Women in PE - Neurodiversity and Female Mental Health

Neurodivergence — particularly ADHD — is increasingly visible across investment and founder led environments. When understood and supported, these traits can be leadership strengths. For investors, recognising how neurodivergence influences decision making, energy and risk is becoming an important value creation lens.

Hormonal life stages such as pregnancy, postpartum and perimenopause have material impacts on cognitive load and mental health, often coinciding with senior leadership progression. These are predictable, systemic factors — not individual failings — and failure to address them presents a clear retention and performance risk.

Well timed coaching, particularly around maternity and other transition points, was highlighted as a highly effective, low-cost intervention. Tailored support can prevent burnout, retain experienced leaders and unlock performance at critical moments.