Jeanette Delahunty, Founder, Consultant, and Lead Trainer at TSK Academy
Imagine a world where every mind is a masterpiece, painted with unique colours and textures—a world where differences are not limitations but opportunities for growth and innovation. This is the world Jeanette Delahunty strives to create. As the Founder, Consultant, and Lead Trainer at TSK Academy, Jeanette is committed to breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive world where neurodivergent individuals are celebrated for their unique perspectives and strengths. Through her groundbreaking work, she is empowering neurodivergent individuals to reach their full potential and inspiring others to embrace the beauty and power of neurodiversity.
Being Her Own Hero
From a life of struggle to a legacy of support, Jeanette’s story is one of inspiration. Growing up in a challenging environment marked by family mental health struggles and parental alcoholism, she faced significant obstacles to her education. Leaving school at 16, Jeanette needed support that was often out of reach.
“I became a young mother, overwhelmed by the challenges of raising children—unaware that some of them were neurodivergent,” Jeanette recalls. Battling postnatal depression, she found hope through the support of social workers, family workers, and therapy. “That support saved me. It showed me that no matter how tough life gets, we all have the power to change things.”
Working with dementia patients and young people, Jeanette discovered her true calling: to create lasting, positive change for neurodivergent individuals and their families, leading her to establish TSK Academy.
Advocating for Neurodiversity
Jeanette’s studies in trauma, autism, and mental health challenges provided her with profound insights. She soon recognized the neurodivergent traits within herself and her children. Navigating the healthcare system to get her children the support they needed was an uphill battle, with professionals often misinterpreting her children’s behaviours and questioning her parenting instead.
She recalls the heartbreak of seeing her eldest son labelled a ‘bad kid’ by teachers, despite his struggles being rooted in misunderstood neurodiversity. Her quiet, withdrawn fourth child faced similar misconceptions. This experience solidified Jeanette’s resolve to raise awareness and advocate for neurodivergent individuals. Founding TSK Academy became her way of empowering educators and professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to understand and support neurodivergence. One of her proudest moments came when she accredited TSK Academy’s first CPD course, marking a significant step forward in bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Making a Difference
As a social entrepreneur, Jeanette often faced financial challenges. “I’ve always believed that the impact I make in someone’s life is more valuable than money,” she says. “So, even when I couldn’t charge what my services were worth, I knew the real reward was seeing the difference I made.” Convincing organizations of the importance of her training wasn’t easy, but through persistence, Jeanette built a network of like-minded collaborators. The real reward came from seeing the positive changes in people’s lives. With a dedicated team’s support, Jeanette was able to focus on what truly mattered: making a lasting difference.
Leading with Empathy and Empowerment
This dedication is reflected in Jeanette’s leadership at TSK Academy. She leads with empathy and a deep commitment to empowerment. Her leadership is rooted in listening, responding with compassion, and creating a safe space where diversity is celebrated. Transparency and integrity guide her approach, and she is committed to continuous learning to ensure the academy’s programs remain relevant and impactful.
Jeannette believes that every person has the potential to thrive with the right support. “My goal is to empower others to not only understand neurodiversity but to champion it in their communities and workplaces actively,” she states.
Balancing Roles: The Entrepreneur, Educator, and Mother
Jeanette Delahunty masterfully balances the roles of entrepreneur, educator, consultant, and mother by establishing clear priorities and maintaining strong boundaries. With a structured approach to time management, she utilizes tools like calendars, task lists, and digital reminders to keep herself organized and on track, particularly important as she navigates life with ADHD.
“My motivation comes from knowing that I’m setting an example for my children,” she says. “I want them to see that you can pursue your passion while maintaining a fulfilling family life.”
Jeanette’s success is also attributed to the unwavering support from her husband and children. Her husband takes on childcare duties, providing Jeanette with the space and time to grow TSK Academy, while her adult children offer encouragement and even assist at events, such as the recent conference. Delegating tasks like social media management and administration to her trusted team enables Jeanette to focus on high-impact areas of her work. Flexibility is key in Jeanette’s life; she adapts her schedule to meet her family’s needs while continuing to drive her business forward.
Despite her busy schedule, Jeanette prioritizes self-care. “I’ve learned that taking time to recharge is just as important as the work itself,” she shares.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, Jeanette has ambitious goals for TSK Academy. In the short term, she plans to expand its reach by developing more accredited training programs and increasing partnerships with schools, organizations, and businesses. She is committed to raising awareness of neurodiversity and mental health, ensuring her courses are accessible both domestically and internationally. Enhancing the online learning platform to make it more interactive and user-friendly for remote learners is also on her agenda.
“I want TSK Academy to become a global leader in neurodiversity training and advocacy,” Jeanette says. Over the next five to ten years, she envisions the academy as a hub for research and innovation in the field, collaborating with experts and institutions to develop new methodologies. “Ultimately, my goal is to drive systemic change,” she says, “creating a world where everyone, regardless of their neurological makeup, can thrive.”
A Message to Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs
To aspiring social entrepreneurs, Jeanette offers advice rooted in purpose and persistence: “Start with a clear purpose and let that guide everything you do. Build a network of like-minded people, ask for help when needed, and stay committed to your mission even when challenges arise. Small actions can lead to big transformations if you keep the needs of your community at the forefront.”