Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Writing a Book When You Think You Can’t with Kimberley Ashwin [S5 E10]
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Writing a Book When You Think You Can’t with Kimberley Ashwin [S5 E10]
In this episode, Karen Williams (The Book Mentor) sits down with Kimberly Ashwin, an autism consultant, nurse, entrepreneur, and empowerment advocate. Kimberly Ashwin is the author of the memoir Teen Mum to CEO, published in 2025 – a raw and powerful story of resilience, healing, and transformation.
Together, Karen Williams and Kimberly Ashwin dive into her journey of overcoming adversity, becoming a mother at sixteen, navigating neurodivergence, and building a nationally recognized organization from her kitchen table. Kimberly Ashwin opens up about the process of writing her memoir as a dyslexic leader, the challenges of building a personal brand, and the unexpected opportunities her book has unlocked – including a new program supporting young women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
If you’ve ever doubted whether you could share your story or worried about imposter syndrome, this is an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss. Grab your coffee and get ready for insights on personal growth, authentic storytelling, and creating impact far beyond the page.
** Upcoming Events **
If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors.
We also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book!
You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com.
Key Takeaways
Your Story Has Power – Even If You Doubt Yourself. As someone who’s dyslexic, Kimberley never imagined writing a book. But starting, jotting down bullet points, and accepting support from others made it possible. If you even help one reader, it’s worth it.
Embrace Vulnerability and Authenticity. Sharing the hard moments isn’t about dwelling on them, it’s about showing resilience and growth. Balance is key: be honest, but focus on the lessons learned along the way.
One Bold Step Sparks a Movement. Publishing a book was just the beginning. It’s led to the Team Mum to CEO program and inspired other young women to chase their goals – proof that telling your story can create ripples far beyond yourself.
Bio
Kimberley Ashwin is an Autism Consultant Nurse, entrepreneur, and empowerment advocate. She is the founder of Teen Mum to CEO and works as an independent consultant nurse, supporting neurodivergent individuals and empowering young mothers through entrepreneurship. A specialist in PDA-informed autism and ADHD assessment, Kimberley blends clinical expertise with lived experience to reshape service delivery with compassion and rigour.
Her journey includes being the CEO at Autism Oxford UK for 5 years prior to its closure and expanding her impact through speaking, workshops, and podcasts, positioning her as a thought leader in neurodivergence and women’s leadership. Known for emotionally intelligent messaging and meticulous operational systems, she is committed to building ethical, sustainable frameworks that foster trust and growth.
At the heart of her work is legacy: creating opportunities for young people, especially teen mums and neurodivergent women to thrive with confidence and strategy. Inspired by her children’s achievements in sport, Kimberley channels that drive into movements that challenge stereotypes and elevate community potential.
Website: www.kimberleyashwin.co.uk
Book link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teen-Mum-CEO-Neurodivergent-Advocacy/dp/191921190X
Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/kimberley.ashwin/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-ashwin-06a77a76/
Time stamped overview:
00:00 Overcoming Doubts to Write
05:33 Reflection and Structure in Writing
09:08 Managing Your Inner Critic
10:43 Dyslexia's Impact on Verbal Skills
17:40 Entrepreneurial Nurse's Journey
20:20 Balancing Work and Home
22:38 Just Go Write It
Keywords: teen mum to CEO, memoir writing, personal branding, neurodivergence, dyslexia, overcoming adversity, leadership, publishing a book, entrepreneurship, podcast interviews, public speaking, disadvantaged backgrounds, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, imposter syndrome, personal growth, support for young women, inspirational stories, breaking stigma, social impact, neurodivergent author, writing and dyslexia
Together, Karen Williams and Kimberly Ashwin dive into her journey of overcoming adversity, becoming a mother at sixteen, navigating neurodivergence, and building a nationally recognized organization from her kitchen table. Kimberly Ashwin opens up about the process of writing her memoir as a dyslexic leader, the challenges of building a personal brand, and the unexpected opportunities her book has unlocked – including a new program supporting young women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
If you’ve ever doubted whether you could share your story or worried about imposter syndrome, this is an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss. Grab your coffee and get ready for insights on personal growth, authentic storytelling, and creating impact far beyond the page.
** Upcoming Events **
If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors.
We also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book!
You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com.
Key Takeaways
Your Story Has Power – Even If You Doubt Yourself. As someone who’s dyslexic, Kimberley never imagined writing a book. But starting, jotting down bullet points, and accepting support from others made it possible. If you even help one reader, it’s worth it.
Embrace Vulnerability and Authenticity. Sharing the hard moments isn’t about dwelling on them, it’s about showing resilience and growth. Balance is key: be honest, but focus on the lessons learned along the way.
One Bold Step Sparks a Movement. Publishing a book was just the beginning. It’s led to the Team Mum to CEO program and inspired other young women to chase their goals – proof that telling your story can create ripples far beyond yourself.
Bio
Kimberley Ashwin is an Autism Consultant Nurse, entrepreneur, and empowerment advocate. She is the founder of Teen Mum to CEO and works as an independent consultant nurse, supporting neurodivergent individuals and empowering young mothers through entrepreneurship. A specialist in PDA-informed autism and ADHD assessment, Kimberley blends clinical expertise with lived experience to reshape service delivery with compassion and rigour.
Her journey includes being the CEO at Autism Oxford UK for 5 years prior to its closure and expanding her impact through speaking, workshops, and podcasts, positioning her as a thought leader in neurodivergence and women’s leadership. Known for emotionally intelligent messaging and meticulous operational systems, she is committed to building ethical, sustainable frameworks that foster trust and growth.
At the heart of her work is legacy: creating opportunities for young people, especially teen mums and neurodivergent women to thrive with confidence and strategy. Inspired by her children’s achievements in sport, Kimberley channels that drive into movements that challenge stereotypes and elevate community potential.
Website: www.kimberleyashwin.co.uk
Book link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teen-Mum-CEO-Neurodivergent-Advocacy/dp/191921190X
Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/kimberley.ashwin/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-ashwin-06a77a76/
Time stamped overview:
00:00 Overcoming Doubts to Write
05:33 Reflection and Structure in Writing
09:08 Managing Your Inner Critic
10:43 Dyslexia's Impact on Verbal Skills
17:40 Entrepreneurial Nurse's Journey
20:20 Balancing Work and Home
22:38 Just Go Write It
Keywords: teen mum to CEO, memoir writing, personal branding, neurodivergence, dyslexia, overcoming adversity, leadership, publishing a book, entrepreneurship, podcast interviews, public speaking, disadvantaged backgrounds, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, imposter syndrome, personal growth, support for young women, inspirational stories, breaking stigma, social impact, neurodivergent author, writing and dyslexia
View all episodes
By Karen WilliamsIn this episode, Karen Williams (The Book Mentor) sits down with Kimberly Ashwin, an autism consultant, nurse, entrepreneur, and empowerment advocate. Kimberly Ashwin is the author of the memoir Teen Mum to CEO, published in 2025 – a raw and powerful story of resilience, healing, and transformation.
Together, Karen Williams and Kimberly Ashwin dive into her journey of overcoming adversity, becoming a mother at sixteen, navigating neurodivergence, and building a nationally recognized organization from her kitchen table. Kimberly Ashwin opens up about the process of writing her memoir as a dyslexic leader, the challenges of building a personal brand, and the unexpected opportunities her book has unlocked – including a new program supporting young women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
If you’ve ever doubted whether you could share your story or worried about imposter syndrome, this is an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss. Grab your coffee and get ready for insights on personal growth, authentic storytelling, and creating impact far beyond the page.
** Upcoming Events **
If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors.
We also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book!
You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com.
Key Takeaways
Your Story Has Power – Even If You Doubt Yourself. As someone who’s dyslexic, Kimberley never imagined writing a book. But starting, jotting down bullet points, and accepting support from others made it possible. If you even help one reader, it’s worth it.
Embrace Vulnerability and Authenticity. Sharing the hard moments isn’t about dwelling on them, it’s about showing resilience and growth. Balance is key: be honest, but focus on the lessons learned along the way.
One Bold Step Sparks a Movement. Publishing a book was just the beginning. It’s led to the Team Mum to CEO program and inspired other young women to chase their goals – proof that telling your story can create ripples far beyond yourself.
Bio
Kimberley Ashwin is an Autism Consultant Nurse, entrepreneur, and empowerment advocate. She is the founder of Teen Mum to CEO and works as an independent consultant nurse, supporting neurodivergent individuals and empowering young mothers through entrepreneurship. A specialist in PDA-informed autism and ADHD assessment, Kimberley blends clinical expertise with lived experience to reshape service delivery with compassion and rigour.
Her journey includes being the CEO at Autism Oxford UK for 5 years prior to its closure and expanding her impact through speaking, workshops, and podcasts, positioning her as a thought leader in neurodivergence and women’s leadership. Known for emotionally intelligent messaging and meticulous operational systems, she is committed to building ethical, sustainable frameworks that foster trust and growth.
At the heart of her work is legacy: creating opportunities for young people, especially teen mums and neurodivergent women to thrive with confidence and strategy. Inspired by her children’s achievements in sport, Kimberley channels that drive into movements that challenge stereotypes and elevate community potential.
Website: www.kimberleyashwin.co.uk
Book link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teen-Mum-CEO-Neurodivergent-Advocacy/dp/191921190X
Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/kimberley.ashwin/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-ashwin-06a77a76/
Time stamped overview:
00:00 Overcoming Doubts to Write
05:33 Reflection and Structure in Writing
09:08 Managing Your Inner Critic
10:43 Dyslexia's Impact on Verbal Skills
17:40 Entrepreneurial Nurse's Journey
20:20 Balancing Work and Home
22:38 Just Go Write It
Keywords: teen mum to CEO, memoir writing, personal branding, neurodivergence, dyslexia, overcoming adversity, leadership, publishing a book, entrepreneurship, podcast interviews, public speaking, disadvantaged backgrounds, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, imposter syndrome, personal growth, support for young women, inspirational stories, breaking stigma, social impact, neurodivergent author, writing and dyslexia
Together, Karen Williams and Kimberly Ashwin dive into her journey of overcoming adversity, becoming a mother at sixteen, navigating neurodivergence, and building a nationally recognized organization from her kitchen table. Kimberly Ashwin opens up about the process of writing her memoir as a dyslexic leader, the challenges of building a personal brand, and the unexpected opportunities her book has unlocked – including a new program supporting young women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
If you’ve ever doubted whether you could share your story or worried about imposter syndrome, this is an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss. Grab your coffee and get ready for insights on personal growth, authentic storytelling, and creating impact far beyond the page.
** Upcoming Events **
If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors.
We also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book!
You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com.
Key Takeaways
Your Story Has Power – Even If You Doubt Yourself. As someone who’s dyslexic, Kimberley never imagined writing a book. But starting, jotting down bullet points, and accepting support from others made it possible. If you even help one reader, it’s worth it.
Embrace Vulnerability and Authenticity. Sharing the hard moments isn’t about dwelling on them, it’s about showing resilience and growth. Balance is key: be honest, but focus on the lessons learned along the way.
One Bold Step Sparks a Movement. Publishing a book was just the beginning. It’s led to the Team Mum to CEO program and inspired other young women to chase their goals – proof that telling your story can create ripples far beyond yourself.
Bio
Kimberley Ashwin is an Autism Consultant Nurse, entrepreneur, and empowerment advocate. She is the founder of Teen Mum to CEO and works as an independent consultant nurse, supporting neurodivergent individuals and empowering young mothers through entrepreneurship. A specialist in PDA-informed autism and ADHD assessment, Kimberley blends clinical expertise with lived experience to reshape service delivery with compassion and rigour.
Her journey includes being the CEO at Autism Oxford UK for 5 years prior to its closure and expanding her impact through speaking, workshops, and podcasts, positioning her as a thought leader in neurodivergence and women’s leadership. Known for emotionally intelligent messaging and meticulous operational systems, she is committed to building ethical, sustainable frameworks that foster trust and growth.
At the heart of her work is legacy: creating opportunities for young people, especially teen mums and neurodivergent women to thrive with confidence and strategy. Inspired by her children’s achievements in sport, Kimberley channels that drive into movements that challenge stereotypes and elevate community potential.
Website: www.kimberleyashwin.co.uk
Book link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teen-Mum-CEO-Neurodivergent-Advocacy/dp/191921190X
Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/kimberley.ashwin/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-ashwin-06a77a76/
Time stamped overview:
00:00 Overcoming Doubts to Write
05:33 Reflection and Structure in Writing
09:08 Managing Your Inner Critic
10:43 Dyslexia's Impact on Verbal Skills
17:40 Entrepreneurial Nurse's Journey
20:20 Balancing Work and Home
22:38 Just Go Write It
Keywords: teen mum to CEO, memoir writing, personal branding, neurodivergence, dyslexia, overcoming adversity, leadership, publishing a book, entrepreneurship, podcast interviews, public speaking, disadvantaged backgrounds, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, imposter syndrome, personal growth, support for young women, inspirational stories, breaking stigma, social impact, neurodivergent author, writing and dyslexia