The Dyslexic Entrepreneur - your weekly guide to the dyslexic business news
This edition of our newsletter shines a light on an often-underappreciated power in business:?dyslexia. Recent discussions, articles, and Dyslexia Awareness Week events underscore how dyslexia can be a source of innovation and unique problem-solving skills. Let's dive into why dyslexic thinking is gaining recognition as an entrepreneurial advantage.
Rethinking Dyslexia in Business
Entrepreneurs with dyslexia are redefining traditional views of success. As highlighted in a recent feature from Dyslexia Campus, dyslexic founders are leveraging their unique processing styles to approach problem-solving in creative, often groundbreaking ways. Their ability to visualise, think outside the box, and approach issues from fresh perspectives makes them assets in any field
Dyslexia Awareness Week Highlights
This year’s Dyslexia Awareness Week (October 2-8) cantered around the theme?"Uniquely You", celebrating the unique perspectives that dyslexic individuals bring to their work and communities. During the week, British Dyslexia Association ambassador and entrepreneur Theo Paphitis shared insights into how dyslexia has shaped his approach to business as well as leading a signed book competition for a copy of The Dyslexic Edge by Jamie Waller. The week’s focus on neurodiversity in the workplace reinforces the value of embracing different thinking styles for a well-rounded, innovative workforce
Innovation and Problem-Solving: The Dyslexic Advantage
Studies indicate that dyslexic entrepreneurs often excel at big-picture thinking and problem-solving. Research from MIT shared by Aaron Hall reveals that dyslexics can visualise ideas with exceptional clarity, enabling them to find connections and patterns that others might miss. This unique capacity helps dyslexic entrepreneurs, such as Kevin O'Leary and Barbara Corcoran, use their creative problem-solving abilities to overcome obstacles and succeed in business
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Why This Matters
These stories remind us that neurodiversity is more than a buzzword—it's a transformative approach to understanding and leveraging diverse skills in business. Let's celebrate the strengths that dyslexia brings to the table and advocate for inclusive practices that allow every unique thinker to thrive.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more insights on embracing diverse perspectives in business!
Best regards,
Jamie Waller, The Dyslexic Entrepreneur.
Jamie is dyslexic and a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor. Growing up in London’s East End, teachers told Jamie he wouldn’t amount to anything. However, he benefited from the supportive efforts of the Imps Motorcycle Display Team and the Prince’s Trust. Despite leaving school with no qualifications he started multiple businesses, became a multimillionaire in his twenties and featured in a prime-time TV show that followed him starting his first business.
Currently, Jamie owns a venture capital fund, has thirteen companies under management and employs over 1,000 people worldwide. He is the Founder of The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Network, an organisation committed to empowering less advantaged youth as established by his Majesty the King of England.
Jamie is the author of Unsexy Business (2017) and The Dyslexic Edge (2024), the idea for which came from a conversation with one of the most famous dyslexics on earth, Sir Richard Branson during a cycle ride in early 2023. The Dyslexic Edge challenges the narrative that views dyslexia as a deficit or impediment to success, presenting compelling research and case studies from interviewing some of the world’s most successful dyslexics (Paul Orfelia, Theo Paphitis, Duncan Bannatyne and Kelly Hoppen to name a few), to demonstrate quite the opposite. By delving into the lives and experiences of some of the best-known dyslexic minds worldwide, Jamie and Dr Helen Taylor highlight the distinct advantage that dyslexic thinking brings.
In 2018, Cranfield University awarded Jamie Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2023 he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III and The Prince’s Trust at the Business Champion Awards.
When he’s not at work, Jamie can be found embracing some of the world's most exciting adventures. This year he’s taking part in the United Arab Emirates desert challenge, in 2025 he will compete in Africa Eco Race and in 2026 is going into Space with Branson’s team at Virgin Galactic.