Spelling it out – Dyslexia and the art of thinking differently

Research and lived experience tell us that many people with dyslexia excel in areas that workplaces desperately need today. These include:

• Creative thinking: Dyslexic minds often make unexpected connections and see patterns others miss. This can spark original ideas and unconventional solutions.
• Big-picture perspective: Rather than getting bogged down in detail, many dyslexic thinkers naturally zoom out to grasp overarching themes and strategies.
• Problem-solving: When traditional methods feel complex, dyslexic individuals often find novel ways to crack tough challenges.
• Verbal communication and storytelling: While written tasks may be trickier, many shine when it comes to expressing ideas verbally, motivating others, and sharing a compelling vision.

These are not small advantages. In a workplace increasingly driven by innovation and adaptability, these are exactly the traits that separate good from great.

Source: Wikipedia

Hall of famers – The great minds who thought differently

History is filled with remarkable individuals who changed the world, despite—or perhaps partly because of—their dyslexia.

Take Albert Einstein. While never formally diagnosed (the term ‘dyslexia’ wasn’t widely used in his lifetime), many historians believe his struggles with language and conventional schooling carried the hallmarks of dyslexia. Yet his ability to visualise complex scientific theories—to imagine riding on a beam of light—led to breakthroughs that redefined physics. Einstein himself once said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” A very dyslexic sentiment, you could say. He led quite the remarkable life for a “boy nothing would become of” (very encouraging, thank you, teacher!).

Then we have Sir Richard Branson, the entrepreneur behind the mighty Virgin Group. Branson has spoken openly about how school was challenging, but he credits his dyslexia for pushing him to think differently and lean on his strengths. He often highlights how his difficulty with detail-oriented tasks forced him to focus on the bigger picture—a focus that helped him build a global empire, no less!

Other prominent dyslexic leaders include Steve Jobs, whose incredible grasp of design shaped Apple into a cultural phenomenon, and Keira Knightley, who has spoken about the extra effort she had to put into learning scripts, only to become one of Britain’s most acclaimed actors. Their stories remind us that dyslexia doesn’t hold people back from brilliance—it shapes the way brilliance shows up.

Source: Wikipedia

Making the workplace a better place

When companies stop to appreciate the art of thinking differently, they don’t just support individuals—they help everyone. Dyslexia is part of the rich diversity of human thinking, and when we amplify its strengths, everyone benefits. Teams become more innovative, and the workforce becomes more resilient. A difference is not necessarily a deficit. Imagine a workplace where Einstein’s imagination, Branson’s vision, Jobs’s innovation, and Knightley’s resilience are heard loud and clear. I know I’d want to work there—wouldn’t you?

Final thoughts from your neurodiversity specialist

I talk about neurodiversity for a living, and yes, dyslexia does bring challenges—but it also brings strengths. The workplace of the future won’t belong to those who think the same; it will belong to those of us who think differently. The world needs a different perspective now more than ever, so let’s get creative and appreciate the art of thinking differently.