Dear Dyslexic Podcast

Shae Wissell
Dear Dyslexic Podcast

Welcome to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series. These podcasts share stories of the lived experiences of people who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, as well as those who care for, live and or work with us. Shae Wissell the creator of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series states "I wanted to use podcasts as the medium to share unique stories of everyday Australians who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, to shine a light on the success and the challenges of life with dyslexia. Without the reading barrier, we can all listen and learn." You can listen to a variety of guest speakers from authors, to actors, entrepreneurs and every day dyslexic people not just surviving but thriving!

  1. 01/12/2024

    Driving Inclusivity: Transforming the Automotive Industry and Beyond with Raffy Sgroi

    Get ready for an eye-opening episode of the Dear Dyslexic! This week, we dive into the world of inclusive business practices and the remarkable journey of a powerhouse in the automotive industry.In this episode of the Dear Dyslexic podcast, host Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Raffy, a dynamic leader in the automotive industry and a passionate advocate for inclusive business practices. Raffy has been a trailblazer in her field for over 20 years, running a successful auto mechanic business with her husband. She is also the founder of Sage Advice, a business coaching service aimed at helping other companies to implement inclusive and diverse workplaces.Guest Background and AchievementsRaffy’s journey began in Milan, Italy, but she has called Australia home for the past 24 years. Her background in the automotive industry, combined with her personal experiences, has driven her to create a business environment that is not only profitable but also purposeful. Raffy is also a full-time carer for her brother-in-law with Down syndrome, further fueling her passion for inclusivity in the workplace. Under her leadership, her business has become a model for sustainability and gender diversity, boasting several female apprentices and a strong focus on waste minimisation.Topics of Discussion• Inclusive Business Practices: Raffy shares her insights on creating an inclusive environment within a traditionally male-dominated industry.• Sustainability: Learn about Raffy’s efforts in waste minimisation and creating a greener workshop.• Personal Journey: Raffy’s transition from Milan to Australia and how her heritage influences her work.• Empowering Women: The importance of female representation in the automotive industry and how Raffy is paving the way for future generations.• Sage Advice: The inception and development of her business coaching service, aimed at helping other businesses thrive through inclusivity.Tune in to hear Raffy’s inspiring story and gain valuable insights into how inclusive business practices can lead to greater success and fulfilment. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just someone interested in making a positive change, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories.A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:I’m Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Dear Dyslexic Podcast showIf you found any of this content distressing, seek support:· LifeLine on 13 11 14· BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

    40 min
  2. 30/10/2024

    Ep 70: From Hidden to Hero: Embracing Dyslexia in Entrepreneurship with Nigel Lockett

    Imagine keeping a part of yourself hidden for over 50 years – a part of you that defines not just who you are, but how you think, work, and see the world. In today’s episode, Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Nigel Lockett, the Dyslexic Professor, to unravel the profound journey of embracing dyslexia and redefining it as a strength in the world of entrepreneurship. Episode SummaryIn this insightful conversation, Nigel Lockett, Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship and seasoned mentor, delves into his journey from keeping his dyslexia a closely guarded secret to ultimately sharing it with the world. Nigel, currently an Emeritus Professor at the University of Strathclyde, shares how his life transformed once he began openly identifying as a dyslexic academic and entrepreneur. He’s known for his work mentoring startup founders through initiatives like TwinklHive and Qualitas GP Pathway to Partnership and his pivotal role as Chair of Songs, Signs & Sounds, a social enterprise start-up.Nigel’s story is one of resilience, from early experiences of feeling “thick” and “lazy” to realising his own strengths as a serial entrepreneur and advocate for neurodiversity. Together with Shae, they explore topics such as the relationship between dyslexia and entrepreneurship, the role of collaboration, and the power of cognitive diversity in building strong, innovative teams. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Introduction01:20 – Finding Out About Dyslexia04:46 – Family and Dyslexia08:16 – Journey into Entrepreneurship12:21 – Choosing to Disclose18:04 – Embracing Empathy and Scanning Environments22:39 – ‘Dyslexia Superpower’26:06 – The Value of Cognitive Diversity30:30 – Turning Around a University Department36:39 – Public Reaction to Disclosure42:39 – Closing Thoughts on Disclosure and DiversityA Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:I’m Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Dear Dyslexic Podcast showIf you found any of this content distressing, seek support:· LifeLine on 13 11 14· BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

    45 min
  3. 29/09/2024

    Ep 69: Unleashing Neurodivergent Potential

    Discover how embracing neurodiversity can unlock hidden potential and transform workplaces with Mel Webster, a leader who proudly wears her ADHD and dyslexia as badges of strength.Mel Webster is the CEO of ADHD Australia, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, and a proud individual with ADHD and dyslexia. With a background in working with individuals on the autism spectrum and a personal journey of diagnosis and parenting a neurodivergent child, Mel brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation.In this episode, Melissa and Dr. Shae explore:●     Personal journey of diagnosis and acceptance of ADHD and dyslexia●     The intersection of ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental conditions●     Challenges and strengths associated with ADHD and dyslexia in educational and professional settings●     The importance of disclosure and creating psychologically safe workplaces●     Strategies for building confidence and having courageous conversations about neurodiversity●     The role of leadership in fostering inclusive environments●     The impact of the recent Senate inquiry on ADHD and potential shifts in supporting adults with ADHD●     The need for greater understanding and support for individuals with dyslexia, especially those significantly impacted●     The power of hyperfocus and creativity as strengths in neurodivergent individualsThe conversation touches on strategies for building confidence, the role of leadership in fostering inclusivity, the impact of recent policy changes, and the need for greater understanding and support for individuals across the neurodiversity spectrum.Melissa’s Details:Find out more about Melissa here (https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/melissa-webster-ceo-of-adhd-australia/)Find out more about ADHD Australia here (https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/).  A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au (http://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/) to find out more about today's guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO Podcast as well!If you haven't done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on D‌ear Dyslexia.If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:●        LifeLine on 13 11 14●        BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

    48 min
  4. 29/08/2024

    Ep 68 From Classroom to Career

    What if the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals are more about survival than adaptation? In this episode of the Dear Dyslexia podcast, Dr. Shae Wissell dives deep into a thought-provoking discussion with Dr Neil Alexander Passe, a researcher and advocate who is reshaping our understanding of neurodivergence and its impact on daily life.Dr Neil Alexander Passe, a respected researcher in the field of dyslexia and neurodivergence, returns to the show to share his latest insights. With years of experience studying the nuances of neurodiversity, Neil has authored numerous papers and is a strong voice for the neurodivergent community. His work primarily focuses on understanding how neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with hidden disabilities, navigate the world through strategies like 'passing'—a concept that involves concealing their differences to fit into societal norms.In this episode, Dr. Neil and Dr. Shae explore:* The impact of COVID-19 on students with neurodivergence, particularly in the context of educational accommodations like the use of laptops during exams.* The concept of 'passing' versus 'masking'—how neurodivergent individuals might hide their differences to avoid stigma and the implications of this on their mental health and well-being.* The broad and often problematic use of the term 'neurodivergence,' and whether it dilutes the unique challenges faced by individuals with specific conditions like dyslexia, autism, and ADHD.* The role of coping strategies in helping neurodivergent individuals succeed in environments that are not inherently supportive of their needs.This conversation not only challenges existing narratives but also offers new perspectives on how we can better support neurodivergent individuals in various aspects of life, from education to the workplace. A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Hobo CEO podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au (http://rethinkdyslexia.com.au) to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO.If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:* LifeLine on 13 11 14* BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

    39 min
  5. 29/05/2024

    Episode 65: The Impact of Late Dyslexia Diagnosis:

    In this episode, Shae has an open discussion with Kim Percy, where they talk about life and parenthood as a late-diagnosed dyslexic.After her youngest son was diagnosed in year 2, Kim found herself relating to many of his experiences with dyslexia and felt she too may be dyslexic.Over the last 24 years, she has co-directed and been a senior designer for Designscope, an agency dedicated to branding, strategy, web and print design. Her first passion was visual art, and she has had prominent exhibitions in some of Australia’s leading awards and festivals including BOAA Biennale of Australian Art, Ballarat Foto Biennale and HeadOn Photo Festival. Over the last 20 years, she has been a sessional tutor at Federation University and RMIT University alongside a business mentor for Melbourne Innovation Centre. She is interested in developing an accessible curriculum for neurodiverse students.Kim is a music and art lover, finding joy in creative escapes. Throughout this episode, she shares insightful wisdom from her life as an artist, student, businesswoman and mother.I’m Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, brought to you by re:think dyslexia. To keep up-to-date with all our news, sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet, subscribe to your favourite podcast platform, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic Podcast series.If you would like to sponsor a podcast contact hello@rethinkdyslexia.com.au (mailto:hello@rethinkdyslexia.com.au) and help us continue to share stories of young people and adults with dyslexia and other neurodivergences!

    38 min
4.9
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series. These podcasts share stories of the lived experiences of people who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, as well as those who care for, live and or work with us. Shae Wissell the creator of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series states "I wanted to use podcasts as the medium to share unique stories of everyday Australians who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, to shine a light on the success and the challenges of life with dyslexia. Without the reading barrier, we can all listen and learn." You can listen to a variety of guest speakers from authors, to actors, entrepreneurs and every day dyslexic people not just surviving but thriving!

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