E312 | Making dyslexia your entrepreneurial superpower with Jamie Waller
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This week’s episode of MYFB dives deep into dyslexia and its link to entrepreneurship. Jamie Waller, a dyslexic entrepreneur and advocate, shares his personal insights and experiences. He discusses the difficulties dyslexic individuals face in the education system and society, highlighting the unique strengths and traits they often possess. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of changing the narrative around dyslexia to empower individuals to reach their full potential. Waller underscores the need for greater support and understanding in both education and the business world.
The conversation wraps up with a preview of Waller’s future adventures, including an upcoming trip to space. He also shares plans for a two-year global journey with his children, reflecting on the challenges of balancing work with family life. As a serial entrepreneur and investor, Waller stresses the importance of curiosity and openness to new ideas. He talks candidly about his struggles with sleep due to ADHD, offering practical tips for managing these challenges. Waller dispels the myth that success in business requires ruthlessness, advocating instead for kindness.
On today’s podcast:
- Dyslexia is a learning difference that impacts people in diverse ways but is not a reflection of intelligence.
- Dyslexic thinkers often excel in explorative thinking and possess a strong sense of justice.
- Entrepreneurship aligns well with dyslexic individuals due to their propensity for risk-taking and creative problem-solving.
- Changing the narrative around dyslexia is vital to empower individuals and foster a supportive environment.
- Supporting dyslexic individuals in education and business can unlock significant potential and create opportunities for success.
- Balancing work and family life is challenging, but it’s important to prioritize meaningful experiences and adventures with loved ones.
- Curiosity and openness are essential traits for entrepreneurs and investors.
- Managing sleep challenges—especially for those with ADHD—can be aided by supplements like GABA and a conducive sleep environment.
- Kindness in business is crucial; success doesn’t require being ruthless.
- Planning for life after exit is essential for maintaining a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Follow Jamie Waller
- Website: https://jamiewaller.co.uk/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-waller
Who is 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.
What you’ll learn from Jamie Waller
03:25 Exploring the Connection Between Dyslexia and Entrepreneurship
08:27 Changing the Narrative: Empowering Dyslexic Individuals
12:28 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