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Edward's Dyslexia Story: Turning Challenges into Strengths
Edward’s journey with dyslexia began early in his life when he faced challenges in reading, writing, and spelling. These struggles were often accompanied by feelings of frustration and self-doubt.
“My first memories of school were being escorted out of the classroom. Not because I’d done anything wrong. I was just slow in picking up on the things. So, whilst my friends were learning about volcanoes, I was taken to a small, dilapidated hut outside the main school to practice my spellings.”
Luckily for Edward, his mum was not going to let the system abandon him to bottom sets. All the way through his schooling, Edward’s parents fought to keep him in sets that would allow him to get the grades he deserved. They also invested in specialist dyslexia tutoring to help him develop the strategies he’d need to navigate a school system designed for only one type of thinker.
Thanks to a combination of Edward’s tenacious spirit, dedication and his mum’s constant support, Edward didn’t only graduate sixth form, he also went on to study a degree in business at Hertfordshire University, and to complete a Masters at Oxford University (more on this later!).
“The trouble is if you’re in the lower two sets you can’t get the grades that get you to a 6th form college. And then you can’t get the grades that get you to university. And then you don’t get a degree and you’re already starting to be limited in your career. I was 12 years old and before I’d even tried, the system was working against me.”
Edward’s dad was also dyslexic and acted as a beacon of hope and inspiration to Edward growing up. An entrepreneur turned successful businessman, Edward’s father offered him proof that dyslexic brains could be a huge catalyst for creativity and innovation. And so, following in his father’s footsteps, Edward set his sights on business and investment.
Edward’s first job was at Rolls-Royce in Bristol, but realising big blue chip companies weren’t for him, after a year he joined a startup as employee number one and then around 15 years ago joined Octopus Investments initially to help with fundraising. It was an important foot in the door until, after a couple of false starts, he secured a role working with an early-stage investment team.
“I learn through asking questions, debating what I’m being told, coming back with new ideas and teaching back. To remember it I need to understand it at a level I could teach it rather than just to regurgitate what’s on the page.”
And yet despite all that he’d overcome, Edward still hadn’t really embraced his dyslexia. It wasn’t until he arrived at Said Business School, Oxford University to do his MBA, that he really began to appreciate all the ways being dyslexic had and could continue to open doors for him.
While at Oxford, Edward was encouraged to look a little deeper at his dyslexia and began to grow fascinated by the science behind his learning difference. He soon came to recognise that his dyslexia helped him in other ways in the investment world. His ability to analyse complex patterns, make connections between seemingly unrelated information, and envision the bigger picture allowed him to excel.
“My brain works differently. The parts of my brain that decipher lines into words so badly are also the parts that make it innovative and focused on outcomes and solutions. The part of my brain that struggles to untangle directions can see the big picture quickly and explain it to the person next to me.”
Today, an Oxford University graduate, Edward has reached the heights of Partner at Octopus Ventures, investing in small UK companies and helping them scale up. He loves his work and has now fully embraced all the ways his dyslexia makes him better at his role, as well as being aware (though never ashamed) of the areas where he struggles.
Edward hopes his story will bring comfort and inspiration to other dyslexics old and young, inspiring them to open their arms to all the incredible assets dyslexia can bring.
Follow Edward on LinkedIn to keep up with his journey as a dyslexia advocate and be inspired by his dyslexic thinking! You can also read more about Edward’s journey with dyslexia on the British Dyslexia Association.
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