From the course: Empowering Dyslexic Thinking at Work

Richard Branson: Dyslexic thinking

From the course: Empowering Dyslexic Thinking at Work

Start my 1-month free trial

Richard Branson: Dyslexic thinking

“

(upbeat instrumental music) (upbeat instrumental music) - So today we are joined by Sir Richard Branson, a much loved entrepreneur. Richard, you left school at 16, and have gone on to build one of the world's most loved brands. The brand has disrupted industries like airlines, telecoms, and hotels. Tell me, Richard, what do you think your seven-year-old self would think about what you are doing now? - I would think he would say, "You lucky bastard," (laughs) because, yeah, I have had an extraordinary life. Lots of ups and downs, as every life is, but many more ups and downs. Without being dyslexic, I wouldn't have gone out into the world to try to create my own things that I was interested in. And I've learned, you know, I've learned so much which has been so useful to every new thing I do. And so I was blessed to have dyslexia. I mean, they didn't know I was dyslexic as a kid. They just thought I was not very good at school. But had I not been dyslexic I wouldn't have tried to concentrate on the the things that I'm good at, and be a good delegator at the things I wasn't good at. And I wouldn't have created the Virgin Empire over the years had I not been dyslexic, so. But the great thing about dyslexics is often they just exceed at the things that they're good at. And then they, yeah, delegate the things they're not so good at, and that's the way we all should be. But dyslexics have the advantage that they learn that early on. - [Interviewer] There's a lovely quote that I read of yours which is, "One of the amazing things about dyslexics is our imagination. I started dreaming from a young age and then began to put those dreams into reality. How important do you think it is in business to have that imagination?" - Oh, I think it's really important in business to, yeah, to imagine what's possible. Imagine what could be created. Imagine what other people are not creating and just say, "Let's do it and let's give it a go," and magic can come from that. Yeah, I think dyslexics are particularly good at surrounding themselves with good people because they are not necessarily good at everything. And if somebody thinks, oh, I know everything, I'm really good at everything, they're out to talk down on people. Whereas I think dyslexics are much better listeners, are much better at drawing on other people. And as a result, I think they're better leaders. Delighted to be a dyslexic thinker. And thank you dyslexia for helping me on my way.

Contents