Interview: Winning & Losing With Dyslexia

If you’ve ever looked at someone and assumed they had it all figured out, then this episode might surprise you. We chatted with someone we’re calling “Philip,” who appeared confident and successful on the surface, yet deep down he knew something was missing.

In this podcast, we explore Philip’s dyslexia journey from quiet uncertainty to that lightbulb moment when everything finally made sense. We talk about how realising his dyslexia changed the way he saw himself and why it helped him move forward with renewed purpose.

Early Clues That Prompted Change

Growing up, Philip navigated school with a sense of being different. Not in a bad way—he was bright and personable—but something felt off. He tried his best to fit into the standard academic mould, although certain tasks took more time or sapped his energy far more than expected.

He had a few hunches. Maybe it was anxiety, maybe he just needed to work harder. Still, the usual strategies weren’t fixing the problem, and that mystery bugged him for years. He spoke about this restlessness that shadowed him through work and life, an itch he couldn’t quite scratch.

“I always had this sense that something was missing, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it,” said Philip.

Discovering Dyslexia Later in Life

It might seem strange to first discover dyslexia in adulthood, yet it happens more often than you’d think. Philip was climbing the ladder in his career, building businesses and forging new opportunities. By all accounts, he was doing well. But while everyone saw him as an achiever, he was exhausted from the pressure of silently coping with reading and writing tasks.

Friends eventually nudged him to look deeper. That suggestion led to an assessment, and sure enough, dyslexia came up. At first, there was some disbelief—how had he missed this for so long? But once it sank in, it was like finally finding the missing piece in a jigsaw puzzle.

Overcoming Common Misconceptions

For many, dyslexia still carries a few hard-to-shake myths. Some people think dyslexia just means jumbled letters or difficulty reading. Philip’s story highlights that it’s much more complex, affecting everything from memory to planning and sometimes even speech.

• Even successful adults can be dyslexic—there’s no fixed “look” or pattern.
• Dyslexia can hide under compensating skills like strong verbal expression or creativity.
• Diagnosis doesn’t limit your potential—it explains how your brain handles information.

Philip found that once he understood himself better, it was easier to navigate challenges. He could ask for help where he needed it and lean on his strengths without feeling inadequate.

Practical Shifts That Helped

After learning about his dyslexia, Philip made small tweaks in his daily life that had a big impact on his productivity and peace of mind. One notable shift was using technology to minimise reading strain. For example, he used text-to-speech apps and dictation tools to speed up tasks he once found draining.

1. Using voice recording to capture thoughts and ideas on the go.
2. Simplifying tasks by breaking them into smaller steps.
3. Seeking out mentors or friends who understood dyslexia (or at least were willing to learn).

He also chose to be open about his dyslexia with trusted colleagues. That vulnerability felt risky at first. But it helped create understanding, and he even noticed others opening up about their own challenges. With better dialogue came better collaboration.

Reflecting on the Journey

The reality is that dyslexia doesn’t just disappear when you become aware of it. The challenges remain, but the stress of not knowing what’s wrong often dissipates. Philip explained that this shift in perspective was crucial in helping him reclaim the energy he once spent on worrying or doubting himself.

He underscored the importance of self-acceptance along the way. Nobody wants to feel broken or behind, so it helps to remember dyslexia has both advantages and drawbacks—just like everything else in life. Philip’s story shows that it’s a unique way of thinking that can be harnessed in creative and fulfilling ways.

Key Takeaways

• Feeling “off” for a long time doesn’t make you any less capable; sometimes you just need the right label or explanation.
• Tech tools and small strategiess can prevent burnout and frustration.
• Open conversations about dyslexia can shift workplace culture and spark more empathy.
• Self-awareness is your best friend on this journey.

Want to hear the full story straight from Philip? The podcast player is at the top of this page—join us for a relatable and inspiring conversation that reminds us there’s always more beneath the surface. If you’ve ever suspected something was missing, or you know someone who might benefit from a fresh perspective, take a moment to listen in. You never know, it might spark a few lightbulbs of your own.