Harnessing Dyslexia: Jamie Waller's Journey from Challenge to Triumph

In a world where traditional learning methods are often seen as the only path to success, Jamie Waller’s story is a powerful reminder that thinking differently can lead to extraordinary achievements. His journey is not just about overcoming dyslexia, it’s about embracing it and using it as a tool for success.

Understanding Dyslexia - A Different Way of Thinking

Jamie’s experience with dyslexia started like many others: struggling in school and feeling out of place. From a young age, he was labelled as “thick” or “disruptive.” Teachers and peers couldn’t understand that his brain simply worked differently. But Jamie didn’t let these labels define him.

“I spent my entire life hiding my dyslexia,” he admits, but over time, he realised that dyslexia wasn’t a weakness. It was just a different way of learning. He wants people to stop connecting dyslexia to low intelligence. As he says, “This is nothing more than people who learn differently.”

The Reality of Dyslexia

Dyslexia affects millions of people across the world, but it manifests in different ways. For some, it can feel like a burden. Yet, many people with dyslexia go on to achieve incredible things. Jamie points out that “over 40% of self-made millionaires are dyslexic,” including big names like Richard Branson and Theo Paphitis.

Dyslexia, however, isn’t all about success stories. Jamie shares a sobering statistic: “50% of UK and US prisoners have dyslexia.” This highlights the darker side of dyslexia—what happens when the system fails those who think differently. Without the right support, many people with dyslexia fall through the cracks, ending up in places they never imagined.

The Role of Family and Self-Belief in Overcoming Dyslexia

For Jamie, the key to success was confidence and the love of his family. He emphasises, “Love and confidence are all a child needs to succeed.” With the support of his mother, Jamie learned to embrace his differences instead of hiding them.

As he grew older, Jamie met others who had been called “thick” or “stupid,” yet went on to do incredible things. He recalls a conversation with Sir Richard Branson, who had also been labelled as unintelligent. These encounters strengthened Jamie’s belief that dyslexia is not a flaw but a unique gift that needs nurturing.

How Mentors Help Dyslexics Find Their Way

Jamie believes that having a role model or mentor is essential for people with dyslexia. He explains that many successful individuals he has met found their “North Star” in someone they admired. For Jamie, this person was a local businessman who always drove a convertible car. It may seem simple, but to Jamie, that car symbolised success and independence.

Finding a mentor or role model who inspires you and believes in your potential is often the difference between success and failure. Jamie’s story underscores the importance of surrounding yourself with people who encourage you to aim higher.

From Denial to Acceptance: How Jamie Embraced His Dyslexia

Despite his success, Jamie didn’t fully embrace his dyslexia until later in life. He wasn’t officially diagnosed until he was 36, long after he had sold his first business and made millions. He recalls the moment when London Business School (LBS) asked if he thought he might be dyslexic during his MBA interview. His response? “I thought they’d found me out.”

Despite the challenges, Jamie persevered. He was accepted into the programme at LBS but left after ten weeks, realising that he didn’t need an MBA to succeed. Instead, he chose to focus on what he did best—building businesses and creating opportunities.

Early Diagnosis: Changing the Dyslexia Story

Jamie is a strong advocate for early diagnosis and support for dyslexic learners. He urges parents, educators, and employers to recognise the signs of dyslexia early on. Difficulty with handwriting and a preference for verbal communication are some common signs. But most importantly, Jamie stresses the need for an encouraging and supportive environment.

In the workplace, Jamie advises leaders to embrace the strengths of dyslexic thinkers. His email signature proudly reads, “Expect small typos but big ideas. Dyslexic thinker.” By acknowledging his dyslexia, Jamie reframes what could be seen as a weakness into a strength, proving that thinking differently can lead to groundbreaking ideas.

Changing How the World Sees Dyslexia

Jamie’s journey is a powerful testament to what can happen when dyslexia is seen not as a disadvantage but as an opportunity. His advocacy work aims to change the way society views dyslexia and other learning differences. He believes the education system needs to be more inclusive, recognising that not everyone learns in the same way.

But Jamie’s message goes beyond the classroom. He wants the world to see that dyslexic thinkers bring unique strengths to the table. People with dyslexia are often more resilient, creative, and big-picture thinkers—qualities that are invaluable in business and in life.

Supporting Dyslexic Thinkers: What You Can Do

Jamie offers practical advice for parents, educators, and employers on how to best support dyslexic individuals. First and foremost, he encourages early diagnosis. The sooner someone understands how their brain works, the sooner they can learn to use their strengths to their advantage.

For educators, Jamie suggests being patient and finding creative ways to engage dyslexic students. He highlights the work of organisations like Made by Dyslexia, which provide free training for teachers to help them better support students with dyslexia.

For employers, Jamie stresses the importance of recognising and embracing the strengths of dyslexic thinkers. He believes that every organisation can benefit from having diverse thinkers who see the world in a different way.

Love and Confidence: The Tools to Overcome Dyslexia

Throughout his life, Jamie has seen firsthand the impact that confidence and love can have on someone with dyslexia. He shares stories of parents who wrote to him, describing the struggles their children face in the school system. One mother told Jamie how her 12-year-old son had attempted suicide because he felt like a burden due to his dyslexia. These heartbreaking stories are what drive Jamie to continue his advocacy work.

Jamie’s hope is that by sharing his story and the stories of others, he can inspire a new generation of dyslexic thinkers to embrace their differences and achieve their dreams. His message is clear: dyslexia is not a hindrance but a unique way of seeing the world. And with the right support, dyslexic individuals can accomplish extraordinary things.

The Dyslexic Path to Empowerment and Growth

Jamie Waller’s story is a reminder that success isn’t defined by traditional learning paths. It’s about thinking differently, embracing your strengths, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in you. Dyslexia doesn’t have to be a barrier—it can be a stepping stone to greatness. By fostering a supportive environment, we can help dyslexic thinkers unlock their full potential and lead lives of purpose, confidence, and success.

As Jamie continues his journey, his message remains powerful: dyslexia is not a limitation. It is a way of seeing the world that, when

embraced, can lead to unimagined opportunities and success.

Watch his full story in our podcast episode: