About

A dyslexic entrepreneur changing the perception of dyslexia and helping dyslexics start and run better businesses. At 44 I discovered I was dyslexic, it sent me on a path I had never dreamed of, I quit my job, Started a Business and went to University, graduating with a Master Degree in global Entrepreneurship… “Still scratching my head”. I now run two successful business with my wife and co-director Sandra Ownes. Kirks Key PointsAbsorb as much information as you can and then apply.The hardest thing to overcome was my self-confidence.You will always have transferable skills no matter what.Gain as much experience in every job or role that you’re in. Guest linksWebsite - http://www.duggystone.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/duggystonePodcast - DUGGYSTONE - podcast Top quotesI must have been bad because when I got into work, everyone thought I’d jumped off the bridge.I’d hit a glass ceiling.I was supposed to be there for 6 weeks and I ended up being there for 10 months.After 10 months in Holland, I decided that I didn’t want to go back to my site in the UK.I needed a new start otherwise, I would have remained stagnantI had two choices, stay in Holland or go back to the UK and I was 80% going to stay but I met someone.Back your bags Kirk, we need you to go and sort it.Being a troubleshooter was probably my favourite job but I didn’t like all the travel.Within 6 months I got to know everyone in the business which gave me a lot of exposure.I absorbed as much information as I couldI need a permanent contact, I don’t want to be on the road.Don’t replace both managers, I’ll do both their jobs.I ended up on a course that was run by Stamford University in CaliforniaThe only was to progress was to go into procurement or specified in cement manufacturing and I didn’t want to progress in those areas.I did a lot of report writing and this is where the problems started.I kept getting picked up on these issues and no matter what, I couldn’t get them right.I just thought I wasn’t as clever as everyone else.A lot of people my age tend to find out when they move into a role where they do report writing.When I got tested, it was a relief and I was quite emotional because it explained what I’d gone through all my life.You can do a mini test one line for free.I went to the British Dyslexia Association to be tested, its a 2 hour test and costs about £400It’s a niche market and they charge what they want and I think it’s wrong.I got told by HR that they couldn’t find anyone to write my reports. I didn’t want them to find anyone.You know what, give me the redundancy I’m going, stick your job.I was getting stabbed in the back by my colleagues because they thought they should be doing my job.I said to my wife that I don’t ever want to work again, it was that bad.One of my goals after leaving corporate was to stop people having to go through all this.I also work one on one with businesses to tap into dyslexic peopleThe hardest thing was to get over my self-confidence issuesI want to unleash people's confidenceSandra believed in me when I didn’t believe in myselfUnfortunately we only see the end result of people's success.Do something whilst you’re building something else upDon’t be disillusioned by what's around you. Key timestamps0:54 - Coming...