Richard Branson Talks

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn dyslexia into a source of pride rather than shame? In this new episode of the Truth About Dyslexia podcast, we talk with one of the original members of Made By Dyslexia who grew up feeling like his brain worked differently from everyone else. He didn’t always see that as a gift. But now he’s an inspiration for thousands who want to unlock their dyslexic potential.

From humorous childhood stories to hard-won insights, he explains how dyslexia shaped his path. He shares how he overcame fear of failure, found mentors to guide his journey, and learned to believe in his own voice. If you’ve ever felt uncertain about what dyslexia means for your future, you’ll love his perspective.

Childhood Struggles and Early Realisations

Growing up, our guest often felt like he was playing catch-up at school. He remembers sitting in class, wondering why everyone else grasped reading and spelling so fast when his mind insisted on messing up letters. That was the clue that something bigger was happening.

A teacher eventually recognised the signs of dyslexia. Rather than treating it as a curse, that teacher hinted that dyslexia might reveal his superpowers one day. In the moment it felt like a far-fetched idea. Later, it became the bedrock of his confidence.

Discovering Dyslexia’s Unexpected Gifts

Nobody handed him a list of dyslexic advantages, so he slowly pieced them together by trial and error. He noticed his creativity started showing up in little things, like the unique jokes he’d crack in class or the way he mapped out big ideas at home.

He experimented with playing instruments, sketching little cartoons, and writing short stories. Over time, he found that dyslexia gave him a knack for seeing problems differently. Instead of following a straight path, his brain loved to find hidden corners and shortcuts in everything he studied.

“I realised early on that I wasn’t broken. My mind just worked in technicolour, and that made me better at thinking outside the box.”

Support Systems That Fuelled Confidence

He credits his inner circle for encouraging him when he was ready to throw in the towel. A few people at school understood he had a vivid imagination that was worth nurturing, even if his spelling tests sometimes looked like code deciphering exercises.

He also discovered how mentors played a huge part in his life. A family friend took him under his wing and showed him hands-on skills that let him learn in practical ways. Through that experience, he saw how dyslexia could thrive in the real world. He began to see the value of an education that goes beyond the usual textbooks and standardised exams.

• Practical guidance: Building models or solving puzzles helped him gain confidence in his abilities.
• Selective challenges: He chose projects that sparked his curiosity, from coding small games to exploring photography.
• Personal mantras: He repeated affirmations like “Different is powerful” to stay motivated.

Building a Legacy Through Dyslexia Advocacy

As he got older, joining Made By Dyslexia felt like a natural fit. He wanted to reach people earlier in their dyslexia journeys so they’d feel less alone. That’s where he started sharing his story, hoping others would see there’s more than one way to be successful.

He used social media to highlight practical dyslexia strategies. He ran workshops on creative thinking and problem-solving. By focusing on what people with dyslexia excel at, he shredded old beliefs that called dyslexia a weakness.

Along the way he became a voice of hope. He proved that stepping outside comfort zones is possible when you lean into your strengths. If you sometimes doubt your abilities or worry about the future, his example might just spark new confidence in you. He’s living proof that dyslexia can do more than open doors—it can blow them wide open.

Key Takeaways

• Self-belief starts small but grows every time you try something new.
• Finding positive mentors shifts your perspective from fear to excitement.
• Success with dyslexia often comes from discovering unique ways to learn.
• Creative problem-solving is a real, tangible superpower you can nurture.
• Sharing your story helps others feel seen and understood.

If you want to hear more of his personal stories, practical tips, and heartfelt advice, listen to the full episode using the player at the top of this page. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas for tackling challenges and a renewed sense of what’s possible with dyslexia.