Patrick So

Embracing Neurodiversity, Culture and Continuous Learning

About Me

My name is Patrick So and I’m a Visualisation and Automation Developer at Lloyds Banking Group within Group COO (Chief Operating Office). Originally from Hong Kong, I specialise in data visualisation, automation and process improvement. I was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism in 2025, I am passionate about inclusion, accessibility and helping others understand the value that diverse perspectives bring to the workplace.

My Career Journey

If there is one theme that has followed me throughout my career, it is learning through experience. I was born in Hong Kong, and English is not my first language. Early in my career, I often found myself navigating not only new roles and responsibilities, but also cultural differences, unfamiliar workplace expectations and communication styles that did not always come naturally to me. There were occasions when I felt I had to work harder to understand the unwritten rules that others seemed to pick up instinctively.

Looking back, I now realise that some of those experiences were also influenced by ADHD and Autism, although I did not receive my diagnoses until much later. At the time, I simply knew that I preferred structure, clarity and time to think things through before responding.

Rather than seeing these challenges as barriers, I learned to adapt. I have always been someone who learns best by doing. Whether it has been developing technical skills, learning new technologies or improving my communication, most of my growth has come from practical experience, reflection and a willingness to keep learning.

Today, I work as a Visualisation and Automation Developer, using data to help colleagues make informed decisions and improve the way we work. What I enjoy most is solving problems and finding better ways to do things, which allows me to combine curiosity, creativity and attention to detail.

Recruitment and Early Career Experiences

When I applied for graduate and professional opportunities, I was not open about my disability because I had not yet been diagnosed with ADHD or Autism.

What I did know was that some aspects of recruitment felt more challenging than they appeared to be for others. Networking, interviews and situations that required quick responses were often outside my comfort zone. Working in a second language also meant I sometimes needed additional time to process information and communicate my thoughts.

Over time, I learned the importance of preparation and self-awareness. I found that understanding my strengths and being authentic about what I could offer was far more effective than trying to be the same as everyone else.

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that employers are not looking for perfection. They are looking for potential, willingness to learn and evidence that you can contribute positively to a team. Once I understood that, I became more confident in bringing my whole self to the recruitment process.

Inclusion and Support at Lloyds Banking Group

Receiving my ADHD and Autism diagnoses in 2025 helped me understand myself in a way that I never had before.  Since then, I have become increasingly comfortable discussing neurodiversity in the workplace and advocating for the support that helps me perform at my best. For me, that often means clear written communication, structured information and sufficient context to help me process and understand expectations.

I have been fortunate to work with managers and colleagues who value different perspectives and create environments where people feel comfortable being themselves. Having leaders who listen, seek to understand and focus on strengths rather than limitations can make a significant difference to confidence and wellbeing.

I have also benefited from opportunities to participate in conversations around inclusion and neurodiversity. These discussions help raise awareness, challenge misconceptions and encourage others to feel more comfortable sharing their own experiences.

The Strengths Neurodiversity Has Given Me

Although ADHD and Autism bring challenges, they have also contributed to many of the strengths I bring to my role.

Some of the strengths I value most are:

• Strong attention to detail
• Curiosity and a desire to keep learning
• Creative problem-solving
• The ability to identify opportunities for improvement
• Deep focus on subjects that interest me
• Empathy and understanding of different perspectives

My experience of adapting to different cultures and working in a second language has also strengthened my resilience and adaptability. Together, these experiences have taught me that different ways of thinking are not something to overcome. They are often the source of innovation, fresh ideas and meaningful improvements.

Advice for Disabled Students and Graduates

If I could give one piece of advice to disabled students and graduates, it would be not to underestimate the value of your unique experiences.

My advice would be:

• Focus on your strengths as well as your challenges.
• Ask for reasonable adjustments if they will help you succeed.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions when something is unclear.
• Look for employers who demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusion.
• Remember that confidence develops through experience.
• Recognise that your differences can become professional strengths.

Everyone’s career journey is different. You do not need to have all the answers from the start. What matters most is being willing to learn, remaining curious and continuing to grow.

Final Thoughts

My journey has been shaped not only by ADHD and Autism, but also by growing up in Hong Kong, working in a second language and learning to navigate cultural differences in the workplace. Together, these experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability and the value of seeing situations from different perspectives.

There is no single path to success, and the qualities that make us different are often the qualities that help us stand out. If sharing my story encourages even one student to believe in their potential and pursue opportunities with confidence, then it will have been worthwhile.