My journey to belonging - Hannah's Story

“At Saint-Gobain, my ADHD isn’t a hurdle – it’s part of what makes me brilliant,” explains Hannah Cutts, Sustainability Data Analyst.

To me, belonging is about being understood and accepted for exactly who I am. It’s not about fitting into a mould; it’s about people embracing my quirks and adapting to how I work, not the other way around.

I’ve been with Saint-Gobain for three years now, working in professional services as a sustainability data analyst. My role focuses on using data to help our brands understand the environmental impact of their products. This means turning complex information into clear, accessible insights that enable better, more sustainable decisions.

Diagnosis that changed everything
This feeling of belonging is new for me. With a previous employer, I felt nervous about being open, especially after being diagnosed with ADHD. It was a small company, and they didn’t have the knowledge or resources to support me. When I asked for reasonable adjustments, I didn’t receive the support I needed, which made it difficult to thrive and ultimately led me to look for a more supportive workplace. 

I sought a diagnosis because I was struggling. My partner suggested ADHD, and at first, I shrugged it off, but the more I researched, the more I recognised so many of the traits in myself. A private diagnosis confirmed it and having that clarity was a real turning point.

My biggest challenges were around emotional regulation, having a constantly racing mind and finding it difficult to focus or switch off. ADHD is so much more than being hyper or fidgety. It’s often misdiagnosed in women as anxiety or depression because our symptoms can be more internal.

“What works for you, works for us”
When I interviewed at Saint-Gobain, I was upfront about my ADHD. I was bracing myself, but my manager said, “What works for you, works for us.” That simple statement stuck with me. On day one, we talked through how to set things up for my success. I’d never experienced that kind of support before.

My team is incredible. They understood me as a person and accepted me from the start. Over time, we’ve built a sense of humour around my quirks, and that lightness makes me feel included. My manager is also incredibly supportive. He checks in regularly to review my workload, helps me prioritise, and makes sure I have the flexibility I need to thrive.

Speaking up to support others
Saint-Gobain’s focus on neurodiversity is more than just words, I can see the effort they put into understanding it. There’s a genuine willingness to learn, and they actively encourage people to be open about what they need. This has given me the confidence to be open about my ADHD and to speak up when something could be improved. 

One example was during a large team call, where I shared a few suggestions to help make the meeting more inclusive for neurodiverse colleagues. 

Two people messaged me privately afterwards to say they also have ADHD but had never spoken about it. We shared experiences, and I realised that by speaking up, I was helping others too.

Leading by example
My seven-year-old son has also been diagnosed with ADHD. I want to be a role model for him and show him that it’s not something negative, it’s part of what makes us who we are. When I told him I have it too, his face lit up. We talk about our strengths, as well as our struggles, and he sees it as something we share.

I’m always learning and growing, but I’ve come a long way. I’ve learned how to work with my mind, not against it. 

Saint-Gobain creates space for people to be themselves, and that’s what really makes the difference.