Richard Branson talks to Made By Dyslexia

Richard Branson talks to Made By Dyslexia and shares his advice on growing up dyslexic and turning it into a success.
About Made By Dyslexia:
We’re a global charity led by successful dyslexics. Our purpose is to help the world properly understand, value and support dyslexia. We believe in the game-changing power of dyslexic thinking. After all, everything from the light bulb to the iPhone was invented by dyslexic thinkers. In 2020 we launched “Connect The Spots”, a global training and advocacy programme to level the playing-field so every dyslexic child can achieve their potential.
To achieve this we have one single minded mission: to train every teacher worldwide in the next five years to spot, support and empower every dyslexic child.
Find out more about our training here: connect-the-spots.madebydysle...
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Website: madebydyslexia.org
Make a donation: bit.ly/35Bs8SN

[@katebrazier4267]

As a primary teacher today, I cannot express enough how sick it makes me feel that any child, or person, is made to believe that they are the problem or that they are stupid. Quite frankly, it is the duty and role of the teacher to help you learn by focusing on what you can do and not what you cannot. Education is improving but I feel the whole system needs one massive shake up, however it’s difficult when you have a department for education that focuses solely on children doing things one way to pass exams.

[@AdamNZ]

Hi Kate, I'm working on trying to make a change to the New Zealand education system for dyslexia. Do you think I could have a chat with you about some of these problems you see?

[@jazznotes3802]

@Leewr1976 Rogers You can use a spell checker/corrector, for instance I use a iPad and iPhone because it has one built in. It help’s me out a lot. I found we (with dyslexia) can learn to spell by using images or just memorising each word as it’s own image. Even using stories like “memory champions” do. You just have to use a different method than what’s considered conventional. I’m 42 and have only just realised (or excepted anyway) that I’m dyslexic. I was treated like crap at school by nearly all the teachers, so I can relate. Couldn’t speak properly until I was 10, (had speech therapy lesson) couldn’t spell at all (only key words) until I left school. and although my spelling has improved, my 12 year old finds some of the basic words I struggle with very amusing. Give me a problem to solve or a creative thinking task (without reading and writing involved) and I’m exceptional. We are NOT stupid, We’re exceptionally different sure, but we are equally exceptionally great. Remember that!

[@theboozebrothers68]

Thank you Kate. The system needs more of you! Education, like politics seems so totally archaic and in desperate need of an overhaul. I didn't do well at school at all and was certainly made to feel like a second (perhaps even 3rd) rate individual. Having left school, I went on to build multiple technology/software companies and only recently discovered that I too have dyslexia. Schools should be focused on preparing children for the world. If their natural inclination is academic learning, fantastic but in my experience, much of the creativity, empathy and good people skills exists outside of the super intellectual. Why don't schools teach flexibility, understanding, empathy, ego management? These skills are absolutely crucial out here in the world.

[@chriscohlmeyer4735]

Thank you Kate for seeing the bigger picture. My 1st and 2nd grade teachers were great letting me sit in back and stare out the window for visual stimulation while they talked or read and if I had completed tasks faster than the alloted time (undiagnosed ASD, ADHD (2e), and dyslexia), as words we were learning were short my dyslexia was not apparent unlike a brother who saw reversed/jumping letters. In 3rd grade I wrote a book report on Chaucer's Canterbury Tales using spellings as in the text - the teacher thought I didn't know the, they, them, there, their, they're, etc. and convinced my mother to send me to a tutor (I hated that). The tutor quickly noted that I knew those words and how and when to use them. She tried longer multi syllable words, first time I figured them out but if presented with a similar word with different ending syllables I would get it wrong as I clued on the first syllable. As I was reading above grade level (I would read anything I could get my hands on if I was not outside running around), she taught me to stop after each sentence and ask myself if it made sense - if no then re-read the sentence looking at each syllable. She also taught me about working with fractions by multiplying or dividing cookie recipes and mixing them up and baking them (she used cookies for her students if they progressed). I also decided that I hated school so started only doing enough to pass each grade... you know the standard comments on report cards and how frustrating it can be for teachers when my goal was straight C-'s. It was all because that 3rd grade teacher didn't listen to my explaination of why I spelled the words as I had in that book report.

[@hgriff14]

My high school had three types of classes, special education, classes where you get to write a page of notes to use on tests and reading outloud before watching movies of the books before tests and tests on the books with an open section of what the movie did different, and ap classes. It worked fine because it’s a rural school and most kids go to college or a trade. It never made me feel better about reading alone but it did help me realize i am good at retaining an overview of what i read.

[@jl-wc5hh]

Respect, Im undiagnosed with dyslexia but I know I have it, I was also pushed to the back of class and stuck into special education needs for maths and English s.e.n and basically left to it without proper help, I was and still am very good at working things out in a few seconds and I'm also good at most practical things, I left school without 1 exam and went into work at 15 and worked since I'm now 41 and still hiding that I can't spell and my handwriting is awful, maths I need a calculator but I get by even writing this I get help of predict text, I'm project manager for a large housing association and have had large teams working under myself for the past 12 years, dyslexia is a gift and if you suspect that you have it start to use it to your advantage from now

[@rancedavis5106]

I can resonate so much with what Richard is saying. i only found out what dyslexia was after well into adult hood and realised this is the very reason why i lived such a tormented life in school as a child, the bullying was relentlous. and looking back it was the teachers that pulled the trigger on this to happen. since they ridicules me and made an example of me every time infront of the whole class, so in turn this led to all the other students believing it was not only ok to bully me but also very cool to do so thanks to the adults that called themselves teachers, like richard i simply believed everything that was being shouted at me that i was thick and didnt belong with them. that i was a lower class and should be taunted because i probably didnt have feelings either. to say i hated school was an understatement. i gained absolutely nothing from it. as an adult i have realized that i clearly was dyslexic .academically i was no goot. looking at figures and sums on paper my mind too would go blank i simply couldnt register what things meant. as an adult i learnt things so much quicker and easier. real life is a much better school than youll ever have as a child. as an adult i also became confident because people were more open to respect and so many opportunities to learn without being made to stand in a corner with 50 other kids cat calling you. school sucked. real life after school is when your real education begins and it involves more common sense than the academic bullshit thats thrown at you as a child.

[@jensh.nielsen9917]

Awesome Richard, I wish I had someone like you to look up too when I was a kid struggling with Dyslexia

[@raidenkobe9623]

Pro tip: you can watch movies on instaflixxer. I've been using it for watching a lot of movies recently.

[@crosbymalcolm7305]

@Raiden Kobe Yea, been using instaflixxer for months myself =)

[@mountaintrouthome]

Boulder Vally Kid Identified with Dyslexia really appreciates the positivity and forthright honesty Richard Branson has, thank you. We are also advocating for change in education that would include early screening for learning differences so that kids do not have to think themselves stupid, but would rather highlight their strengths. We would like to see the correct kind of literacy instruction given to kids with some range of dyslexia in the classroom, so that they have the same experience of learning with success their peers have. And we would love to see teachers and administrators trained within in their teacher training credentials to understand how to teach to the 1 in 5 in their classroom. And a message to the Branson team: start some non-profit schools around the world especially for kids with dyslexia and see what they can do, take some kids who are not given the tools for success in their current school and put them into a supportive environment. Let's change some lives!

[@leonroberts2552]

THANK YOU ... MERCI ... DANKE Sir Richard for 'promoting DYSLEXIA as a skills and sth to be proud of. I have 2 dyslexic kids, who have amazingly creative and inquisitive spirits but have been made fell STUPID by an old fashioned education system and 'dyslexia untrained' teachers. I have sent your ONLINE Training to every teacher and principle I know and I hope you will create more online initiatives to turn the perception of Dyslexia even more, so that people will feel SAD not to be a dyslexic thinker. Maybe we can set up a DYSLEXIA network/ club, that only dyslexics can join and where dyslexic employers recruit dyslexic thinkers? And run more I'M PROUD TO BE DYSLEXIC CAMPAIGNS, create slogans and branding and make being Dyslexic almost fashionable, so all the children and adults that are always made to feel stupid or less worthy, are now the ones, their friends look up to? my daughter hides her dyslexia, even though I encourage her not to, but her self-confidence was utterly broken by a teacher when she was 7 and she is still 'recovering' from it. And even many pupils want to learn more about dyslexia, so they can help and understand their friends better. Sir Richard, we would love to INVITE you to our EUROPEAN SCHOOL in STRASBOURG, where you could address all of EUROPE and it would be fabulous of your training. was also available in French, German, Spanish and many other languages. Let's celebrate DYSLEXIA.

[@sarabellaj]

I am dyslexic. Recently my young daughter has been diagnosed as well. I've been in a constant battle with the school including intimidation and threats. ( I do not negotiate with terrorists 😂😂 I'm kidding) but watching your video I was struck by how many nervous Q's you displayed, even the thought of school made it difficult for you to speak. It's amazing to me, the amount of life long psychological damage that can be inflicted even to a person who has achieved great success. We accept it as just something " You have to do" It also leaves me wondering what happens to the kids who don't have a parent who understands that dread? Or is emotionally tied up in their own struggles to see what's happening? We live in a time of great advancement, yet the way we teach has not changed much in 100 years. I don't know to fix it. But I'm damn sure going to leave a dent. Rant over. 😂

[@AdamNZ]

I want to try fix it, Doing it as my major project this year.

[@D.D.1963]

Thank you for Speaking Out More needs to be said about it.The Level of Learning in School needs to Change and told to the Whole School on how we see and hear the Words So Everyone can see what we Go Though it is Hell.

[@SharonsCreationsandAuthor]

Thank you for sharing your personal life. It's amazing great people do have imperfections that makes them perfect in my eyes. I have learning and reading disabilities all my life (56) I still struggle but I wrote a biography... Watching this video has me seeking if I do have dyslexia? Thanks again for sharing Richard Branson

[@robertdouglas439]

Absolutely fabulous person who really thinks of others So good he feels it's so vital to share .I am so impressed with Richard .

[@discosphinx]

He’s my dream boss, if I was working for someone. Every employer should treat their employees the way he does.

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

I would like to encourage companies to look beyond exams. Watch this space! butterflylullaby.blogspot.com/2019/02/skipping-school-britains-invisible-kids.html

[@bea581]

I don't have dyslexia. I don't know what it's like to have dyslexia. I am trying to understand, however, and hope that others will too.

[@elletuppen4844]

What a brilliant success story to inspire others with this. An incredible gentleman

[@masbayolivia2556]

Am a mother to a 13yrs boy with dyslexia and its been a difficult journey. Not having much resources for a special school is my main challenge.

[@panshops6520]

That is a man I look up to. In fact the only one from all those in the media.

[@marketingycoaching]

Great testimony. Thanks Richard Branson. 😀👍

[@paolabueso]

Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@chideraonyedika4665]

Watching this gives ms hope

[@michelemoss9436]

Wonderful!. Thank you.

[@MrArsh83]

My son has been diagnosed with Dyslexia and won't believe after hearing this, But country like india has no acceptance for this type of kids. God bless all such kids, they don't deserve sympathy but need appreciation and equal opportunities.

[@akshaychandran5332]

He's so happy about his terrible past because of the success he achieved I think

[@michael3088]

I still a struggling to find what I'm good at... currently I'm a labourer and often I feel I'm failing at this also. It's my dream to live in Japan, but I can't do that without a degree.... I've never had to confidence to decide what I could do and go to university. I know my place in the world but I just do know how I can achieve what I want to in life. 😔

[@LateButGreat]

How are you doing about it, Mike?

[@liz3598]

that is how I feel even when doing my CV and there are no local groups to help with this, I completely get where you coming from... people say what are you doing about it but they don't understand the fear and shame that comes with it.

[@liz3598]

I think you know what you want in life and what you are capable of doing...you just don't have the tools and support that you need and probably when applying for jobs you know you can do that job but when you look at the requirement you doubt your self

[@Jessica-qq3ui]

Respect !

[@ShawnSlatteryphoto]

So much like me! Thank you!

[@repairaholic4858]

You a billionaire?

[@missladybug319]

Everyone is unique and diverse.. ❤

[@SuperHaptics]

Its best to focus on role models and cases that did not have the background and wealth that he had growing up. Only then we will see the massive negative effect caused on society from the degradation of such a large percentage of its human capital, as it goes through our current education system and generaly our society's performance criteria. Dyslexics are at a disadvantage throughout their lives which also leeads to a financial disadvantage. Not everyone becomes a recognised genius

[@mattymobbs5125]

Any tips on how to find our purpose even at late age as have it and believe I don't no course of me dyslexic

[@liafliaf8543]

I wonder what would you do with a Top Manager who interpreters your directions/wishes in a completely opposite direction due to dyslexia / ADHD / other cases?! Especially if it fully contradicts to what you have asked for or meant…

[@AngelAngel-nj6ef]

It's so true what he is said, no matter How hard you try the teacher always made you feel stupid, teacher could be evil if they gave me a drill wood & some screws I could of made them a castle. Give me paper & pen and I'm blank

[@chuka755]

God this is what I needed 30 years ago ……

[@melodypond367]

Lol i love the ummmms

[@m.k.s.7417]

What if "The Next (Richard)_Branson/Charles _Schwab etc.": was to be: "a dyslexic kid, from Africa/Ireland/Asia!!"?? M.K.S.

[@gc2161]

"Forgotten about."

[@n0mad283]

You have the unions demonising this man, because of where he is now they don’t focus on the HOW and the paths he has taken he deserves his money as he fucking grinding for it, not sat on his ass waiting for the gov to find them or having daddies money. Me having dyslexia this man’s the reason I have continued through good and the bad times

[@tusk242]

Thankful for Technology. I am75, FEMALE. Dyslexia was HELL for me before I started school, then in school a number of TEACHERS TOOK JOY to use certain students to use as Examples, and then the class would laugh. Then I would go home and again hear such words. 365day every year GROWING UP. I am good in art. but little good that does being FEMALE. and REALISM what was the ONLY THING REAL TO ME. Is not considered REAL ART but just being a Good Copyist in WILDLIFE ART. Sink of Dirty dishes is accepted, not wildlife. Learned what my problem was when 70. TOO poor to enter art shows, too costly for all the hidden expenses. but I continue to Paint wildlife that I seen, or sketch when days are too cold to hold a paint brush and it is snowing out. Inside I usually wear 3 layers of clothing, TOO costly to turn the heat above 45-50. Stove/Refrigerator to costly to use also. Thankfully microwave is quick. SO, NO I do NOT FEEL BLESSED. unless for being able to see. IT IS SAID "DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY IT"S COVER" but all MY LIFE PEOPLE DO, and still DO. Women I found to be the biggest Problem. and a few men, like my sons father, being a journalist, found me too STUPID to even introduce me to his Parents. and did not play much of a roll in our sons life. Thankfully my son could READ 4th grade level almost, age 4. which his father refused to believe. until he heard him read at school, when his son was six years old. But still did not think of his son was one to be proud of. So no I do not find DYSLEXIA a GIFT as some who do POD CAST with such TITLES. Todays times with so much SUGAR. Process FOOD, Fast FOOD, fried in COOKING OIL, Imitation foods, Foods full of Chemicals. Foods with Arsenic in it due to where it is originally produced, NOW THINK. going on for about 3 family generations. is starting to show more children with learning disabilities. and easy to know who most likely affected with the biggest problem, besides the continued "ENABLING". for bad behavior in schools and outside of school. and who are most likely to end up in JAIL. LOW paid workers that earn above the cut off for assistance, end up making ends meet. and can NOT AFFORD FAST FOODS. CANDY COOKIES< CAKE> CHIPS < SODA which is NOW on the SNAP acceptable FOOD LIST. LOW Paying jobs, that these people still have to find ways to pay RENT. Car payments , Medical payments dental not covered by their insurance. school supplies, school clothes. Transportation to work and back can not afford a nice holiday Meal. but like when I was a kid GRAIN Bread was POOR MANS BREAD, and Graham Crackers was POOR Mans COOKIE. MAY have KEPT ME HEALTHIER. SO now the problem is with all those on Assistance with so MUCH ENABLING, letting kids not even apply in school to PASS. NOT even have to learn much at all . and still pass. and many get jobs teach without really taking the Exam to teach, but a broken down easier test. Same as in college. and then be able to be hired as a JUDGE. and do not know the CONSTITUTION or The 2.4.5.amendments. when asked By Kennedy is an embarrassment . SHAME ON AMERICA. we are not in a Global CRISIS, but a HUMAN one.

[@hasinaazizi7269]

I can see that he is dyslexic

[@D.D.1963]

Hasina azizi How ? 🤔

[@m.k.s.7417]

Hey Mr. Branson: Please would you come with - me, to Kenya, in order, to: play sum (sorry; some) FOOTie, with myself and some Kenyan School Children, MOST of whom are also: dyslexic: 1 fine day!!?? **I will be a captain, for 1 side/team and you; for the other -(but you have got to let my side win ;P ;P-J.K.)!!**-M.K.S. -P.S. Pretty please, with lots of choc's, on top!!??

[@doyoumind.atall.stopspying5572]

I have dislexia

[@bereketbiz]

please check work of harold levinson. dyslexia is something you can treat. also learning breakthrough program is probably the only brain fitness exercise product that can treat dyslexia and other disorders. good luck. make sure to do the exercises twice each day for 3 years. good luck

[@Jaynepaige]

You are a dick. Dyslexia is not a disease.

[@shattered_compass5842]

Lol I'd far rather be me than a "normal" person such as yourself -- your brain could be easily replaced by any computer made in the last two decades. Cure my genius to be normal like you? Heck no.

[@majamajaist]

It can be improved,not cured,and not always.whoever claims that it can be cured is a cheater. By the way,I have a Master in Special Ed,so I know what I talk about: LEARNING DIFFERENCE ,not a disease

[@markg9653]

Sounds like a Hugh grant character telling a woman how he feels in a movie

[@oo-my3gs]

Don't use drugs

[@DurZ-oz3yk]

I'm sorry, Richard--I admire you as a person, but your stance on Vietnam is wildly transfigured. You are a privileged kid, just like most hippies, who came from affluent families where the parents gave you everything. Try coming from a rural area where your relatives were risking their lives as part of the military, and maybe you would see differently. Of course, you will never respect veterans because you were never forced to be part of a war yourself. The people demand an apology! Men like you need to have more respect for the "everyday man." #HippiesAreRichKids

[@dialmasteccanella8971]

What the fuck are you talking about ? What has to do with hippies he s talking about dyslexia

[@D.D.1963]

One can not say about his life when you where not there.No one can about anyone.

[@shattered_compass5842]

Ummm.... I don't demand one, nor do I see where anyone cast their ballot for you to be the people's speaker. Let's stay focused on dyslexia, the new world superpower.