Dyslexia in Breif*
The Power of Thinking Differently
Over the years, I’ve come to understand that the way we approach challenges often defines us more than the challenge itself. Diagnosed with dyslexia later in life, I now see it as something of a hidden superpower—a chip on my shoulder that I’ve learned to use for good. Dyslexia wasn’t just another label slapped on me; it was a key that unlocked a fresh perspective on creativity, leadership, and life.
Seeing the World Differently
When I was younger, I couldn’t always keep up with the traditional way things were taught, and at times it made me question my capabilities. Back then, there wasn’t much understanding around it—teachers simply assumed I wasn’t trying hard enough, and I struggled with the “problem child” label.But here’s the thing: while dyslexia made some things harder, it also made me look at the world differently. I didn’t realise it at the time, but this was the beginning of my creative journey. Dyslexia forced me to think outside the box because, quite frankly, the box never made sense to me in the first place. I started to see patterns where others saw chaos, and that ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas became one of my biggest strengths. Creativity isn’t always about following a process—it’s often about breaking the process.
The “Chip” That Fuels Success
I recently read Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Around the World by Tyler Cowen & Daniel Gross, and it hit me: many of the people I admire most in sport, business, and art have had some kind of hardship or challenge in their lives. It’s like that "chip on the shoulder" creates an extra drive. For me, dyslexia is that chip.Throughout my career, I’ve always had an urge to prove something—not just to the world, but to myself. Whether I was working on a Nike campaign or trying to push boundaries with Rosie Lee, I was constantly driven by this invisible force to create something better, something smarter, something that could outlast the rest. There’s power in feeling like you have something to prove, and dyslexia gave me that edge. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, I started to recognise that it fuelled my ambition to think creatively, challenge the norm, and take risks.
Support Makes the Difference
One thing that’s been invaluable both before and after my diagnosis is the people around me. I’ve been fortunate to have supportive and patient people in my life who didn’t judge me for thinking differently, even when it was frustrating for all involved. Before I was diagnosed, these people gave me the space to be myself, even if they didn’t fully understand why I approached things the way I did. And after the diagnosis, their understanding deepened. Dyslexia gave context to my struggles and my strengths, and with that context, I was able to grow further with their support. Having those who encouraged me to embrace my differences has made all the difference in turning what could have been a limitation into one of my greatest assets.Leadership Through a Different Lens
I’ve always believed that the best leaders aren’t the ones who act like they’ve got it all figured out. They’re the ones constantly learning, evolving, and adapting. Leadership, much like creativity, isn’t about knowing all the answers; it’s about finding better questions to ask. Dyslexia taught me how to embrace that uncertainty.Instead of relying on traditional methods of learning, I’ve had to find alternative ways to absorb information. Podcasts, documentaries, and conversations have become my classroom. These nonlinear ways of learning have shaped my leadership style—I encourage others to step outside their comfort zones, to find unconventional solutions to problems, and to embrace the beauty of not having all the answers upfront. In many ways, dyslexia has helped me become more empathetic as a leader because I know what it feels like to struggle with something that others take for granted.
Creativity Born from Constraint
In the creative industries, we talk a lot about innovation and disruption. But here’s the truth: most of the groundbreaking work we admire wasn’t born from a place of ease. It was born from constraint—from someone facing a barrier and finding a way to break through it. For me, dyslexia was that barrier, but instead of being a roadblock, it became the thing that sharpened my creative instincts.Dyslexia makes you approach problems differently because the traditional route doesn’t always work. It’s a bit like playing a game of Tetris when the pieces don’t fit, but you figure out a way to make it work. I’ve found that this ability to improvise has made me more adaptable, more resourceful, and more resilient. It’s allowed me to embrace risk in ways I might not have done otherwise because I’m used to navigating uncharted territory.
Turning Weakness into Strength
Ultimately, what I’ve learned is that dyslexia isn’t a weakness—it’s a different way of experiencing the world, and that difference has become one of my greatest strengths. It’s given me the ability to think laterally, to see opportunities where others see obstacles, and to lead with empathy and creativity.If there’s one message I want to share, it’s this: whatever challenge you face—whether it’s dyslexia, another learning difference, or something else entirely—it doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, it might just be the thing that sets you apart, fuels your drive, and leads you to your greatest success. Dyslexia taught me that we don’t have to play by everyone else’s rules to win. Sometimes, the best way forward is to make your own.
Last month, we had a chat with Eartha Pond, reminiscing about our old school reports—you know, the ones that said things like “Mark lacks concentration and is often disruptive.” At the time, those comments felt like a burden. "Disruptive" wasn’t a word you wanted attached to your name. It carried this negative weight, like you were always causing problems rather than following the path laid out for you. But now? Disruptive can be a positive attribute, especially in the right setting. And looking back, it’s clear to me that dyslexia, and that so-called disruption, was a key to my creative approach and leadership style.
Conclusion: Dyslexia as a Strength
For me, dyslexia wasn’t something to "overcome"—it was something to understand and embrace. It taught me to think differently, to approach problems creatively, and to value disruption in the best possible way. What was once a negative on my school reports has become one of the driving forces behind my success.And now, with the help of AI tools, the challenges that come with dyslexia are becoming easier to navigate. These technologies are helping people like me express our ideas more clearly and understand complex information more easily, allowing us to thrive in a world that wasn’t always built for us. Dyslexia isn’t a limitation—it’s a different way of thinking. And with the right tools and mindset, it can be a powerful force for creativity, leadership, and innovation.
*i know brief is spelt wrong it’s a running thing in RL