The strength of being dyslexic

People with dyslexia may be more likely than others to start or run their own business, both internationally and in New Zealand.

New Zealand Dyslexia Foundation Trustee Shelly McMeeken says many people may or may not be aware that they are dyslexic but have started their own businesses. .

A study in the United States found that 30% of entrepreneurs identify as dyslexic, compared to 10% of the rest of the population.

Anecdotally in New Zealand, she “absolutely” recognizes that people with dyslexia are more likely to start their own companies.

One reason is that people with dyslexia often see more efficient solutions or different ways of doing things when working for others. Others may not be able to see or understand this.

Shelley says many successful entrepreneurs have experienced this, including Sir Richard Branson, president of Virgin Group.

They are very creative and imaginative people. They can imagine new solutions, are problem solvers, and tend to be innovative. “

People with dyslexia tend to see the big picture.

We can also simplify this picture.

She cites the example of Apple’s Steve Jobs, who played a pivotal role in revolutionizing old, big, complex computers into simpler versions that everyday people could use.

“He was dyslexic and changed the world of computing.”

People with dyslexia have other strengths. High emotional intelligence, empathy, the ability to work well with others, and the ability to communicate ideas well.

Sherry says their educational experience also gives them the necessary qualities to own their own business.

“Many dyslexic people are incredibly resilient…and they are very hard working.”

Katie’s story

Dunedin fashion entrepreneur Katie Mungai says she had a good working experience but was frustrated by the mismatch between her strengths and weaknesses.

She was intellectually bored with the task, but difficulty with executive functions such as time management and reporting prevented her from moving forward.

These skills have improved over time, but dyslexia makes them even more difficult for her to master.

Katie founded and developed an innovative maternity wear service, Luni, while launching a popular maternity rental called Easy Maternity Hire.

“Starting your own business gives you the opportunity to focus on your strengths and outsource all your weaknesses,” she says.

Creative fashion designers need strategic planning and financial support.

“There are challenges: executive function, organizing your day, and not being paralyzed by anxiety.”

She overcame this with strong support, staying true to herself and maintaining a healthy, positive mindset.

Books, podcasts, and other mental health resources can help. You can also preview and plot her day with her organized workspace or physical her planner.

Early in her dyslexia journey, her uncle, who was also dyslexic, helped her a lot.

He has achieved great success in law enforcement, consulting and dispute resolution.

“What he told me was don’t start thinking you can’t do this.”

He explained that dyslexia was not a drawback, but that her brain function could be an advantage.

Katie is realistic about her dyslexia challenges, but she also acknowledges her clear vision for Luni.

“The dyslexic mind sees connections that other people cannot see and can see how problems are solved.”

This fits well into the business world.

“Entrepreneurship is about solving unsolvable problems. A dyslexic mind can do this.”

She says it’s important for neurodiverse people to find paid or volunteer jobs and hobbies that match their skills and interests.

“For many neurodiverse people, it’s a good solution that works for themselves.”

Other ways to overcome

Another Dunedin businesswoman, Charlotte Risk, was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was about 12 years old, but didn’t get any special help in school or college.

She says her dyslexia is not too severe and she is not very good at writing, but she has always loved reading.

A computer spell checker and essay advice from my high school English teacher and the University of Canterbury helped.

“It won’t be easy and you will always have the same problems.”

When writing emails, she struggles with sentence structure and this takes more time than others.

She says it’s helpful to prioritize the tasks you’re good at and set aside more difficult tasks such as writing or working with numbers.

Charlotte is the owner/operator of Tributes Funeral Supplies and Petributes New Zealand, a small family business.

Dyslexia did not affect her decision to run this business.

Charlotte Risk, owner/operator of Tribute Funeral Supplies, organizes one of the willow coffins in the fall in Dunedin. Photo: Starfish Photo | Design

She recognizes the strengths dyslexia brings, such as problem-solving, empathy, and understanding when problems arise.

“I never yell when people at the post aren’t doing what they’re supposed to!”

Supply issues are common in her industry, but don’t stress her out. Whether it’s her own or someone else’s, she says it’s important how she handles her mistakes.

Occasionally, customers complain because of spelling errors, but Charlotte found it best to tell them that she was dyslexic.

“It’s very powerful in this day and age.”

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For more information:

New Zealand Dyslexia Foundation

Diversity Works NZ About dyslexia at work

our previous story About Katie and her new thing easy maternity rental

Startup-friendly networks she’s a part of: startup dunedin and electrified accelerator