On May 29th, I gave a TEDx Talk titled Dyslexia 2.0: The Gift of Innovation and the Entrepreneurial Mind. I truly believe dyslexics are hardwired for business ownership and innovative endeavors.
During the talk, I mentioned the momentum created by Dr. Brock Eide, Dr. Fernette Eide, Dr. Julie Logan, and Thomas West. These individuals are working hard to shift the focus from the weaknesses of dyslexia to what dyslexics can achieve.
Dr. Brock Eide and Dr. Fernette Eide are internationally-known dyslexia doctors and experts. In 2012, they launched the Dyslexic Advantage, a non-profit that focuses on the brilliance of the dyslexic brain and how it can be an advantage.
The doctors started Dyslexic Advantage after a young patient asked them to tell him what he could do instead of telling him what he could not do.
The Eides’ also wrote The Dyslexic Advantage, which discusses how to use your dyslexic brain to your advantage. I highly recommend this book, especially if your child is in high school or college.
Dr. Julie Logan is a professor at the Case School of Business in London and has conducted extensive research on the link between dyslexia and entrepreneurship. She found that 35% of the business owners surveyed in the United States and the United Kingdom were dyslexic.
From her research, she discovered that dyslexics accelerate their companies faster, have multiple businesses and are strong leaders with no fear of delegating.
Thomas West is dyslexic. He is a researcher, lecturer, consultant, and author of In the Mind’s Eye.
In his research, he found “within a study of targeted traits among highly successful individuals in business, that the most common trait is, in fact, dyslexia.”
He mentioned that from these findings “it would appear that teachers, researchers, and educational planners should find ways to balance their efforts.” To help with both reading, writing, and spelling while teaching entrepreneurial skills.
I believe it is important for entrepreneurs and inventors, especially dyslexic entrepreneurs, to reach out and encourage dyslexic students. To explain to the students how dealing with adversity in school, bouncing back from failure, and thinking outside the box are invaluable characteristics.
My TEDx talk had one purpose – to accelerate the momentum started by Dr. Julie Logan, Thomas West, Dr. Brock Eide, and Dr. Fernette Eide.
My goal is to inspire and motivate our entrepreneurial communities to reach out and support dyslexic startups and students. For example, create a Meetup group for dyslexic entrepreneurs, inventors, and business owners.
When you look back in history, many of the greatest inventions and discoveries were created by a dyslexic individual.
I think about our dyslexic brain and all of the possibilities. I also think about the students we may miss.
I think about how one of these students could hold the answer to a complex problem we face in society such as developing better systems for clean water or discovering a cure for a major disease.
We can’t wait any longer the time is now to make a difference. Think about what we can do to accelerate the momentum.