Guest: Rich Sanchez Ex-disney Product Manager And Awesome Dyslexic

Ever felt like your dyslexia could keep you from landing your dream job? In today’s episode, I spoke with Rich Sanchez from the US, who shared how his time at Disney helped him see dyslexia less like a limitation and more like a spark for creativity. His journey is a brilliant reminder that there’s always a way to make your natural thinking style shine.

We delved into how Rich’s dyslexic mind gave him fresh perspectives, especially in high-pressure roles. We also discussed how you can emphasise your unique abilities when you’re in a job interview. It’s not about hiding dyslexia, but embracing it and highlighting the new ways of thinking it provides. Here’s how Rich did just that and what we can learn.

Life-Changing Lessons from Disney

When Rich joined Disney, he realised that what seemed like a disadvantage sometimes became a superpower. His dyslexic thinking often led him to unexpected but valuable solutions. While others followed standard procedures, he found fresh angles to solve problems.

He found that Disney valued his ability to step outside the box. “The best part,” he said, “was seeing how one idea led to many more once I let my imagination run free.”

“Using a dyslexic approach in a creative environment can be the missing piece, not the problem.” – Rich Sanchez

Owning Your Dyslexic Story

Rich’s dyslexia journey wasn’t always smooth. He talked about the self-doubt and stumbles along the way. But he also found that syntax errors or spelling quirks were less important than the big ideas he could generate.

Instead of hiding his learning challenges, he made them part of his story. He explained that future employers often appreciate honesty and curiosity, not perfection. Emphasising his unusual strategies, like using sticky notes or voice memos, helped him adapt to many work environments.

Standing Out in a Job Interview

During interviews, Rich found that sharing real examples of problem-solving was one of the most effective ways to highlight his dyslexic approach. He didn’t just mention that he’s a “creative thinker.” He gave specific scenarios that showed how different thinking styles can solve issues regular approaches can’t.

He also suggested these tips for making a strong impression:

• Show how dyslexia links to fresh perspectives you bring to projects.
• Highlight times you excelled in fast-changing or unpredictable situations.
• Be open about your challenges and how you’ve adapted, but focus on the solutions you discovered.

Embracing Your Dyslexic Toolbox

One of the biggest takeaways from Rich’s story is the importance of building your own toolkit. Whether it’s mind-mapping software, voice-to-text apps, or good old-fashioned scribbles, the goal is to express yourself fluently. So many of us stress over “fitting in,” but creating the right environment and using the best resources often magnifies our strengths.

Rich noted how these tools become part of a larger strategy. Just like a designer who invests in the right gear, you can tailor your environment to help your dyslexic mind flourish. That mindset shift alone can move you from feeling stuck to feeling unstoppable.

• Always look for the positives in your dyslexic mind.
• Practice speaking about your dyslexia with confidence.
• Use supportive tools to keep your ideas flowing.
• Give real-world examples in interviews that spotlight your creative solutions.

Ready to hear the full story and uncover more insights from Rich’s Disney days? The player at the top of this page has the episode waiting for you. Press play to dive deeper into his experiences, learn how he flipped dyslexia into an advantage, and pick up practical job-hunting strategies in the process!