Geovation Scotland are pleased to host Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka’s guest blog, marking two important dates in the calendar – Neurodiversity Celebration Week and Endometriosis Awareness Month.

I’m Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka, the founder of VanFill – an on-demand booking platform that connects people and businesses who need to move goods with transport providers who have unused space in their vans and trucks. VanFill’s mission is simple: to make moving goods smarter, more affordable, and greener, while empowering local communities and businesses to thrive.

But beyond being an entrepreneur, I am also neurodivergent and live with endometriosis. Two aspects of my life that have shaped how I work, lead, and navigate both business and daily life. These experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of creating spaces where different ways of thinking and living are not just accepted but valued. Every March, Neurodiversity Celebration Week & Endometriosis Awareness Month highlight why these conversations matter, bringing attention to the strengths, challenges, and the need for more inclusive and supportive spaces.

Living with endometriosis – a chronic condition that affects around 1 in 10 women and causes severe pain, extreme fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms – has shown me firsthand the challenges of balancing health with ambition. The unpredictable nature of this condition has forced me to adapt, prioritise my well-being, and find sustainable ways to work. At the same time, this journey has strengthened my problem-solving, strategic thinking, and flexibility – essential entrepreneurial skills that turn obstacles into opportunities.

Neurodiversity, on the other hand, brings strengths often overlooked in traditional environments. ADHD fuels my creativity, innovation, and ability to see opportunities others might miss. As someone with ADHD, I’ve learned to embrace my unique way of thinking rather than struggle against it. My hyperfocus helps me drive ambitious projects forward, but it also means I need structure, organisation, and tools to stay on track.

For me, managing both ADHD and endometriosis hasn’t been about overcoming weaknesses – it’s been about using my differences as strengths. ADHD fuels my creativity, problem-solving, and ability to think outside the box. Endometriosis has made me adaptable, resourceful, and able to adjust in the face of challenges.

To thrive as a neurodivergent entrepreneur with a chronic illness, I’ve built strategies that support both productivity and well-being:

• Working with my natural energy cycles – Some days I’m highly focused and productive, other days, I need to slow down. I structure work around my high-energy periods rather than forcing productivity.
• Creating a distraction-free workspace – A quiet, comfortable setup improves focus and reduces stress.
  My essentials:
  – Noise-cancelling headphones
  – Minimalist workspace (fewer distractions)
  – Whiteboards, sticky notes, and planners for organisation
• Breaking down big tasks – Large projects can be overwhelming, so I divide them into smaller, manageable steps to maintain momentum.
• Setting boundaries & learning to say no – Overcommitting leads to burnout, so I track commitments, practice polite ways to decline extra tasks, and when I struggle to say no, ask someone I trust to help me set boundaries.
• Developing contingency plans – Life and business are unpredictable. Having backup systems and support networks in place ensures that my business stays on track even when unexpected challenges arise.

Many founders with neurodiversity or chronic illnesses (or both) face barriers that others might not even realise exist. Too often, we are expected to adapt to rigid structures rather than having environments that support diverse working styles. Programmes and Accelerators that genuinely empower founders should prioritise:

• Hybrid & flexible participation – Remote options, recorded sessions, and flexible engagement methods.
• Regular check-ins & tailored support – Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, regular check-ins, flexibility in workload expectations, and tailored support allows programmes to be accessible to all.
• Awareness & advocacy – Promoting education, open conversations, and inclusive policies so support is not just available but genuinely put into practice.
• A culture of understanding – Adapting to different working styles and creating practices that address diverse needs can foster a more inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial landscape.

The Geovation Scotland accelerator programme is a great example of a programme that truly recognises the importance of inclusivity, creating an environment where diverse founders feel supported – not just in words, but through action.

When the team first learned that I live with ADHD and endometriosis, they didn’t just acknowledge it – they immediately took the time to speak with me privately in a quiet space. They asked how they could support me, what I might need to fully engage in the programme, and how they could make the experience as accessible as possible. That simple act of care set the tone for the entire programme.

What stood out most was that they weren’t just reacting – they were proactive. The team asked for honest feedback on how they could better support people like me in the future – founders managing ADHD, chronic illnesses, or other challenges. That level of care, openness, and willingness to learn is exactly what true inclusivity looks like.

The fact that they reached out to me for this blog, to help raise awareness and educate their wider network, shows their genuine commitment to awareness, advocacy, and fostering a culture of understanding.

Geovation Scotland is proof that when accelerators build accessibility, flexibility, and empathy into their programmes, founders navigating neurodiversity, chronic illness, or other challenges can fully participate, grow, and succeed. We need more programmes like this, where support is real, tailored, and driven by genuine care.

By creating accessible, flexible, and supportive environments, we allow more diverse entrepreneurs to thrive – not despite their challenges, but with structures that empower them to succeed.

Follow Aleksandra on LinkedIn or learn more about VanFill on their website.

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The Geovation Scotland team are grateful to Aleksandra for sharing her personal insights and proud to support VanFill.

If you are interested in applying to the Geovation Scotland programme, applications are now open for the 2025 /26 accelerator.