Author: Matt

Founder of Dyslexia Life Hacks

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Episode 60 – Achieving a Doctorate, and Dyslexia in Different Cultures with Dr Martin Bloomfield

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Ever wondered how dyslexia is seen in different cultures and other countries? Do all countries assess dyslexia in the same way?

Well.. in this episode, our guest, Dr Martin Bloomfiled reveals the answer to these questions, and it’s not what you might think! 

Martin breaks the mould of what many might consider ‘dyslexic’. Like most children with dyslexia, Martin was branded ‘lazy’ and ‘class clown’ by his teachers. Now, having achieved a Doctorate in Philosophy, and being an active advocate for people with dyslexia, no one can say Martin is ‘lazy’! Martin is the person to speak to when you want to know what dyslexia across the world and in different cultures is like!

In this fascinating conversation with our host Matthew, Martin discusses a broad range of topics, from what school life was like, finding out at 30 you have dyslexia, navigating dyslexia with varying different strategies, different types of dyslexia, and what it’s like to achieve a Doctorate with dyslexia.

Being an active advocate for people with Dyslexia, Martin tells us about all of his work development resources for people with dyslexia, particularly creating a world map of all the dyslexic specialist schools on Google Earth!

This is a great episode not to be missed!

Key Topics:
  • Achieving a Doctorate
  • Finding you have dyslexia later in life 
  • Different ways other countries/cultures assess and see Dyslexia
  • Finding new strategies to navigate the challenges of dyslexia
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Episode 59 – Coaching, and Neurodiversity Policies for Businesses with Mark Woodward

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Sometimes, providing support to people with dyslexia can be indirect. 

What does this mean…?

Well, in this episode Matthew is joined by Mark Woodward from neurobox as he explains why the trend today is to support, coach and train those middle managers of organisations to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and understanding of what leading people with neurodiversity, such as dyslexia, looks like. 

When leading people with a neurodiversity, such as dyslexia, it is more than just understanding the legal requirements of an organisation, it’s about learning what support people with neurodiversity need and how to provide that support. Specifically, people with dyslexia think and work in different ways from those who are ‘neurotypical’ such as approaching problems from a novel or unique perspectives which are not obvious to others. 

Supportive leaders and managers go much further than just getting the best out of their neurodiverse team members. Leaders and managers who show understanding and willingness to learn more, make people with a neurodiversity like dyslexia feel supported, like they don’t have to hide away their challenges, and removes a lot of pressure. Furthermore, leaders and managers who remain curious remove a lot of pressure from themselves, demonstrating that you can work through challenges and seek the most out of the dyslexic strengths together.

Mark is a coach working with individuals, organisations, and managers to provide coaching and training to better support people with neurodiversities such as dyslexia. 

After a lifetime of working with neurodiversity, and more than 13 years of supporting others with neurodiversity – and disabilities – mark has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in supporting not just people but also teams, managers, and organisations. From helping design and deploy neurodiversity, disability and wider ED&I policies, through to working with individual managers and employees.

Spending time with many dyslexic people, Mark found that he also possessed many of the similar traits of dyslexia and often wonders and considers being formally diagnosed. Through the shared set of traits, Mark has found passion in working with neurodiverse people and specifically people with dyslexia which drives his commitment to supporting people. 

Visit:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markswoodward/

Website: https://neurobox.co.uk/ 

Key Topics:

  • Learning about dyslexia and other neurodiversities ,
  • Coaching,
  • Working with organisations to design ED&I policies, and 
  • Working with leaders and managers to learn about neurodiversity.
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Episode 58 – Men’s Mental Health, Dyslexia, Athletics, and the Journey to Self-Acceptance with Lee Povey

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Having coached many of the fastest athletes to ever sit on a bike, our guest today Lee Povey built a reputation of being the best track cycling coach in the world.  

Imagine finding out at 50 years old you have dyslexia! Well, that is exactly what happened to Lee 

In this episode Lee shares his amazing story of how, growing up, he always excelled in areas such as Maths and Science but struggled to articulate that into written words. 

Having always suspected that there was something underlying to this, Lee undertook tests after tests online all pointing to dyslexia.

Finally, Lee had the answer to this missing piece from his whole life and suddenly a lot of the challenges Lee had been faced with in life made sense. 

It’s no surprise that Lee found sports and athletics as an outlet from an early age and later rose to high heights in sprint cycling competing in velodromes. 

In this episode, Lee tells us how his big picture thinking and empathy enabled Lee to support fellow cyclists in their development and was always seen as the person everyone can rely upon for support. This is what ultimately led Lee into Sports Coaching and then eventually Life Coaching really leading into the strengths that came with his dyslexia.

However, this was also what led to his downfall. After suffering from a very serious velodrome accident Lee discovered that, being the dependable support for everyone else, Lee didn’t know how to ask for help for himself and how to accept help.

This accident led Lee to discover more about himself and ultimately find ways of showing when he needs more support and learning to accept help. Lee has now set-up support networks for men in similar scenarios to help one-another in talking about mental health.

Like many people with dyslexia, Lee had learnt on his own self coping strategies to navigate the challenges with dyslexia he didn’t know he had. This grit and determination that came from self-dependency meant that it brought Lee great success and also great challenges. 

Lee is the guy you call in to transform growing companies into market leaders and world-beaters!

Find Lee at

You don’t want to miss this episode!

Key Topics:

  • Find you have dyslexia later in life,
  • Finding coping strategies to navigate dyslexic challenges,
  • Cycling 
  • Learning to ask for, and accept, help.
Lee’s Bio

Having coached many of the fastest athletes to ever sit on a bike, our guest today Lee Povey built a reputation of being the best track cycling coach in the world. Athletes, teams, and coaches he has worked with have won multiple Olympic Gold medals and World Championships. Lee now brings his extensive understanding of human behavioural mechanics from 3 decades of high-performance environments to his founder clients and their teams. Elevating their performance, self-awareness, and fulfilment. Lee is the guy you call in to transform growing companies into market leaders and world-beaters!

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Episode 57 – Edward Sabbagh – From Moving Schools to Graduating a Year Early

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Welcome to the latest episode of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show! In this episode Matt engages in a discussion with Edward Sabbagh the walk through journey through Edward’s life in Brooklyn, his struggle with undiagnosed dyslexia, and turning it around to graduate college a year early.

Edward takes us through his formative years in Brooklyn. Starting off in a Jewish school without knowing about his dyslexia, he shares the immense challenges he faced, leading to a pivotal decision to transition to a special education school.

Edward shares his struggles with feelings of inadequacy, especially when compared to his seemingly more talented siblings. However, the revelation of his own unique strengths became a turning point in his life.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unparalleled challenges to students worldwide, and Edward’s college experience was no exception. Discovering the obstacles he encountered during remote learning and the sheer determination that enabled him to complete his college education a year ahead of schedule, this period also saw him successfully balancing a part-time job.

As a recent graduate, Edward now works in the management for a dental practice. 

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Episode 56 – Embracing Fitness and Overcoming Challenges with Steve Parke

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In this episode, host Matt sits down with Steve Parke, the founder of Parkecore personal training. Parkecore aims to provide support and accountability for everyone’s fitness goals, believing that accessibility is key. Join Matt and Steve as they dive into Steve’s personal journey, discussing his upbringing, experiences with teasing, and the impact of dyslexia on his life.

Steve reflects on his upbringing in Leicester as a child of parents from the Windrush generation. He bravely shares the experiences of being teased during his school days, targeted for his skin colour, weight, and dyslexia. These challenges, though difficult to bear, shaped his determination to stand up against bullies and defend his beliefs.

A pivotal moment in Steve’s life came during one transformative summer when he decided to change his body. This experience ignited a lifelong interest in training and fitness, eventually leading him to become part of the Leicester Tigers youth team. Steve also highlights how his dyslexia enhanced his understanding of the human body and anatomy, particularly when he immersed himself in a subject he deeply loved.

A pivotal moment in Steve’s life came during one transformative summer when he decided to change his body. This experience ignited a lifelong interest in training and fitness, eventually leading him to become part of the Leicester Tigers youth team. Steve also highlights how his dyslexia enhanced his understanding of the human body and anatomy, particularly when he immersed himself in a subject he deeply loved.

Drawing from his experience in sales-focused roles after his education, Steve gained valuable insights into non-verbal communication. He seamlessly transferred these skills into his personal training practice, enabling him to connect with clients on a deeper level.

Matt and Steve engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the intersection of dyslexia and fitness. Steve shares how his unique life skills, honed through personal experiences, shape his training style and empower his clients. Steve sheds light on the incorporation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) into his training sessions. Through these techniques, Steve empowers his clients to overcome mental barriers, cultivate a positive mindset, and achieve their fitness goals.

Stay tuned until the end of the episode, where Steve reveals a practical nutrition tip specifically tailored for individuals with dyslexia. Discover how simple adjustments can make a significant impact on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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Episode 55 – Jo Rees: Juggling Teaching, Motherhood, and Dyslexia Support

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Welcome to another episode of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show. In this edition, host Matt engages in a fascinating conversation with Jo Rees, founder of Another Way Round Dyslexia Support. With a 22-year career as a primary school teacher and extensive experience as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Jo now dedicates her efforts to providing support for parents and adults. Tune in as she shares her personal journey, including the revelation of her own dyslexia, and discover how she balances her roles as a mother, educator, and dyslexia advocate. Plus, keep an ear out for Jo’s unexpected viral success on TikTok, where she combines dyslexia awareness with some unexpected dance moves!

In this episode, Matt and Jo delve into various aspects of Jo’s life, offering insights and reflections along the way. They discuss Jo’s experience as a teacher while being unaware of her own dyslexia, and how she overcame challenges in planning through strategic measures. Jo candidly opens up about the impact of dyslexia on her postnatal depression and the journey of self-discovery that followed. With three children to raise, Jo talks about finding a balance between motherhood and her teaching career, and the career changes she made to accommodate her family’s needs while providing dyslexia support

Jo also shares the intricacies of her son’s journey with dyslexia, including the strategies they employed to help him stay focused and find his own path. The episode touches upon the unique challenges faced in supporting her two daughters’ education compared to her son’s experience. Furthermore, Jo discusses the establishment of her own business, Another Way Round Dyslexia Support, and the unexpected rise to fame on TikTok, where she combines educational content with a dash of entertainment.

As the episode draws to a close, stay tuned for a special segment where Jo shares additional insights and reflections, recorded after having time to ponder the questions raised during the podcast.

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Episode 54 – Empowering Dyslexic Learners with Assistive Technology feat. Richard Purcell from CareScribe

BRISTOL, UK:
Richard Purcell from Carescribe photographed in their office in Bristol on 23 November 2022
(Picture by Nick Morrish/Morrish & Co)
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Welcome to another episode of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show. In this episode, Matt sits down with Richard Purcell, the founder of CareScribe, a renowned assistive technology company based in the UK. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of CareScribe’s innovative products, Caption.ed and Talk Type, designed to empower dyslexic individuals in their studies and professional pursuits.

In this episode, Matt engages in an enlightening conversation with Richard Purcell, the founder of CareScribe. Richard shares his personal experiences as a dyslexic medical student and the journey that led him to establish CareScribe, an assistive technology company at the forefront of accessibility solutions.

Matt and Richard explore Richard’s academic pursuits as a medical student and how he harnessed his visual skills to understand complex medical concepts. They discuss the challenges he faced with medical terminology during his university years and the subsequent development of Medincle, Richard’s initial assistive technology creation in collaboration with a fellow student.

The conversation then delves into Richard’s experiences as a junior doctor and the pivotal moments that inspired him to establish CareScribe. Richard provides valuable insights into the company’s mission and the transformative impact of their products, Caption.ed and Talk Type. These AI-powered note-taking software and dictation software respectively empower dyslexic learners, enabling them to overcome challenges and excel in academic and professional settings. Matt and Richard also explore user experiences, highlighting the usability and effectiveness of CareScribe’s innovative tools. They discuss the company’s future goals and aspirations, aiming to create a more inclusive and accessible world.

About CareScribe:
CareScribe, a leading UK-based assistive technology company founded in 2020, is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. Their groundbreaking products, Caption.ed and Talk Type, level the playing field for dyslexic learners and foster independence in educational and professional environments. Endorsed by prestigious Russell Group universities and utilized by FTSE 100 companies, CareScribe’s commitment to accessibility has earned them accolades within the industry.

Tune in to this episode as Matt and Richard shed light on the remarkable advancements in assistive technology offered by CareScribe and discover how these innovations can transform the lives of dyslexic learners.

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Episode 53 – Unleashing Hidden Potential with Paul Daniels Jr.

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Welcome to Episode 53 of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show! In this episode, our host Matt engages in an enlightening conversation with Paul Daniels Jr., the founder of Peripheral Thinkers. Paul is a seasoned advisor to Fortune 500 companies and boasts an impressive track record of generating significant revenue throughout his career.

Paul shares his personal story, starting from his school days in Texas and his transition into studying business at university. Despite initially pursuing advertising, he found himself working as a design manager and eventually started his own business at the age of 25, despite having limited prior business knowledge. As his business flourished, Paul began interacting with individuals who aspired to success, prompting him to shift his focus towards corporate America, leveraging his talent for recognizing patterns. To enhance his career prospects, he took the initiative to learn engineering and programming, acquiring valuable skills along the way. Paul provides insights into his journey, from participating in a training programme to eventually serving on the boards of various companies.

At the age of 40, Paul discovered he was dyslexic and recognized the unique abilities that allowed him to excel in connecting ideas and developing innovative strategies. He shares how these talents propelled his career while acknowledging the challenges he faced. Understanding that 10% of the population possesses similar hidden skills that enable them to navigate challenges and foster innovation, Paul created a training course called Peripheral Thinkers. During the podcast, he offers a glimpse into the course, showcasing the transformative power of this type of thinking through an early example.

Join us for this insightful conversation as we delve into Paul Daniels Jr.’s inspiring journey, his strategies for success, and his dedication to empowering others through Peripheral Thinkers. Tune in to discover how you can tap into your untapped potential and revolutionise your problem-solving approach.

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