Iveta Pudilova

My Graduate Story

My name is Iveta Pudilova, and I completed a BA in Political Economy at the University of Birmingham in 2022. I am currently the CEO and co-founder of Happy Autistic Lady and National Neurodiversity Training. Through these businesses, we deliver neurodiversity training, awareness campaigns, and consultancy to help companies improve retention, reputation, and satisfaction. We partner with top organizations like the EU Commission, West Midlands Combined Authority, and several Russell Group universities.

A Day in my Life

Each day in my role brings new challenges and opportunities. I spend time strategizing neurodiversity awareness campaigns with the University of Birmingham's Guild of Students, while also leading impactful projects, such as our first-of-its-kind research collaboration with Transport for West Midlands. I balance these projects with supporting our team and promoting our businesses through media engagements, like BBC interviews, and attending events like award ceremonies. Recently, I won the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Future Faces Award in entrepreneurship.

My Journey to Happy Autistic Lady

My entrepreneurial journey began during my BA in Political Economy at Birmingham, where I was inspired to tackle societal issues. Thanks to mentorship from the head of B-Enterprising, I first explored developing a safety app for students as part of my Professional Development Module. This journey led me to participate in the Let’s Get This Start-Up Started program, and eventually, I co-founded Happy Autistic Lady in June 2023. In September 2023, I joined the University’s start-up incubator, Elevate, at The Exchange. With their support, we transitioned Happy Autistic Lady into a multi-award-winning business, eventually expanding it into National Neurodiversity Training.

My Birmingham Experience

The University of Birmingham’s Political Economy course helped me develop critical thinking and analytical skills, essential for understanding complex social issues like neurodiversity. The theoretical knowledge I gained proved invaluable as I worked to address economic and social factors that influence inclusive practices.

The support I received from the Careers Network and B-Enterprising was transformative. Thanks to their guidance, I was connected with mentors like Marilyn Comrie, who runs several tech companies, helping me realize that entrepreneurship and tech were viable options for me. The University provided a strong network that has been key to the rapid growth of my business.

Birmingham's Impact

The support I received from the University, particularly through the Careers Network and B-Enterprising, has been vital to my success. These services helped me connect with influential mentors, engage in valuable start-up programs, and build a network that continues to support our business. The Elevate incubator provided a community that has inspired and empowered me, enabling the rapid scaling of my business.

My Achievements

One of my standout achievements was being involved in developing the Guild of Students' first course on sexual harassment and consent. Additionally, representing the University at the International Model NATO Conference in Washington, DC, and winning the Best Delegate Award was a personal triumph. These experiences greatly contributed to my confidence and public speaking skills, both of which are crucial in my current role.

A significant achievement for our business was receiving £1,000 in initial funding. This investment allowed us to establish a professional online presence and start marketing our products, which has been foundational in our growth.

Advice for Students

My advice for students graduating today is to embrace every opportunity for personal and professional development that the University offers. Engage with mentors, join incubators, and participate in networking events. These experiences can open unexpected doors and lead to opportunities that may not have seemed possible at first. For example, I initially turned down the opportunity to raise investment for my business because I didn’t believe it was “good enough.” A year later, our company had grown significantly, and I won an award for most growth, engagement, and impact at the incubator. Now, we’re set to meet with investors in Silicon Valley in May 2025—proving that you never know where life will take you!