128 | How to unlock the strengths that dyslexia brings to your workplace, with Kirsty Heap

Dyslexia, often misunderstood and underappreciated, holds a wealth of untapped potential for the workplace. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, we explore how to appreciate and unlock the unique strengths it can bring to our workplaces.

Host Fay Wallis is joined by Kirsty Heap, a neurodivergent specialist coach with a rich background in HR, who shares her personal journey with dyslexia and her transition to becoming a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Kirsty provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of dyslexia, its challenges, and most importantly, the remarkable advantages it offers to organizations.

Whether you're an HR professional seeking to create a more inclusive workplace, someone questioning if they might be dyslexic, or simply curious about neurodiversity, this episode provides practical strategies and eye-opening perspectives. Discover how understanding and supporting dyslexic colleagues can drive innovation, problem-solving, and creativity in your team, ultimately leading to a more successful organisation.

Key Points from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and overview

[01:48] Introducing Kirsty Heap

[03:47] What is dyslexia? A detailed explanation

[04:59] Dyslexia as a ‘magic potion’

[06:24] Kirsty shares her journey to diagnosis and early challenges

[10:57] Disclosing that she had dyslexia to her colleagues

[12:22] The strengths dyslexia brings including creativity, problem-solving and emotional intelligence

[18:05] Practical advice for anyone who thinks they might be dyslexic

[22:04] Tips for fostering an inclusive work environment for dyslexic individuals

[26:54] Kirsty’s confidence-building tip: borrow confidence from your future self

[28:46] How to contact Kirsty and learn more about her work

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Kirsty Heap on LinkedIn
• Kirsty’s website: Kirstyheap.com

Buy the Book Recommendation

(Disclosure: the book links are affiliate links which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)

The Bigger Picture Book of Amazing Dyslexics and the Jobs They Do, by Kate Power & Kathy Iwanczak Forsyth

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• HR Coffee Time podcast playlist: Create an equitable, diverse & inclusive workplace
• Episode 70: Supporting yourself, or your colleagues at work with Tourette Syndrome, with Devon Lovell
• Episode 68: Real life insights into understanding and supporting autism in the workplace, with Cybill Watkins
• Episode 59: ADHD – a personal story of the strengths, struggles & strategies that help, with Julie White

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

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