I'm Gareth Hedicker, Executive Vice President for Turbines within our Civil Aerospace business.
It's a privilege to be part of a fantastic company like Rolls-Royce, working alongside a global team of colleagues with so many diverse viewpoints and stories to share on the world.
Over the last 8 years I have worked across different functions and business areas in Civil Aerospace, a journey which has taught me so much, helped me grow as a leader, sometimes challenged my thinking and enabled me to build a strong personal and professional network.
Many of my colleagues will know the professional Gareth, a leader, an engineer, and maybe even a cycling enthusiast! But I have also learnt to peel back the layers of leadership, to be more vulnerable, open and to show more of the personal – as a husband, father and someone who also happens to be neurodiverse.
One of my children was diagnosed with Aspergers (now under the umbrella term ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorders) several years ago and through this experience, I also realised that I was on the spectrum. This has helped me to understand more about myself and importantly how I feel and think compared to others, improving my ability to lead and support.
Neurodiversity creates an incredible opportunity to gain different perspective and more diverse thinking in any team. It's a topic not everyone is aware of and not often talked about. I didn't talk about it for a long time as I was worried about the label, but I have realised as a leader and as myself, that it's part of what makes me who I am. Talking openly about it helps others to learn and to create the right inclusive environment.
Today I am a proud sponsor of OPEN, the Rolls-Royce Employee Resource Group that does a huge amount to create greater awareness and understanding of all aspects of neurodiversity.
It's really positive to be part of a company that actively encourages an inclusive environment, celebrates difference and strives to ensure that everyone can bring their best and true self to work.
Discover more about our inclusion networks at Rolls-Royce