E312 | Making Dyslexia Your Entrepreneurial Superpower with Jamie Waller

Summary

The conversation explores the topic of dyslexia and its connection to entrepreneurship. Jamie Waller, The dyslexic entrepreneur and advocate, shares his insights and experiences. He discusses the challenges faced by dyslexic individuals in the education system and society, as well as the unique strengths and traits they possess. The conversation also touches on the importance of changing the narrative around dyslexia and empowering individuals with dyslexia to pursue their goals. Waller emphasises the need for support and understanding, both in education and the business world. The conversation concludes with a discussion on Waller's upcoming adventures, including a trip to space. Jamie Waller, The Dyslexic Entrepreneur, discusses his plans to take a two-year trip around the world with his children and the challenges of balancing work and family life. He shares his experience as a serial entrepreneur and investor, highlighting the importance of curiosity and being open to new ideas. Waller also talks about his struggles with sleep due to ADHD and offers tips for managing sleep challenges. He emphasises the need for kindness in business and challenges the myth that you have to be ruthless to succeed. Waller recommends the books 'Good to Great' and 'Strength to Strength' for personal and professional development.

Takeaways

• Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects individuals in various ways, but it is not a measure of intelligence.
• Dyslexic thinkers often possess unique strengths, such as explorative thinking and a strong sense of justice.
• Entrepreneurship can be a natural fit for dyslexic individuals due to their risk-taking mindset and ability to think outside the box.
• Changing the narrative around dyslexia is crucial to empower individuals and promote understanding and support.
• Supporting dyslexic individuals in education and the business world can lead to positive outcomes and opportunities for success. Balancing work and family life can be challenging, but it's important to make time for experiences and adventures with loved ones.
• Curiosity and openness to new ideas are key traits for entrepreneurs and investors.
• Managing sleep challenges, especially for individuals with ADHD, can be aided by supplements like GABA and creating a conducive sleep environment.
• Kindness is an important quality in business; success does not require ruthlessness.
• Planning for life after exit is crucial for entrepreneurs to maintain purpose and fulfilment.

Chapters

(03:25) Exploring the Connection Between Dyslexia and Entrepreneurship

(08:27) Changing the Narrative: Empowering Dyslexic Individuals

(10:28) Unique Strengths of Dyslexic Thinkers

(19:37) Supporting Dyslexic Individuals in Education and Business

(25:45) Adventures and Challenges: Dyslexia and Personal Growth

(31:26) Taking a Two-Year Trip Around the World

(35:00) The Curiosity and Openness of an Entrepreneur

(38:03) Managing Sleep Challenges with ADHD

(46:55) The Importance of Kindness in Business

(52:09) Planning for Life After Exit

About Jamie Waller

Jamie was born dyslexic, with ADHD, colour blind, poor and raised in Bethnal Green, East London. Jamie benefited from the supportive efforts of the Imps Motorcycle Display Team and the Prince’s Trust, both charities strive to improve the lives of underprivileged young people, and they remain dear to Jamie’s heart. Upon retiring from the Imps after eleven years of service at age sixteen, Jamie started his first business. Since then, he has launched and sold multiple businesses throughout the world demonstrating the limitless power of thinking differently as a dyslexic entrepreneur.

Jamie is the Founder and past Chair of the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Network, sponsor of the Imps Motorcycle Display Team and author of ‘Unsexy Business (2017)’ and ‘The Dyslexic Edge (2024)’. Jamie is an advocate for those with dyslexia and lobbies for change through his media brand, The Dyslexic Entrepreneur. When not at work, Jamie can be found completing some of the world’s most exciting adventures like sailing oceans, climbing mountains and riding motorcycles across the world.

Mentioned in this episode:

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