Episode two - The Northeast and Scotland
Category: Press Pack ArticleJo S, Macclesfield
Occupation: Retired Youth Worker
Age: 56
Jo, a mother of two, enjoyed school but was put off pursuing her dream of becoming a maths teacher or artist as she was told she wasn’t the right ‘type’ of student. She recently retired after a career in charity and youth work and taking part in Secret Genius is part of her new ambition to prioritise herself.
“I like to look after people. I think I'm quite nurturing. And I don't think those are things that you see in people that you think are intelligent. I've got these fluffy skills, but it doesn't mean that everything's switched off here.”
What made you apply for Secret Genius?
I did not apply to be part of Secret Genius. My daughter saw an advert for applications and applied on my behalf as she felt I met the required criteria. I probably wouldn’t have applied for myself… I’d have talked myself out of it. I’m glad she did this for me. It was a fabulous experience and I’m very grateful to her for believing in me when I wouldn’t believe in myself.
What part of the experience surprised you the most?
The part of the whole experience that surprised me most was passing all tasks that were presented to me as part of the application and then being shortlisted and then invited to take part in the competition.
Was there a moment when you doubted yourself? If so, how did you push through it?
I have always doubted myself so taking part in Secret Genius was no different. I didn’t sleep well during the process and think I got very anxious. I’m getting to an age where I’m realising that I have a lot more to offer than I’ve imagined previously and I’m trying to accept that I’ve missed opportunities and there are many other things I could have done with my life, but I also have a good life and am very blessed, so I don’t think there’s much point in having regrets. Being able to be part of the process was a confirmation that I was probably bright… something that had always been at the back of my mind, so I decided that I had nothing to lose.
What did you learn about the way your own brain works, and did it change how you see your intelligence?
I’ve been questioning how my brain works for a while now. Taking part in Secret Genius was just another part of the story. I became aware a few years ago that I probably have ADHD, so have been looking at how I function, in order to make my life easier and my coping with circumstances more manageable. I love maths, drawing and painting, learning languages, I am naturally very musical and am very good with people, but I’m also a perfectionist, I procrastinate, I struggle with organisation, I feel anxious about the unknown and at times get overwhelmed with stress.
If someone watching at home doubts their own ability, what would you say to them?
After meeting the other contestants on Secret Genius, I think doubting yourself and your ability is fairly normal. However, if you have an inkling that you’re capable of doing things well that you realise other people struggle with, it may be worth looking into what you can do with your skills and talents. I wonder if I had my time again if I’d do anything different, knowing what I know now?
Selena, Hexham
Occupation: Greek restaurant owner
Age: 44
Selena’s twin sons are about to fly the nest, so it's time for her to explore a side of herself that has been hidden away for so long.
“Family came along, and then the business came along and then it’s kind of 20 years have skipped past and suddenly I’m 44. I’m ready to find out who am I when I’m not a waitress and mother.
This is a big year for me with the boys leaving. There's a woman who's been a wife and had the two kids and devoted a lot of my life to household chores and looking after other people. The real me that was around before they were born, uh, it's hard to remember her.”
What made you apply for Secret Genius?
My mum sent me the advert, and it came at the right time as my twins were both about to leave to university and it was time I started thinking about what I wanted to do with my extra time.
What part of the experience surprised you the most? How much I enjoyed meeting all the other people taking part, and the variety of people involved. Also, how much more difficult it is trying to do puzzles when there are lots of people watching you!
Was there a moment when you doubted yourself? If so, how did you push through it?
Being surrounded with intelligent people is definitely challenging and every single time I qualified for a round I was surprised, I just kept thinking, at least I didn’t go out first.
What did you learn about the way your own brain works, and did it change how you see your intelligence?
I realised that being able to do anagrams that quickly is not actually as normal as I thought it was. Also, overthinking is not always a good thing. It didn’t really change how I see my intelligence except to wonder what I could use it for.
If someone watching at home doubts their own ability, what would you say to them?
You might surprise yourself, step out of your comfort zone, try some online tests, play along at home or even apply to the next series! Everyone’s intelligence works differently so it’s fun to find out about your own.
Andy, Middlesborough
Occupation: eLearning Developer
Age: 45
Andy is 45 at the time of filming Secret Genius he was unemployed, after hundreds of interviews he felt that Secret Genius was the kick start he needed to boost his confidence and has recently started a new job.
“I've never been unemployed. I've always gone from job to job and been sought after in some cases. So, for the first time in my life of 45, I'm finding myself unemployed and I'm finding it really difficult. The last job I applied for, there were 841 other applicants. It's frustrating and I think that sort of affects your self-worth. My confidence is gone. I guess that's why I'm here as well, part of, like, a crossroads.”
After facing numerous interviews without success, Andy credits Secret Genius with helping him develop a renewed sense of confidence. Since filming, he is now gainfully employed. Andy has also since joined Mensa — something he had never previously imagined for himself. While he admits the in-person Mensa meet-ups have been “an experience”, joining the organisation marks a significant personal milestone.
What made you apply for Secret Genius?
It was my Dad’s fault! He had seen an advertisement, and I think he was sick of me answering questions before him on quiz shows (University Challenge in particular) so wanted me to properly test myself. He knows I doubt(ed) myself but believes in me so wanted me to challenge myself.
What part of the experience surprised you the most?
I’ve always struggled to think I’m clever, struggled with finishing tasks and struggled to get started, and subsequently I’ve underachieved and massively doubted myself. Every piece of doubt about myself was challenged in that moment. I’ve never had an experience like it, it changed my life.
What did you learn about the way your own brain works, and did it change how you see your intelligence?
I’m wired a bit differently. I’m hypervigilant and my brain is always on the lookout and trying to piece things together. Whilst this can mean I’m super observant and spot things that others don’t, which is great for puzzle-solving, it can be difficult to feel relaxed around people and I know I might appear a bit odd or focused on irrelevant things. It is also exhausting, with my brain seemingly always ‘on’ even when trying to sleep.
In the past I’ve put on a ‘mask’ to get through day-to-day life without appearing strange. Hiding the parts of me that experience has taught me that people don’t appreciate, especially my intelligence.
Secret Genius changed my life. I’ve been able to challenge that perception of myself as the chronic underachiever who is never going to fulfil their potential. I now see that my brain works differently and understand that my intelligence is a bit of a gift and a massive part of who I am. I no longer hide my intelligence and no longer believe my own doubts. I’m proud of being a bit different and proud of my different brain.
If someone watching at home doubts their own ability, what would you say to them?
It’s ok to have doubt. But you’re not your doubt. Listen to it, learn from it but don’t accept it, don’t believe it and don’t be afraid of it. Trust yourself, you’ve got this.