For many founders, the journey into entrepreneurship is rarely neat or linear. Libby McDonald, founder of We Are Thryve, has been shaped by resilience and lived experience. She understands what it takes to lead people through complexity and change.
Speaking on the Growth for Good podcast, Libby reflects on a path that began far from the world of HR consultancy—one that has profound relevance for businesses across the Highlands and beyond.
Early Challenges and Finding Her Way
At school, Libby struggled. Undiagnosed dyslexia meant the education system simply did not work for her, and she was eventually asked to leave. For a long time, that experience shaped how she saw herself. Only later did the realisation land that the problem was not her ability, but the system around her.
Her early career unfolded within her family’s care home business in the Highlands. Nothing was handed to her. She took care of everything that needed doing—admin, finance, and even cleaning toilets when staff didn’t show up. Her mother was a single parent who built the business from scratch and made it clear that privilege would not replace hard work.
Championing Neurodiversity and Clarity
Libby’s lived experience of neurodiversity has also shaped her values. Clarity is central to everything she does. Removing unnecessary jargon, simplifying language, and making information accessible are not nice-to-haves—they are essential. Her work questions the idea that complexity means professionalism, arguing that true expertise is shown through how well something can be understood.
She is exploring how technology and AI can help make HR practices more inclusive, particularly around making employee handbooks and policies easier for neurodivergent people to access and understand. Technology enables customisation, summarisation, and clearer presentation—all of which support better communication and stronger cultures.
Building Community in the Highlands
Libby is also building a community among HR professionals in the Highlands, creating spaces for honest conversations and support. Too often, she notes, professional development happens elsewhere, leaving rural professionals feeling overlooked. We Are Thryve aims to change that.
When asked what “Thryve” really means, Libby offers a distinction that is both simple and powerful. Many businesses are surviving—paying wages, keeping going. Thriving is different. Thriving occurs when people can see a future, feel invested in, and receive support from leaders who know how to lead well.
A Story of Persistence and Purpose
Libby’s story is not one of overnight success or polished certainty. It is a story of persistence, empathy, and learning the hard way. Her hope is clear: to create a respected business rooted in values, aiming to help organisations thrive. The focus is on making people feel seen, supported, and understood throughout the journey.
For businesses across the Highlands and beyond, Libby’s message is timely. Good HR is not a luxury or an afterthought—it is fundamental to building sustainable, healthy organisations where people can do their best work.