Why my dyslexic thinking is a skill – not a disability

Even though I discovered I had dyslexia as an adult, growing up I knew there was something different about the way that I processed information. And as a child, unfortunately, a lot of the ways those differences manifested were negative – especially in school. Getting called on to read in front of the class was my ultimate nightmare. To get around this I’d work extra harder to learn the books like a script – something I still do today.

Growing older, I realized that there were many positives as well. I approached problem-solving differently. I excelled at communicating with people. I was more empathetic. I was creative. I was curious. And so when it came time to figure out what to do with my life, I was drawn to marketing, creative thinkers and thinking.

As much as I think we’re all frustrated creatives, working in account management provided a new set of challenges. Our job covers a number of areas but attention to detail is critical, so I had to create new coping mechanisms to make sure my work was fastidious and up to par. I was terrified of sending emails to clients with typos and developed a system for presenting that turned my slides into stories, instead of just words on a page that I had to read. And lord knows I never told anyone I was dyslexic.

It’s because of these personal experiences that the ‘Dyslexic Thinking’ campaign we’ve launched with Virgin, Made By Dyslexia, LinkedIn and Dictionary.com is so important. Dyslexia shouldn’t be considered a ‘condition’ or a ‘disorder,’ especially in the workplace. We really do need to reframe it so that people can understand the huge positives, and that’s why I think the term Dyslexic Thinking is so brilliant and why it’s so important platforms such as LinkedIn and Dictionary.com are officially recognizing it. People shouldn’t have to hide their dyslexia or be ashamed of it. They should shout about it out loud and embrace all the positives it brings them.

The way dyslexic people think is more relevant and beneficial today than ever before. As we continue to move into an increasingly technological world, we’re going to need to get used to artificial intelligence (AI) having a massive impact on the ways we work and how we live our lives. In fact, studies have shown that by the year 2025, humanity will be splitting its workload with AI 50/50. So diverse, outside-the-box thinking in the workplace will be incredibly important. Challenging the status quo will open new roles in all industries (not just advertising) and generate new revenue streams for clients.

Sometimes, the value of alternative thinking only emerges when there is a need and all other options have been exhausted. This is where the creativity of advertising often comes into its own. But it can only truly flourish when it’s talked about, accepted and celebrated.

I think we should be adding dyslexic thinkers to that list and doing everything we can to encourage all forms of diversity in the workplace – including neurological diversities such as dyslexia. So, if you have dyslexia, be sure to add ‘Dyslexic Thinking’ to your LinkedIn profile. Tell your co-workers. Be aware that someone might have checked their CV 10 times and still missed a typo.

If you are hiring, consider the nuances of neurodiversity, and look to understand new places to find the skillsets you are in need of. Let’s all work together to show the world that dyslexia is a feature, not a flaw.

Katy Wright is managing director of FCB Inferno.