Dyslexia as a Superpower: How Entrepreneurs Turn Challenges into Strengths
Entrepreneurs are over 2x more likely to have dyslexia than the general population. About 35% of US entrepreneurs have dyslexia compared to a 15% rate among the general US population. While dyslexia is certainly a vulnerability in the classroom, affected people often develop traits that make them successful founders:
- Delegation - they learned early how to surround themselves with people who helped them overcome known skill gaps.
- Communication - they develop keen oral communication skills that help them articulate a vision with clarity and persuasion.
- Team building - they prioritize personal connections and supportive environments.
- Thinking differently - they are more comfortable challenging conventional wisdom and approaching problems from a different perspective.
Less than 1% of US corporate managers had dyslexia.
Here are examples of successful entrepreneurs with dyslexia:
Richard Branson (Virgin) Charles Schwab Henry Ford Walt Disney Steve Jobs Tommy Hilfiger Ingvar Kamprad (Ikea) Paul Orfalea (Kinko’s) Daymond John (FUBU) Barbara Corcoran
This demonstrates the power of strength-based education and talent development. Imagine if school teachers had the time and resources to identify and build on students’ strengths. Kids are expected to be successful in all subjects, while adults are allowed to specialize. Maybe we should rethink that approach?
Photo Credit: Jack Bell Photography
