My Dyslexic Business Journey

Have you ever suspected that the way you think could be your biggest advantage in business? In this episode of the podcast (player above), I share the truth behind my 16 years of not being employed and how it all started with a simple need to chart my own path.

It’s a story about taking risks, embracing dyslexia and ADHD in the workplace, and finding success in unexpected places. If you’ve been contemplating leaving a traditional job, or simply want to hear how neurodiversity can be harnessed to build a life of independence, read on.

My First Steps into Entrepreneurship

I still remember the day I realised the traditional nine-to-five would never work for me. My mind was racing with ideas, and it felt suffocating to sit at a desk, day in and day out, crunching tasks that didn’t play to my strengths. So I made the jump—no concrete plan, just faith that my passions were worth following.

I learned quickly that you can’t follow conventional wisdom when your brain is wired differently. Did that cause mistakes? Plenty. But each misstep pointed me towards something more authentic. I settled on my first small venture, offering services I truly enjoyed, and discovered it was possible to make an income doing what came naturally.

“I never expected I'd last 16 years without a ‘real’ job, but here I am—turns out following your instincts can be a game-changer.”

The Realities of Being Your Own Boss

Being self-employed isn’t the dream every single day. It’s often a balancing act between freedom and responsibility. For me, the hardest part was realising I was in charge of everything—marketing, client relationships, finances, you name it.

I’d never done those things at a formal job, and it showed. On one hand, I had the liberty to work in my pyjamas, set flexible schedules, and follow the shiny ideas that lit me up. On the other hand, I was also the only one held accountable. It was scary but unbelievably empowering.

• Freedom can be a double-edged sword
• Stepping up means taking full ownership
• Self-doubt is part of the process

Embracing Neurodiversity as a Business Strength

I’ve always been open about having dyslexia and ADHD, but I didn’t talk much about how these traits influenced my business decisions. It turns out that struggling with focus and reading can spark tremendous creativity and resourcefulness. When something didn’t click for me, I’d find a new, better way to do it.

My brain also thrives on novelty, so I'd take on projects I enjoyed or shape them to suit my strengths. That energy showed in my work and often drew people in. I could speak passionately about what I was doing because I believed in it.

1. Test ideas quickly and adapt
2. Seek roles where your creativity is valued
3. Don’t hide your differences—shine a spotlight on them

Lessons Learned from 16 Years of Unemployment

When I look back at this journey, I’m still amazed at how much of it was trial and error. You pick things up that no teacher or job can fully prepare you for. I had to face my own insecurities, like feeling “less than” because I wasn’t fitting into a neat box. Yet here’s the thing: that box was never meant for me.

I’ve learned that my dyslexia and ADHD aren’t just labels. They show me how to think outside the norm and create workarounds that traditional minds might miss. They also require me to be honest, both with myself and with those I work with, about how I operate best. It’s not always tidy or calm, but it works—and it’s kept me going for over a decade and a half.

• Resilience comes in many forms
• Your differences can be key to your success
• No single path suits everyone

If you find yourself stuck in a job that feels like a straitjacket, or you suspect you'd thrive on a different road, consider taking a leap—even a small one can be eye-opening. Self-employment might not be for everyone, but if you’re neurodiverse, it can provide the flexibility and creative freedom you’ve always missed.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace your strengths and quirks—they might turn into your biggest assets.
• Experiment boldly, especially when the traditional route makes you restless.
• Self-employment thrives on perseverance and accountability.
• Dyslexia, ADHD, and other differences can fuel fantastic ideas.
• You don’t have to follow someone else’s script.

Ready to hear the full scoop on how I built my business story around my neurodiversity? Check out the podcast episode at the top of this page and discover the raw and real details that only come through in the spoken word.