Changemakers and Activism

For decades, Dyslexic Thinking has been responsible for some of our greatest inventions, brands, art and even icons. From the iPhone to Virgin. DreamWorks to Muhammad Ali.

Yet, this kind of thinking has rarely been taught, measured or treasured by traditional education systems or workplaces. But now, as we enter the 5^th Industrial Revolution – a world powered by human intelligence AND machines – the demand for this creative, innovative and adaptable thinking has never been greater.

In this course, you’ll find out why Dyslexic Thinking is now recognised as a valuable set of skills.

   Welcome to DyslexicU, the University of Dyslexic Thinking

Timing: 5 minutes

Watch this video, in which Kate Griggs welcomes you to DyslexicU, the University of Dyslexic Thinking, a new school of thought where you can learn the intelligence the world needs now.

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KATE GRIGGS

Welcome to DyslexicU, the University of Dyslexic Thinking, a new school of thought where you can learn the intelligence the world needs now.

For decades, Dyslexic Thinking has been responsible for some of our greatest inventions, brands, art and even icons. From the iPhone to Virgin, DreamWorks to Muhammad Ali. Yet this kind of thinking has rarely been taught, measured or treasured by traditional education systems or workplaces.

But now as we enter the 5th Industrial Revolution, a world powered by human intelligence and machines, the demand for this creative, innovative and adaptable thinking has never been greater. Just as previous industrial revolutions, fuelled by steam power or electricity or computers and digital connectivity, transformed our world, modern day artificial intelligence is revolutionising the type of thinking that is critical for success today.

Because AI has learned to aggregate and recall knowledge faster and better than humans, making the skills that AI cannot easily replicate like problem solving, innovation, lateral thinking and interpersonal skills, the most sought-after skills in every job, in every sector worldwide. And these skills are inherent to one particular group of people... dyslexics.

Now is the time for dyslexics to learn more about their Dyslexic Thinking skills and to shout about them. And it’s time for non-dyslexics to learn more about Dyslexic Thinking skills and develop them. Because these are the skills needed to thrive in this new AI-powered world. DyslexicU is here to help everyone to do just that.

In this course, I explain Dyslexic Thinking and the vital role it plays in creating powerful changemakers. During the course, I'm joined by powerful changemakers who explain why their Dyslexic Thinking is so valuable and how it's turbocharged their careers. Alongside the film content you will find lots of links to useful resources to help you to further your learning and discovery about changemaking.

This course on changemaking is proudly supported by Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group, which unites people and entrepreneurial ideas to create opportunities for a better world. As the founder of the global charity, Made By Dyslexia, I'm a proud changemaker myself. The charity's mission is to teach the world the brilliance of Dyslexic Thinking and to empower it in every home, every workplace and every school. In just five short years, our work with Richard Branson and Virgin saw Dyslexic Thinking added as a skill on LinkedIn and as a noun in the dictionary. And saw millions of teachers and workplaces trained to understand and empower Dyslexic Thinking worldwide.

My own Dyslexic Thinking has helped me to connect the dots and see the big picture. And I've used my Dyslexic Thinking skills of imagining and communicating to imagine new solutions and campaign for change. Along the way, I've met some incredible dyslexic thinkers who've changed the world we live in and you'll hear from some of them in this course. You'll learn what motivates dyslexic changemakers and how they've used their different way of thinking to solve seemingly unsolvable problems.

Let me start by introducing possibly the greatest dyslexic changemaker of all time, and certainly someone who inspired me to create change, Muhammad Ali. He said 'Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.' An amazing insight into how that sense of service drives many of us to create the change we do.

Before we jump in, let's find out exactly what Dyslexic Thinking is, then I'll share with you how many of the world's most successful changemakers use it to impact the world in the most powerful ways.

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If you complete all the elements of this course's learning (content and knowledge check), a digital badge will be sent to you via the email address you used to enrol on the course (usually within 36 hours).

You can add the badge to your LinkedIn profile as well as sharing it on other social media accounts.

Let's move on to learn more about what Dyslexic Thinking is.

Dyslexic brains process information differently. Our neural pathways are different from someone who is not dyslexic meaning… we literally think differently. This gives us a pattern of valuable strengths, which are called Dyslexic Thinking skills.

This course will help you to understand what Dyslexic Thinking is and why it’s now seen as the world’s most sought-after skill.

   What exactly is Dyslexic Thinking?

Timing: 2 minutes

In this video, Kate describes how dyslexic brains process information differently.

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KATE GRIGGS

So what exactly is Dyslexic Thinking? Dyslexic brains process information differently. Our neural pathways are different from someone who is not dyslexic, meaning we literally think differently. This gives us a pattern of valuable strengths, which are called Dyslexic Thinking skills. The dictionary definition of Dyslexic Thinking is: 'An approach to problem-solving, assessing information, and learning, often used by people with dyslexia, that involves pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, latering thinking, and interpersonal skills.'

In 2022, LinkedIn, the world's largest career platform, added Dyslexic Thinking as an official skill, recognising that this type of thinking was becoming vital in the changing world of work. The 2024 Intelligence 5.0 report found that as a result of AI, the type of intelligence the world needs has changed. Creativity, communication, adaptability, complex problem solving are the skills that research tells us are vital to every job in every sector, across the world. They are the skills all humans need to thrive alongside AI and they are all Dyslexic Thinking skills.

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Next, we'll explore the 6 Dyslexic Thinking skills.

There are 6 Dyslexic Thinking skills. Most dyslexics are a combination of a few of these, rarely all!

   Dyslexic Thinking skills

Timing: 3 minutes

Watch this video, in which Kate describes each of these skills.

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KATE GRIGGS

There are 6 Dyslexic Thinking skills and most dyslexics are a combination of these, rarely all. Let me talk you through them.

The first Dyslexic Thinking skill is Visualising. Interacting with space, senses, physical ideas and new concepts. Dyslexic Thinkers who are good at visualising may be able to visualise complex user journeys, or see project plans come together in their mind. We may excel at product development, visualising how parts fit together and can see challenges from multiple angles, or see and sense business opportunities and how they come together.

Second, we have Imagining. Creating an original piece of work or giving ideas a new spin. Dyslexic thinkers who excel at imagining drive innovation. We see what could be, not what is. We come up with new ideas and approaches that no one else has thought of because we see the world differently, and this helps drive business forward.

Next, we have Communicating. Crafting and conveying clear and engaging messages. These kinds of dyslexic thinkers are great at simplifying concepts, building narratives, or selling a vision that helps to galvanise the rest of the organisation to make it happen. We are great at taking lengthy, complex information and simplifying it into short, easy to understand formats.

Next, Reasoning. Understanding patterns, evaluating possibilities and making decisions. Reasoners make connections across complex issues, subjects and data which others don't see. We use our intuition, think around problems connecting the dots of insight. Brilliant big-picture thinkers, we cut through the noise, rise above a problem or situation to get a helicopter, big-picture view, rather than getting stuck in the detail.

Another Dyslexic Thinking skill is Connecting. Understanding self, connecting, empathising and influencing others. Dyslexic thinkers excel in empathising, negotiating and expressing themselves orally. We are also highly self-aware with high levels of emotional intelligence. These skills help make us great leaders who can build, support and empower teams, people and organisations.

The sixth and final Dyslexic Thinking skill is Exploring. Being curious and exploring ideas in a constant and energetic way. Dyslexic thinkers have endless curiosity for finding out new things, learning new skills and finding different ways to do things. We don't like the status quo. We have boundless energy and passion for digging into things and exploring subjects so the most is learned, and inspiring others to do this too.

Now you have a big-picture understanding of Dyslexic Thinking, let’s do a deeper dive into why it makes great entrepreneurs.

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Here is a summary of the 6 skills you learnt about in the video.

Now you have a big-picture understanding of Dyslexic Thinking, let’s do a deeper dive into why it makes powerful changemakers.

This course introduces you to some of the world’s most powerful changemakers, from John F. Kennedy to Muhammad Ali, Erin Brockovich to Eleanor Roosevelt.

It finds that while everyone has the ability to create change, dyslexics tap into the skills they are hardwired with to approach changemaking differently. It notes that change starts with one person who's brave enough to stick their hand up and say, 'You know what, this isn't right. I'm going to do something'.

   What makes dyslexics such powerful changemakers?

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KATE GRIGGS

What do all of these people have in common? John F Kennedy. Muhammad Ali. Erin Brockovich or Eleanor Roosevelt. They were all dyslexic, and each one used their Dyslexic Thinking to transform the world we live in. But what makes dyslexics such powerful changemakers? Apple Founder, Steve Jobs, said, 'The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do.' There's a lot of truth in that.

But change starts with one person who's brave enough to stick their head up and say, 'You know what? This isn't right, I’m going to do something'. While everyone has the ability to create change, dyslexics tap into the skills they are hardwired with to approach changemaking differently. And those are skills I'll share in this course.

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Let's move on to explore the 5 reasons why dyslexics make powerful changemakers.

This short course sets out the 5 reasons why dyslexics make powerful changemakers.

Setting out the big picture – before the course dives in and explores them, one by one.

   Reasons why dyslexics make powerful changemakers

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Watch this video which explains the 5 reasons why dyslexics make powerful changemakers.

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KATE GRIGGS

Here are the five reasons dyslexics make powerful changemakers.

1. We think big.

2. We challenge the status quo.

3. We solve problems innovatively.

4. We communicate boldly and build our tribe.

5. We are masters at overcoming adversity.

I'll take you through them one by one so you too can learn to create change, whether that's locally, nationally or globally, on an issue that drives you.

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Next, we'll learn more about each of the 5 reasons why dyslexics make powerful changemakers.

Dyslexics are driven by a desire to make the world a better and fairer place. This makes us bold campaigners with big ambitions. We are fierce champions of social mobility and justice.

Our Dyslexic Thinking skill of reasoning allows us to see past the detail and gain a strategic big-picture view of a situation or problem.

   Thinking big

Timing: 10 minutes

Watch this video, in which Kate talks with Jean Oelwang, Mayor Eric Adams, Lonnie Ali and Tom Vernon about the first reason why dyslexics make powerful changemakers.

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KATE GRIGGS

The first reason why dyslexics make powerful changemakers is we think big. The Dyslexic Thinking skills of Reasoning, Imagining and Visualising.

Dyslexics are driven by a desire to make the world better and fairer. This makes us bold campaigners with big ambitions. We are fierce champions of social mobility and social justice. Our Dyslexic Thinking skill of reasoning allows us to see past the detail and gain a strategic, big-picture view of a problem or situation. It's a fact that's rooted in neuroscience as MRI brain scanning shows.

Research carried out by Doctor Manuel Casanova on dyslexic and non-dyslexic brains found that dyslexic brains have a bias to long distance connections, having a longer distance between the axons and minicolumns in the brain which leads to big-picture processing skills. This allows dyslexics to make connections across complex issues, subjects and data, which others often don't see. When it comes to changemakers, this allows us to connect the dots and gain a big-picture understanding of the problem.

It's this skill that allowed dyslexic climate scientist, Wallace Broecker, to be the first scientist to discover that the Earth's warming was being caused by human emissions of carbon dioxide. It was Wallace Broecker who created the term 'global warming' back in the 1970s. Fellow climate scientist, Richard Alley, from Penn State University said 'Wally was unique... he was voracious in learning what others knew and brilliant in putting their most important results together into a bigger picture. Then, he would test the bigger picture, wherever it led.'

This ability to link insights and see the big picture is what helps us to see a problem or situation differently. Then we use our imagination and visualising skills to think big and imagine how things could be. Once we've understood the problem and thought big to imagine the solution, we move fast to make change happen.

Globally renowned dyslexic changemaker, Jean Oelwang, helped found Virgin Unite along with Richard Branson in 2003, with a mission never to accept the unacceptable and to unite business, governments, NGOs to solve the world's most urgent problems. Let's hear from Jean now on how she and Richard used Dyslexic Thinking skills to think big and drive change at speed.

JEAN OELWANG

For me, it's all about creation and it's all about how do we come up with innovative ideas and how do we be audacious and think big, and really focus on never thinking that anything is impossible? And that's really been the mentality that Richard has had since the start of Virgin Unite. And I have learned a ton from him in how you never, ever, ever let anyone stop you from doing something that's going to drive significant impact in the world. And I used to have a philosophy of 'urgent patience' and now I've come to a philosophy of 'radical impatience' because we're running out of time in the world right now.

And one of the things I love about Dyslexic Thinking is that I believe one of the reasons why we're in such a mess in the world is because we've had only linear thinking, and we haven't started to shift and think about how do you approach a problem in a different way. And that's where Dyslexic Thinking is so beautiful, because it approaches problems like no one else is doing right now.

And that's what we need in the world, is a different set of thinking because it's almost as if someone has smacked a big red reset button and now the world knows that our systems need to change, but they're not doing it at the pace that we need to. So Dyslexic Thinkers coming in can help speed up the pace.

KATE GRIGGS

And do you ever get intimidated by the size of the things that you're trying to tackle?

JEAN OELWANG

I'm humbled by the incredible people that I get to work with, and the amazing things that they've delivered and achieved in their life. But I don't become intimidated by the size because I feel right now in the world, we need big thinking, we need big ideas, we need audacious ideas. So for me getting intimidated would slow me down and instead what we do is we gather people together that can help us get on that journey. And then it's less intimidating when you're not doing it solo but you're actually doing it with others to get to that point. And then it becomes a lot easier and a lot less stressful along the way.

KATE GRIGGS

Jean is right. Seeing things differently, thinking big and imagining audacious ideas and solutions is what the world needs. And it's what dyslexic thinkers excel at. And once we have the solution in our sights, we use our passion to tackle the problem at speed. Just like the Mayor of New York City did. Mayor Adams came to power with a promise to get stuff done. He promised to train all teachers to spot and empower Dyslexic Thinking in every classroom in New York using our training. Three months later it was done.

Do you think that your Dyslexic Thinking helps you in your work as Mayor?

MAYOR ERIC ADAMS

Without a doubt. I would not be Mayor if I was not dyslexic. It's fascinating whenever I run into successful people who own their own business, or doing something in some tech, they'll pull me over and say, 'Hey, I'm dyslexic'. There are so many successful people who are there. But think about this for a moment, let’s look at the other side of it. 40% of the inmates at our jail, Rikers Island, are dyslexic and I was on the pathway to join that rank. I felt, why was I going to school? I was tired of being humiliated. I started participating.

We used to have illegal numbers in this city and I was one of the top illegal number runners in the city. I just found that I needed to find another way to survive. Imagine if we were doing what we're doing now with dyslexia screening and phonics for all of our children, we would not be filling our jails. The goal is not to only close buildings that house people who break the law, the goal is to close the pipeline that filled those buildings and dyslexia is one of the pipelines we need to close (applause).

KATE GRIGGS

Getting to the crux of the problem by seeing the big picture is a powerful way of understanding the change that needs to happen. And once you have the solution moving at speed to solve it is an unstoppable route to creating change. But as well as seeing the bigger picture there's one other valuable tool that dyslexic changemakers use to help them think big and drive change. And that's the Dyslexic Thinking skill of Visualisation.

One of the world's greatest changemakers of all time used this skill to best effect. The three times World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and humanitarian force for good, Muhammad Ali. Let's hear from his wife, Lonnie Ali, on how Muhammad used his Dyslexic Thinking to imagine the change he wanted to create.

LONNIE ALI

Muhammad, not only was he determined, he could visualise in his mind, in his brain, what he was going to accomplish and probably what he looked like. His ambition was always to become the Light Heavyweight Champion. He even drew out on paper, probably when he should have been paying attention in class, the jacket he was going to wear, he was going to design and wear once he became that champion. And he could see it in his mind.

I think he saw the grandeur, the glory and the accolades and what it would be like to be that person, to be the Light Heavyweight Champion of the world, and then first to win the Olympics and to be an Olympic Champion. But yes, that was that perseverance, that grit, that determination that propelled him and laid the foundation of everything he achieved in life.

KATE GRIGGS

Visualising the change you want to create is a Dyslexic Thinking skill shared by many dyslexic changemakers, including the Founder of the remarkable global football academy, Right to Dream. Former Manchester United talent scout, Tom Vernon, started Right to Dream in Ghana to address what he saw as clear problems in the football talent system.

And what started as an under 12s football team in the suburbs of Ghana's capital city has become a global training academy that’s as much about creating social impact as it is about finding the football stars of tomorrow's Premier League and World Cup. Let’s hear from Tom on how his skills of thinking big helped him realise his dream.

TOM VERNON

I think I always thought really, really big and that, in many ways, was quite ridiculous because this was a under 12 football team in a suburb of Accra. And I just saw so much potential in the kids and in the idea. And I would invite people and we were training on a dust pitch, and I couldn't even afford a full set of kits, and no one else saw it to be remarkable. But I saw it to be this totally remarkable thing with so much potential.

KATE GRIGGS

Here are three key takeaways from this section. Dyslexics think big, they're not afraid to try and tackle big systemic problems. They use their big-picture thinking skills to get to the crux of the problem and visualise innovative solutions. They act with urgency, passion, determination to make change happen quickly.

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Next, we'll look at the second reason.

Dyslexics feel injustice deeply. We are not content to accept how the world is. Instead, we imagine how it could be. And we become fearless campaigners who positively disrupt the status quo.

   We are not content to accept how the world is

Timing: 10 minutes

Watch this video, in which Kate discuss the second reason why dyslexics make powerful changemakers with Erin Brockovich, Lonnie Ali and Princess Sarah Zeid.

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KATE GRIGGS

The second reason why dyslexics make powerful changemakers is we challenge the status quo. The Dyslexic Thinking skill of Exploring. Dyslexics feel injustice deeply. We are not content to accept how the world is. Instead, we imagine how it could be and we become fearless campaigners who positively disrupt the status quo.

Our Dyslexic Thinking skill of Exploring means we are good at asking the right questions that no one else is asking, like 'What if?' and 'Why not?'. We use our courage, persistence and determination to change something and right a wrong. What helps us along the way is our high levels of emotional intelligence and empathy, the sense of wanting to help people. We’re often motivated by a strong sense of social justice and equality.

Inspirational activist, Erin Brockovich, was a single mum and a file clerk secretary at an American law firm, who used her Dyslexic Thinking to take on the might of a utility company whose use of carcinogenic chemicals were poisoning residents in a nearby town of Hinkley in California. Even when she was told to drop her case, her determination to challenge the status quo and right a wrong drove her to persist and win a settlement of $333 million for more than 600 residents. It was the largest direct action lawsuit in US history.

She went on to become an environmental activist and continues to fight cases worldwide. For Erin it all started when her boss asked her to open a new file for a real estate case. But when she found blood tests and health information mixed into the file, she began to ask questions nobody else was asking that ultimately led her to uncover a health scandal. Let's hear from Erin as she explains what led her to question the status quo.

ERIN BROCKOVICH

He brought in an archive box and he said, 'Do you know how to open a new case file?', and I'm like, 'Sure do'. I hadn’t a clue, not a clue what I was doing. So I started going through the box. I wanted to know what was in it. I was curious, I didn't want to lose my job. I was going to have to bluff my way out of this one. So I started reading everything. But lucky me, all these blood tests were done in a bar graph, visual. I'm like, 'Ooh'. So I could clearly see the red line running straight off the paper and I'm like, 'Ooh, what is wrong with these people?' Then when I was looking at their name and address, male, female, their age, they were children. I'm like, 'Wow, now if these were my kids, I would want to know what the hell this means'.

So I started looking up t-cells, red cells, lymphocytes, looking at comparative numbers. And everything was leading me to disease or cancer. And I'm like, 'This is weird'. So I asked Ed if I could go out there. Nobody wanted me to go out there. Everybody thought, she's not going to use a timecard, she's going to cheat on the time, and, de, de, de, de, da. I can't believe I just did that, 'De, de, de, de, da', because that's how mad they make me.

So when I went to Hinkley, the minute I got out of my car and stood on the ground, I could feel it. It was like screaming at me. I'm looking at trees that have this, the tamarisk trees, this white, goopy, honey substance coming out of them. I'm like, that is really weird. and I'm like, 'What would be causing this?' I'm like, 'Oh my God, it's the water, it’s the water. What happened to the water?' And that's what set me off on my whole journey in the big PG&E lawsuit.

KATE GRIGGS

You were fearless. Most people would not have taken on such a massive organisation. Where do you think that comes from? Not being frightened to challenge the status quo in such a huge way.

ERIN BROCKOVICH

Because I didn't care if I was wrong. I’m okay if I'm wrong, I can accept if I'm wrong. But what if I was right? What then? This PG&E, who were you anyway? Who are any of us? This was human health and life at stake. The environment, the water, the ecosystem, the people's babies, their health, their future. I don't care who you are. I’m going to stand my ground and I will never change that. I don't know if it's called morality, I don't know if it's called principle. Sometimes I think we get off course, but if there was anything worth fighting for and you were going to beat me up over it, I was going to choose this fight. And I'll do it every time.

KATE GRIGGS

Having the courage to ask the right questions, being persistent and not taking no for an answer was key in Erin’s fight for the truth and ultimately in her ability to change the world for the people of Hinkley. Having the courage to stand by your convictions, despite huge pressure to do otherwise, was key to Muhammad Ali too when he refused to go into the Vietnam War. Let’s hear from his wife, Lonnie Ali.

LONNIE ALI

Who would have the presence of mind to do something like Muhammad did? Standing up to the government and saying, 'I'm not going'. And I should tell you that a deal had been worked out prior to his scheduled induction in Houston into the army, that if he went into the army, that he would never have to fight, like pick up a gun, but he would do exhibitions, entertain the troops. But Muhammad so much despised the idea of war and killing people, he wouldn't even accept that because he felt like he would still be promoting a war where people would be killed.

And he just couldn't be a part of that. And even though that influence, or that encouragement to accept that was coming from people who were managing him, people who were close to him, he said 'No, I'm not doing it, I’m not going. If I have to go to jail, I'll do that'.

KATE GRIGGS

Having the courage to stand up for what you believe in is the first step in creating change. And one which Muhammad Ali encouraged others to do too through his legacy at The Muhammad Ali Center in Kentucky. And for anyone interested in creating change, I would encourage you all to visit, it is really incredible.

But for many dyslexic changemakers, challenging the status quo and saying what needs to be said is about having the courage to speak truth to power, whatever the cost. To hold up a mirror to injustice and challenge what needs to be challenged. That is certainly what The Elders do, the group formed by dyslexic thinkers, Richard Branson with Jean Oelwang, to challenge the status quo and create powerful change at a global level. The founding members included Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Mary Robinson and many other global statespeople.

Let’s hear from Princess Sarah Zeid, an incredible changemaker in her own right, an advocate for maternal and newborn health around the world. Her husband, Prince Zeid, is an Elder.

PRINCESS SARAH ZEID

The original idea behind it of having individuals who have served in whatever capacity, with tremendous principle and courage and have used their voices for the people that needed it the most, or the communities or the issues that were not necessarily going to make them popular, but really needed the things that needed to be said, the issues that needed to be pushed, is magnificent.

I think one of the big problems today is that we exist in a world where nobody likes to have the mirror held up. And so for The Elders they have to have tremendous courage to be able to hold that mirror up to the world leaders of today, to the industries that are polluting and exploiting and so on, and to try to make real change happen. And there is certainly an awful lot of work for them to do.

KATE GRIGGS

An incredible group of people challenging the status quo and creating powerful global change.

Here are three key takeaways from this section. Dyslexics make powerful changemakers because we are not afraid to challenge the status quo. We use our Dyslexic Thinking skill of Exploring to ask questions no one else is asking. We are fearless campaigners who have the courage to stand up for what we believe in, even in the face of pressure.

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Next, we'll look at the third reason.

Dyslexic Thinkers process information differently. We are great at solving problems innovatively because we see the bigger picture.

   Dyslexic thinkers process information differently

Timing: 14 minutes

Watch this video, in which Kate looks at the third reason why dyslexics make powerful changemakers with HRH Princess Beatrice, Jean Oelwang, Princess Sarah Zeid, Tom Vernon and Alex Wright.

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KATE GRIGGS

The third reason why dyslexics make powerful changemakers is we solve problems innovatively. The Dyslexic Thinking skills of Reasoning and Imagining.

Dyslexic thinkers process information differently. This helps us to come up with new approaches to old problems. An advantage in any situation. Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice says 'One of the strengths we have as dyslexics is to look at things differently, to be a problem solver, find new ways to do things.'

Our Dyslexic Thinking skill of Reasoning allows us to understand patterns, evaluate possibilities and make decisions. And as I mentioned earlier this allows us to connect the dots of insight and see the big picture. Then we use our intuition and senses to think around the problem. And our imagining skills help us find the solution. Because we see problems differently, we're able to see solutions that no one else has spotted. And that's often what leads to breakthroughs in creating powerful change.

Our ability to rise above a problem or situation, to get a helicopter, big-picture view, rather than getting stuck in the details means dyslexics can often see that it's the system that needs to change, rather than just treating the symptoms. And our ability to ask the big questions and challenge the status quo means we have the tools to do this. Let's hear from Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice about how her Dyslexic Thinking is helping her in her work to reimagine the education system.

Princess Beatrice, you work for a technology company and you are also a passionate changemaker involved in some of our favourite charities, like the Helen Arkell Centre and Big Change. You've said that, 'We have to look at things differently if we're going to combat the challenges that every young person is facing today', which I couldn't agree more. I think we're at a time where we've got a lot of work to do to make our young people feel safe, valued and inspired to thrive in the 5th Industrial Revolution. Tell me, how has Dyslexic Thinking helped you to do what you do?

HRH PRINCESS BEATRICE

Thank you so much, Kate. Talking about this subject is my favourite thing because as a dyslexic who's navigating the kind of mad world we live in, I am so grateful and lucky to have a Dyslexic Thinking mindset because it definitely pushes me a little bit further to try and solve some of these challenges and try and help as much as I can. And sometimes I use my Dyslexic Thinking, I describe it like being able to think in a circle, and really try and find as many people as I can along the way in order to connect that circle up so that we can really help and support young people find what they really need. And that's sometimes working with some fantastic organisations which are focused on one subject, but in the story of Big Change we realised that actually we needed to work on the sum of all parts.

The very foundation of Big Change was to ask ourselves some very large questions. Why is education the way that it is and is it fit for purpose for what young people really need to thrive in life?

KATE GRIGGS

We’re so proud to be working with Princess Beatrice and the Big Change to help reimagine the education system. When it comes to innovative problem solving, the key skill to learn is not just to try to fix the problem but know when to change the system. It’s an approach that Virgin Unite is built on too. Let’s hear again from Jean Oelwang about how they use Dyslexic Thinking to do things differently.

JEAN OELWANG

We didn't see ourselves as a typical charity. We wanted to turn the charitable sector upside down and we didn't want to focus just on one issue. We wanted to focus on our approach, and it was an entrepreneurial approach, and thinking about how do we change systems and issues for good. So how are we not just treating the symptoms but how are we actually changing the systems? And again I think that links back to Dyslexic Thinking where you're not just band-aiding a problem and trying to save one person or two people, you're trying to change the entire system so that you can have a long term impact.

KATE GRIGGS

Organisations like Virgin Unite are built on thinking differently and nurturing innovative problem solvers. But what if the context you’re working in is more traditional in its approach?

PRINCESS SARAH ZEID

The UN and the public sector is not well suited to people that think differently. If I applied for a job at the UN, I wouldn't make it past the first round. Again, I've always had to be scrappy and unconventional and so a traditional career path was never going to be possible. But I started out as a 19 year old intern at the UN, and I figured out how to be in the right places at the right time. And it was actually my first job out of graduate school that I started to really get a sense of, that there was something very different about the way that I saw the world and how I needed to learn the world. And that sitting and reading reams of paper and statistics and data and so on, didn't make sense until I was able to go to a place.

And so very early on in this journey of mine at the UN, I was in Southern Iraq and it was eight o'clock in the morning, we got out of our cars and immediately you could feel your face begin to to sizzle in the heat. And walking into a school, over a stream of sewage, into a school and over shards of glass and so on, in just searing heat, it all became clear to me, all of the multifaceted issues that the community there was suffering, and also some of the solutions and how we were going to tackle them. The majority of maternal mortality, morbidity, newborn mortality, still births take place in humanitarian and fragile settings, and all of it is preventable.

And for me, that is a sign of a terrible, terrible injustice, and collective failure of governments, of international community, of the people who care so passionately to try and put an end to this.

KATE GRIGGS

Dyslexics are such multisensory thinkers. Princess Sarah's experience is such a good example of how dyslexic changemakers connect the dots and see the solutions straight away.

Another dyslexic changemaker who saw a problem differently and used his Dyslexic Thinking to solve it innovatively was the Founder of the global Right to Dream football academy's Tom Vernon. Let's hear from him now on how his Dyslexic Thinking helped him to innovate and create change in the football industry throughout Africa, Egypt, Denmark and now America.

TOM VERNON

You're able to analyse and see problems differently but then also see possibilities in a different way as well. And the football industry is like many industries, is so entrenched in one way of doing things. And so the bravery to say, 'Hey, what about if we did it really differently?' is not necessarily easy to come by. And then also the ideas about how could it be different are also hard to come by. And so I was very lucky when I started the academy. When I started I had the idea because I knew what the academy was like at Manchester United, and at other places, to try and replicate something like that in Ghana.

And an early mentor and my biggest role model is a man called George Weah, who's the only person ever to win the Ballon d'Or and then become president of their country. And very early on he used to come and visit Right to Dream and he asked me what I was trying to do, and I explained that I was trying to build a standard football academy in Ghana, replicating a lot of the industry norms. And he said, 'Well, you're going to fail'. And I said, 'Why?' He said, 'Because then you're not here for Ghana, you're here for yourself and you're here for an extractive, exploitative industry'. And he said, 'You need to think differently if you want to be successful here'.

And so that was the provocation to imagine differently and the inspiration for me to be the best version of myself. And so that's where we asked ourselves if we were really here for Ghana rather than myself or standard industry, what would it look like? And that's where we said, we shouldn't just go to a village or a community and scout for the best footballer. Why don't we find the most intelligent kid who's good at football who could get a scholarship to a world leading university? And can we really go to a community and only look for boys? If we're here for Ghana shouldn't we look for girls as well? Which is why we have two residential academies in Africa that I think are the only two in the world for girls. So he unlocked the floodgate of allowing me to think the way that...

KATE GRIGGS

Think differently.

TOM VERNON

Yes, that I'm capable of. And so we backed those ideas and we called an elite football academy, Right to Dream, as well. And I always remember in the early days we used to go and play some of the best tournaments in the world, and be insecure about our name because it was Real Madrid and Manchester United and Chelsea, and then, what's Right to Dream? We stuck with those ideas as well that we could tell a different story and have a different brand and then a very different approach. So I'm 100% positive that without being dyslexic we wouldn't have been able to see the problem or create a different solution.

KATE GRIGGS

The Right to Dream model has changed the game. It is a fully residential, educational, 100% scholarship football academy. It builds an individual path for every young person, giving them access to some of America's top universities. It is one of the most successful football academies in the world at producing world class players, both men and women. With over 100 professional footballers coming through their academies and 7 or 8 players playing at the World Cup.

Another dyslexic changemaker who used his Dyslexic Thinking to see things differently and solve the problem innovatively is Alex Wright, Co-Founder of the drinks brand DASH. Here, Alex explains how he is helping tackle the problem of global food waste with an innovative solution.

ALEX WRIGHT

So about 40% of fruit and veg doesn't end up in consumers plates, globally. If I was to reference that in another way, the CO2 that is emitted from food waste, if that was a land mass it would be the third largest CO2 emitting land mass after the US and China. So both in terms of the input that goes into growing this fruit and veg that doesn't end up on consumers plates is very bad, but then also the externality of the CO2 that is emitted from it is then very significant as well.

And so we wanted to try and use this fruit and veg that was rejected by the supermarkets, and when we were looking at products that we could create it into, we saw the beverage category up and down the country was just stuffed full of sugary and artificially filled ingredients. So we thought, great, why don't we buy this fruit and veg, initially from Jack's farm, and then infuse it into spring water, again from Jack's farm, to create a great tasting drink that doesn't have any of the bad stuff.

Latterly, when we were trying to understand how much it would cost to set up the facilities in order to buy the fruit and then infuse it on Jack's farm to create a canned beverage, we realised that a canning line cost about £17 million. We thought, ok, not not even the Virgin StartUp loan will be able to fund that so we’ll park that. And so we started small and just tried try to get the products out there, do lots of tests, learn. And then fast-forward six years, DASH is in 20 international markets, we've got teams in three different markets in the UK, Australia and France. This year we will sell nearly 40 million cans.

We've got big ambitions. The great thing about where we're going is that the macro issues that we're trying to solve of trying to offer consumers a truly healthy soft drink, and also to raise awareness about the issue of food waste, unfortunately those are global phenomenons, not just UK based. So it means that we've got quite a lot of work to do across our 20 different markets and we'll have more in the future.

KATE GRIGGS

Here are three key takeaways from this section. One, we don't just work to treat the symptoms, we work to change the systems that create the symptoms in the first place. Two, we take a big-picture view of a problem, see it differently which helps to create innovative solutions. And three, we gather the right people around us who share our vision to create big change.

End transcript

 

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Next, we'll look at the fourth reason.

The Dyslexic Thinking skills of communicating and connecting are the two most valuable skills for any changemaker, especially now in the new world of soft power we live in.

These skills turbocharge changemakers, creating a passionate tribe that stand alongside you to drive change or power you on.

   Creating a passionate tribe that stand alongside you

Timing: 12 minutes

Watch this video, in which Kate talks with Lonnie Ali, Erin Brockovich, Princess Beatrice and Jean Oelwang about the fourth reason why dyslexics make powerful changemakers.

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Transcript

KATE GRIGGS

The fourth reason why dyslexics make powerful changemakers is we communicate boldly and build our tribe. The Dyslexic Thinking skills of Communicating and Connecting.

Communicating and connecting are the two most valuable skills for any changemaker, especially now in the new world of soft power that we live in. These skills turbocharge changemakers, creating a passionate tribe that stand alongside you to drive change or power you on. Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest changemakers of all time, knew exactly how to use his Dyslexic Thinking skills of connecting and communicating to build powerful relationships with people and rally them around his cause. Let's hear from Lonnie now on how he used people power to change the outcome of a situation.

LONNIE ALI

He did travel and they would choose spots to bring him to people that would not ordinarily have the opportunity to see him fight. And they were in some of the poor areas of the world, in places in Indonesia, when he did the Thrilla in Manila, in Zaire. Of course he did a lot of fights in Europe, in Germany, London, but he always loved going into the surrounding cities, areas of where he was camped for a fight, like in Africa when he was in Zaire. In fact, that fight got delayed I think a month or six weeks because George got cut during training one day, during sparring practice. And so they had to delay the fight.

So that gave him more time but Muhammad, see that's what I'm saying, to him that was not an obstacle. But most athletes go, 'Oh my God, I sort of primed myself to be at my peak at this point, and now I'm gonna lose that edge' and whatever. 'I'm not going to be able to compete at my top level of performance'. He never thought like that. He thought, 'Oh, okay, this gives me more time to go out and meet the people'. So he went out and it really created a little fan base. I shouldn't say little, it was huge. He sort of melded with the people. He went out and he visited and he’d go and become one with them.

So by the time that fight came that night that whole country was yelling for him. He had won them over. I mean, it was the sheer energy of the people who surrounded that ring, that was as much a force as his boxing skills and his ability to, as you say, adapt as dyslexics can do and overcome obstacles, because George Foreman had flattened everybody who was in front of him before Muhammad. But Muhammad realised that if he went a certain distance, George had never, nobody had lasted in the ring that long with George.

But that energy that came from those people that he had taken the time to get to know, to become one with, and they felt like Muhammad belonged to them too. He was fighting for them. That gave him more, energised him more, I think, and gave him more ability to overcome an opponent, because he felt like he was not just fighting for himself. It wasn't just for this title. He was fighting for everybody around him.

KATE GRIGGS

Muhammad Ali may have been the greatest Heavyweight Boxer of all time inside the ring but he was also a heavyweight changemaker outside the ring, fighting discrimination and campaigning for black rights as well as becoming an ambassador for peace and effecting change right around the world. And in those times he wasn't just fighting for himself, he was fighting for everybody around him too and for a fairer society where everyone could be respected and valued for who they were.

Environmental activist, Erin Brockovich, is another great example of a brilliant dyslexic communicator and connector. Against the odds, she persuaded the people of Hinkley that if they got behind her they could beat the corporate giant that was trying to silence them, and went on to win a landmark lawsuit.

ERIN BROCKOVICH

So what happened for me with these people, and what I connected to, is they’re always being silenced. Nobody believed them. I did. And what we did for each other, I believed in them and they believed in me, was unbelievable. And what I learned in Hinkley was my tools and my trade and what I was operating from. I call it my four Ls. Logic, because everybody wants to think logically, and I've always been, 'What the hell is logic anyway?' It's common sense. It was my instinct. I learned that if I listened to my gut and I used those instincts, I would naturally, logically work my way through an issue.

And I learned that one plus one is not two. One plus one is a thousand or more. When I got one and I got one more and I got one more, we began to leverage ourselves in numbers. So my leverage became the people, we helped each other.

KATE GRIGGS

Communicating issues in a simple way that everyone can understand and rallying people around an issue is a Dyslexic Thinking skill used by Princess Beatrice too.

HRH PRINCESS BEATRICE

I think those skill sets for me have been the best ones, understanding what a problem is and figuring out how to communicate around it.

KATE GRIGGS

Simplify things. That's what we do.

HRH PRINCESS BEATRICE

I tend to use my skill set, which is about trying to act as a catalyst, trying to have a different conversation in trying to bring people together. And then hopefully if you can inspire ideas then they sort of go off and hopefully become something that you can be really proud of. Well, I firmly believe in collaboration. I think that to redesign the way that, and reimagine the way that education needs to deliver, it's going to take a group effort. And I look to the private sector as well as the public–private partnerships to really see that coming together.

And I think if we do that really well, especially some of the successes that we've seen with how governments can really lean in, to training teachers the best way, then I think that we can really succeed in that way. But I think it all, again, comes down to what dyslexics do best, communicate and collaborate.

KATE GRIGGS

These are great examples of brilliant dyslexics putting their communication and connecting skills to work in the real world. But how do these Dyslexic Thinking skills empower dyslexic changemakers in the age of soft power that has been created by social media? 100% social media connects the world, giving us power to build communities or tribes instantly. And that power in numbers, whether it's a tribe in your local community or global group with a global mission, they make change happen. You just need to think of #MeToo to see what can happen and fast.

But in today's oversaturated media world with messages constantly coming at us on every channel and every device, being able to create communications that cut through the noise and truly resonate with your community or tribe is absolutely vital. You need a clear, compelling narrative that creates an emotional response, one that people want to share. Bold and empowering.

One great example of Dyslexic Thinking at play here is Made By Dyslexia. The charity is run by dyslexic thinkers. Our mission is to help the world to understand the value of Dyslexic Thinking and to empower it in every home, every school, every workplace. We started out with a bold, risqué launch film, 'The Dyslexic Sperm Bank', that was unlike anything any charity had created before.

ANNOUNCER

Ladies and gentlemen, the world’s first dyslexic sperm bank, open today.

MAN

Hello. Good morning.

WOMAN

I’m just a bit intrigued actually.

KATE GRIGGS

It creatively conveyed the message that Dyslexic Thinking is a strength by featuring images of famous and brilliant dyslexics.

MAN #1

Given the choice, would you like your child to have dyslexia?

MAN #2

No.

WOMAN

I wouldn’t kill it.

KATE GRIGGS

It was a powerful piece of storytelling that was watched by 70 million people in just three days and put the charity firmly on the map. In just seven years we've built our tribe to be the biggest global community of dyslexics and their allies who stand alongside us to create change and amplify everything we do. Our creative communications, connecting with strategic partners to communicate and support our mission, has enabled us to build and support an amazing social movement, sharing our message and driving change right across the globe.

Compelling narrative that creates an emotional response, one that people want to share means everyone can be a changemaker and feel empowered to act. It's important to remember that changemakers come in all sizes. Let’s hear from Jean Oelwang again.

JEAN OELWANG

Sometimes we think purpose has to be this massively big thing, and in reality, if we can do something in our local community, in our local school, everything matters right now. We all need to do absolutely everything we can in the world that desperately needs it.

KATE GRIGGS

Jean is 100% right, it's in all our power to create the change we want to see in the world. Starting, however small, is creating change and sometimes grows into something big. Like this wonderful story.

Our young ambassador, Angus Copelin-Walters and his mum Jo have followed Made By Dyslexia since we launched in 2017 and were inspired to do something to help their local community in Australia learn about Dyslexic Thinking. So they have taken our online training into their local schools in Yarrabah which serves the largest Aboriginal community in Australia. The teachers are taking the training and Angus's mum is also working with their local businesses and Chamber of Commerce to promote our workplace training too.

Then they connected with local Aboriginal artist Nathan, who is also dyslexic. Nathan has made a traditional Aboriginal message stick about empowering Dyslexic Thinking. This has been passed across Australia and then on to the Native American community in the USA to begin our work there. By connecting to a cause that matters to them and communicating and collaborating in a bold and memorable way, Angus and his mum have made real change in their community, country and now the rest of the world. What an incredible example of Dyslexic Thinking in action.

Here are three key takeaways from this section. One, we use our communication and connecting skills to help us build compelling narratives with emotional impact that people want to share. Two, we understand the need to make bold, disruptive communications to get noticed and cut through the noise. And three, we use our connecting and communication skills to empower our tribes, inspiring and encouraging everyone to jump in and be the change they want to see.

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Next, we'll look at the fifth and final reason.

Dyslexics are resilient. We don’t see problems, we see possibilities – springboards that help us achieve what we need to do. Tenacious and driven, we think laterally to solve problems.

   Tenacious and driven, we think laterally to solve problems

Timing: 6 minutes

Watch this video, in which Kate and Erin Brockovich discuss the fifth and final reason why dyslexics make powerful changemakers.

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Transcript

KATE GRIGGS

The final reason why dyslexics make powerful changemakers is we are masters at overcoming adversity. Dyslexics are resilient. We don't see problems, we see possibilities, springboards that help us to achieve what we need to do. Tenacious and driven, we think laterally to solve problems.

Jo Malone says 'My dyslexia means I've learned how to see around walls, climb ladders and spot the potential in something that others don't.' This drives us to make the impossible possible, to find new and different ways to solve things and never take no for an answer. Erin Brockovich talks about what her mother used to call 'stick-to-itiveness'.

ERIN BROCKOVICH

So my mom helped me with the power of stick-to-itiveness. Every time I wanted to quit, or I was crying or having a fit, and I challenged her on the word. I thought it was a made up Kansas slang word. I was born and raised in Kansas. She read me the definition. ‘Noun; a propensity to follow through in a determined manner, dogged persistence born of obligation and stubbornness.' Okay, you see, ding ding ding ding. This is all you had to say to me.

‘Stubborn’ is my middle name. I'm dogged. I'm determined. I'm persistent. These are all words that I was. And so I took it as a 'Little Engine that Could'. I think I can, I think I can, I know I can, I know I can. And that really got me through life as I was constantly being challenged.

KATE GRIGGS

It's the power of this stick-to-itiveness that meant no matter how many obstacles Erin faced in her fight against the utility company, PG&E, whether that was from the corporation's lawyers telling her to back down, or her own boss when it appeared his small law firm didn't have the funds to take on the multi-million dollar utility company, or when it emerged it was too late for residents to bring the claim, she never, ever gave up. Let's hear more from Erin and her refusal to give up the fight.

ERIN BROCKOVICH

So the case almost didn't happen because Ed was having a hard time with the funding and everybody told him we wouldn't win the case because of the statute of limitations. So those big attorneys came in and the day they left, they had to go back and think about if they're really going to help Ed. And he pulled me in his law library and said, 'I don't think we can do this, kid'. And I said, 'Why not?' He told me about the statute of limitations.

And this is something that I like about dyslexia, I'm not afraid to ask you what that means. I'm not afraid to say, 'I'm not sure I understood, run that by me again'. So he explained the statute of limitations to me and that statute had run for these people. I said, 'You really disappoint me. I'd expect more from you than that'. And whenever Ed was mad at me, his ears would move back. And I could see his ears move and he goes, 'Well, what do you mean by that?' I said, 'Well, we're sitting here in your law library, how do these laws come to be? Didn't somebody make them up. Did somebody challenge them? Did somebody create them, did somebody change a law? You can't do that?' And he goes, 'You are right'.

And that's one moment where I felt like he was thinking like me. So he went and rewrote his legal papers and stated that within one year last passed the people had learned the truth, the truth about what the chemical was. And by God he got past the statute.

KATE GRIGGS

What an amazing example of how a dyslexic skill of persistence and determination to right a wrong was instrumental in overcoming huge obstacles. And how, just like Muhammed Ali earlier, the courage to stand by your convictions even when everyone around you is telling you to do otherwise, is what is instrumental in creating change. This comes from a deep conviction that you're on the right path, doing the right thing. And as a changemaker, once you have this, you won't take no for an answer.

ERIN BROCKOVICH

Listen, listen, listen, listen, listen to your gut. I know every one of us, and especially a dyslexic hears this. It's guttural. You sense it, and you don't always know why. Look, if my head, my heart and my gut aren't in sync, something's wrong. And until I get it in sync, I'm not going to drop what I have to do. Listen. I don't always know what ‘no’ means. When somebody tells you, 'No', and you're an adult and you’ve got that guttural sense, everything that we've been talking about, you can say, 'Okay', but just maybe quietly go ahead and pursue what it is you think you need to do.

I had to do that all the time with Ed. He’d come back and he go, 'I told you not to do that'. I'm like, 'Yeah, well, I don't always listen so well'. It's all about you. It's about how you see yourself, your perception of yourself, trusting yourself, listening to yourself and following through. With all of that, because when you do, I think you're just going to be shocked at what you've been able to accomplish.

KATE GRIGGS

Here are three key takeaways from this section. One, dyslexics are resilient. We don't see problems. We see possibilities and that leads to solutions. Two, we listen to our gut and have courage in our convictions. We don't get put off by naysayers. And three, we thrive on making the impossible possible and never take no for an answer. We stick to it and in our tenacity to right a wrong, change happens.

End transcript

 

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Next, we'll hear some great tips on becoming a changemaker.

We asked our circle of dyslexic changemakers to share their top tips on becoming a changemaker and using their Dyslexic Thinking skills to change the world.

   Using Dyslexic Thinking skills to change the world

Timing: 4 minutes

Watch this video to learn about the top tips from Princess Sarah Zeid, Maternal and Newborn Health Advocate; Jean Oelwang, Founding CEO Virgin Unite; Richard Branson, Founder Virgin Group.

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Transcript

KATE GRIGGS

We asked our circle of dyslexic changemakers to share their top tips on becoming a changemaker and using their Dyslexic Thinking skills to change the world. Here are some of our favourites.

PRINCESS SARAH ZEID

Don't be afraid to be different. Again, particularly in the public sector. So my experience is with the world of the UN, where the donors are all powerful because that's where the funding comes from, and organisations rely on whether or not they have money to implement their programmes or not. And so I think that organisations, as a result, have become very risk averse. And they are also extraordinarily overworked.

The crises around the world are getting larger and larger. The sheer volume of displacement, of hunger, of pain, is quite overwhelming. And so there is very little scope for people to do things differently. And then there's not much encouragement for people to be different, to think outside the box. And I think that if you're going to make change, you do have to throw caution to the wind, and you have to go big. As much as it is wonderful, yes, every individual life is important, but if you're part of a system like the UN, go big or get out.

JEAN OELWANG

And I guess my three tips, the first one would be to listen, to really listen to the people that you are actually wanting to help drive the change with, because they have the answers. The second thing is never go it alone. I think way too many people in the world feel like they have to be the sole one driving something or have to be the hero. That's how we're taught from the time we're little, is that we have to be the superhero. And in reality, no change happens just with one singular person.

So the second thing I'd say is, make sure you build a set of deep connections around you that can help you drive that change and help you be exponential in your change rather than singular. And then I would say that the third thing, actually I'm going to cheat and do four, the third thing is to make sure that you're thinking big, whether again that's in your local community. And when I say big, it doesn't mean that it has to be on a global scale, it means don't underestimate the power that you have to drive change in this world, because each one of us has some type of power to make a difference. So don't underestimate that.

And the last thing I'd say is have great joy. And, you know, Archbishop Tutu used to say that, 'Joy is a discipline'. That always sticks in my mind that the world is in such a discombobulated place right now that we each have to be responsible for bringing that joy to the table and making sure that we bring that joy.

SIR RICHARD BRANSON

Making a difference in this world. We have but one world. It’s precious. I think if we all can just play our little part in trying to make a difference, hopefully, we can make sure this world is a better world in 20 years time than it is today. And if we all do that a little bit, we can look back and say life was well lived.

End transcript

 

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Next, we'll look at all we've learnt in this short course.

Of course, everyone has the ability to create change, but what this course has shown is that dyslexics tap into the skills they are hardwired with to approach changemaking differently.

   Dyslexics tap into the skills they are hardwired with

Timing: 2 minutes

Watch this video, in which Kate summarises all the reasons why dyslexics make such powerful changemakers.

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Transcript

KATE GRIGGS

So there you have it, the 5 reasons why dyslexics make powerful changemakers. We think big and get to the crux of the problem. We challenge the status quo, becoming fearless campaigners for what is right. We solve problems innovatively and gather the right people to create change. We communicate boldly and build our tribe and lastly, we are masters at overcoming adversity using our persistence and determination to never accept no for an answer.

Of course everyone has the ability to create change but what this course has shown is that dyslexics tap into the skills they are hardwired with to approach changemaking differently. So if you are a dyslexic thinker, now is the time to tap into your Dyslexic Thinking skills to start creating the change you want to see. If you're not a dyslexic thinker, we hope you've learned more about the Dyslexic Thinking skills that can really turbocharge change, so you too can create the change on an issue that drives you, whether that's locally, nationally or globally.

It’s good to remember that changemakers come in all sizes and change starts with one person who's brave enough to stick their head up and say, 'You know what? This isn't right. I'm going to do something'. As Anita Roddick, dyslexic thinker, global changemaker and Founder of The Body Shop, said, 'If you think you're too small to make a difference, try going to bed with a mosquito.'

Thanks so much for taking this course. Please share the DyslexicU courses with your community, your friends and family. Because each ripple, however small, will lead to a sea change in how Dyslexic Thinking is understood and harnessed across the world. Be sure to check out the links and resources on the Changemaking DyslexicU course page. You'll find lots more useful information to help you on your changemaking journey.

End transcript

 

Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).

So, if you’re a dyslexic thinker, now is the time to tap into your Dyslexic Thinking skills to start creating the change you want to see.

If you’re not a dyslexic thinker, we hope you’ve learned more about the Dyslexic Thinking skills that can really turbocharge change. So you too can create change on an issue that drives you, whether that’s locally, nationally or globally.

 

Now that you’ve completed this course, you should be able to:

 

• Understand the 6 Dyslexic Thinking skills: the new intelligence the world needs.

• Explain the 5 reasons why dyslexics make powerful changemakers.

• Use these skills to create change locally, nationally or globally.

• Find links to useful resources to help you further.

Next, test your understanding of all that you've learnt in this short course by doing the knowledge check.

Now that you’ve completed the course, it’s time to try the knowledge check.

The quiz has 10 questions. It has a pass grade of 70% and provides you with feedback depending upon the mark you achieve. You can take the quiz as many times as you would like until you pass.

If you have completed all the elements of this course's learning and successfully pass the knowledge check, your digital badge will be sent to you via the email address you used to enrol on the course (usually within 36 hours). You can then add the badge to your LinkedIn profile as well as sharing it on other social media accounts.

Inspired by everything you’ve learned? Ready to use Dyslexic Thinking to turbocharge your changemaking journey? Here are further resources to help you on your way:

• Listen to interviews with inspiring changemakers in our Lessons In Dyslexic Thinking podcasts: Lonnie Ali, Jean Oelwang, Princess Beatrice and many more.
• Connect with our Dyslexic Thinking changemaker community on LinkedIn (COMING SOON).
• Learn more about Dyslexic Thinking in This Is Dyslexia, written by Dyslexic Thinking expert, Kate Griggs.
• Read more about how to create deep connections in Partnering, by dyslexic changemaker, Jean Oelwang (Founding CEO of Virgin Unite).
• Find out more about Made By Dyslexia, the brilliance of Dyslexic Thinking and access more free resources.

All done?

If you have completed all the elements of this course's learning and successfully passed the knowledge check, your digital badge will be sent to you via the email address you used to enrol on the course (usually within 36 hours). You can then add the badge to your LinkedIn profile as well as sharing it on other social media accounts.

Acknowledgements

531003: Image: Course banner: © Made By Dyslexia. All videos © Made By Dyslexia.