurodivergent professionals thrive—she’s challenging outdated systems, reshaping workplaces, and creating space for people to embrace their differences.

“I want neurodivergent professionals to stop feeling like they have to ‘fix’ themselves to fit in,” she says. “They already have everything they need to succeed—it’s the world that needs to adjust.”