Posted by Sam Patrick
on July 24, 2025
The thing about living with ADHD and Autism is that it comes with razor-sharp pattern recognition and a gut instinct that never bloody lies. If something feels off - it’s because it is off.
So, here I am being open and transparent (as always):
I have officially pulled my collaboration with Led By Dreams.
For me, collaboration should mean honesty, integrity, and actually being on the same wavelength. Sadly, there were far too many issues I couldn’t - and wouldn’t - ignore. Ethically, morally, and legally, I can’t risk my name or reputation. By law, certain financial matters must be disclosed – and let’s just say I only discovered them thanks to a rather convenient “Freudian slip.”
Instead of being treated like the equal partner and director I was promised I’d be, I was simply there to be milked for my platform and ability to raise money. The reality? I was left carrying the entire weight while others… well, slept. No, seriously - they slept. Or took a week off because “the dog chewed the carpet.” You couldn’t make it up. Plenty of excuses, hours of pointless meetings, endless promises - but not a scrap of action.
As a mum of three kids and four fur babies, I was already on the edge - working 15-16 hour days, basically doing the job of five people. The stress got so bad I ended up with an ulcer and spent a week in bed (still working, of course - because apparently I don’t do “rest”).
Promises of change kept coming, but - shocker - nothing ever changed. And as we always say about men: “When they show you who they are - believe them.”
Now, don’t get me wrong - the concept behind Led By Dreams is brilliant. But brilliance without a strong foundation is just chaos dressed up in glitter and a potential legal and PR nightmare.And when something stops being fun, when I feel used, disrespected or lied to… I’m gone. Every time.
Here’s what I’ve realised: I am the bloody powerhouse.
I raised over £11.9k. I secured a monthly sponsor. I pulled in over £11.9k in donations in just 4 weeks - with no help. If I can do that while burned out, unsupported, and running on fumes, imagine what I can do on my own terms - with transparency, honesty, and a team that actual has passion. Rather than excuses made for non performance.
The support since stepping down has been overwhelming. Within an hour of my post going live, I had messages flying in about new projects and collaborations - and yes, donations have already started coming in. Meetings are already booked. That tells me all I need to know.
To my community: Thank you. Thank you for showing up, for having my back, and for believing in my vision. I’m sorry I didn’t pull the plug sooner - I was fooled on a level I’m only used to from men - but trust me, this is just the beginning. When one door closes, another ten swing wide open.
With love (and fire),
Sam
Founder | Dope Soul Village
