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In this powerful episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, host Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Brad Beach, Director of Strategy, Quality and Learning at TAFE Gippsland, to explore dyslexia and neurodivergence in vocational education. Brad shares his personal journey as a dyslexic student—from struggling in remedial reading classes to accidentally getting into Melbourne University and eventually leading educational innovation. His story highlights the transformative power of educator belief, referencing John Hattie's research showing that an educator's belief in a student is the strongest predictor of success. The conversation tackles critical topics including: The challenges and opportunities of the "neurodivergent" label Why universal design alone isn't enough—students need individualized support Educational trauma and its lasting impact on dyslexic individuals TAFE Gippsland's groundbreaking program for students experiencing intersectional disadvantage, achieving 90-100% retention rates The importance of wraparound services and trauma-informed teaching approaches Moving beyond the "superpower" narrative to focus on practical strategies and strengths Brad offers invaluable advice for educators: ask students what they need, provide information in multiple formats, leverage technology, and above all—believe in your students' potential. A must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone interested in creating truly inclusive learning environments. 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 Hobo CEO. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support: · LifeLine on 13 11 14 · BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

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 Achievements Raffy’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 show If you found any of this content distressing, seek support: · LifeLine on 13 11 14 · BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636 TAGS: inclusive business practices, automotive industry, gender diversity, sustainability, business coaching, small business, neurodiversity, workplace inclusivity, female empowerment, waste minimization, down syndrome advocacy, entrepreneurial success, workplace culture

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 Summary In 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 – Introduction 01:20 – Finding Out About Dyslexia 04:46 – Family and Dyslexia 08:16 – Journey into Entrepreneurship 12:21 – Choosing to Disclose 18:04 – Embracing Empathy and Scanning Environments 22:39 – ‘Dyslexia Superpower’ 26:06 – The Value of Cognitive Diversity 30:30 – Turning Around a University Department 36:39 – Public Reaction to Disclosure 42:39 – Closing Thoughts on Disclosure and Diversity 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 show If you found any of this content distressing, seek support: · LifeLine on 13 11 14 · BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636 Episode Summary In 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 – Introduction 01:20 – Finding Out About Dyslexia 04:46 – Family and Dyslexia 08:16 – Journey into Entrepreneurship 12:21 – Choosing to Disclose 18:04 – Embracing Empathy and Scanning Environments 22:39 – ‘Dyslexia Superpower’ 26:06 – The Value of Cognitive Diversity 30:30 – Turning Around a University Department 36:39 – Public Reaction to Disclosure 42:39 – Closing Thoughts on Disclosure and Diversity 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 show If you found any of this content distressing, seek support: · LifeLine on 13 11 14 · BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

n 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 [email protected] and help us continue to share stories of young people and adults with dyslexia and other neurodivergences!

In this fun podcast Dr Shae Wissell speaks with Dr Helen Ross about living with dyslexia and undiagnosed ADHD. Helen is a dyslexia expert and Special Educational Needs specialist with experience in independent and public education sectors, as well as at local and national levels. As a former teacher/SENDCo with over 10 years of experience, I now work as a freelance consultant, researcher, and board member. Helen offers a unique perspective as she is dyslexic herself, emphasising the importance of creating positive educational environments. She has spoken at various conferences and panels, including the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dyslexia, and have been published in numerous peer-reviewed and guest publications. Helen serves as a Trustee for the British Dyslexia Association, Chair of the Wilshire Dyslexia Association, and Founder of Helen's Place - providing support, tuition, and research for families and teachers of children with Dyslexia and SEN. Im 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.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Dana Neiger, Author/CHRO/Co-Founder at HIVE Talent Acquisition Firm Dana's recruiting experience covers a wide range of industries such as accounting and finance, construction, engineering, light industrial and warehousing, sales and marketing, with a specialty in legal recruiting. Her human resources consulting background includes, training, payroll, sponsorship, HRIS, networking, social media and branding. Dana is a graduate of the private women's college, Agnes Scott, located in Decatur, Georgia. She returns to campus multiple times a year to support their Summit program by volunteering for HR panels, LinkedIn seminars, interview preparation and other human resources related needs. Outside of work, Dana enjoys spending time outdoors at sporting and live music events with her loving husband Dustin, their son Deagan and dogs, Gustav, Toni Bark and Donnie Barko. This episode may contain sensitive discussions if you find any of this content distressing, seek support: Life Line on 13 11 14 BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636 This podcast has been proud and sponsored by a neurodivergent mixed family who love our podcasts. If you would like to sponsor a podcast contact [email protected] and help us continue to share stories of young people and adults with dyslexia and other neurodivergences! Im 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 sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. 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 the Dear Dyslexic podcast series.

This episode may contain sensitive discussions if you find any of this content distressing, seek support: Life Line on 13 11 14 BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636 Im 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 sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. 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 the Dear Dyslexic podcast series.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Ph.D. colleague and peer Bill Goh. Together they discuss a number of topics from accessing a diagnosis, educational trauma, advocacy and PhD life. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as Shae and Bill enjoy spending time unpacking life as Dyslexic PhD candidates. A bit about Bill. Trying to get an education with dyslexia resulted in me failing grade two and dropping out of school in grade twelve. I have very few fond memories of school. Yet, decades later I’m currently a Ph.D. student in marine biology. Also, I’m the first at my university, the second in South Australia, and one of a handful in our country to attain an assistant employed to help with my individual dyslexic deficit needs at the postgraduate level. I had to fight for this accommodation to help me learn computer coding. This fight took its toll on my research and me due to many personal to institutionalized roadblocks. Nonetheless, I’m still committed to achieving my goals. My university’s disability support services said I’m the most severely dyslexic person to attempt a PhD they have seen. Yet, I know there are more like me. I hope one day I and others will not be a novelty, and all will feel safe and secure at university. Links to share: https://twitter.com/billysgoh https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/william.goh

Welcome to episode 58 with Nicci Richman. Nicci is a neurodivergent Organisational Development professional, supporting businesses to embrace inclusive design that optimises performance, productivity and belonging. She is an effective Leader with a demonstrated history of working in a range of sectors, I bring strengths in building purposeful cultures, training and development, removing complexity, and streamlining processes. Nicci's career has its foundations in social research, working on employee engagement surveys for multinational organisations. This insight led to my strong interest in listening to those at every level of the organisation when designing People systems and strategies. Nicci has worked within the Professional Services, Education, Tech, Allied Health, Manufacturing and Community Service sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology and Political Science), and accredited certificates in Narrative Coaching, Mindfulness, Human Resources, Training and Education, and Business. She is also an accredited REACH Facilitator, DiSC Facilitator and a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI).

In this episode, Shae speaks with Mark Long from I AM LEX. Mark created a brand new communication tailored for the 21st century by rebranding the dyslexic identity to reflect the modern age ~ I AM LEX. Dyslexia is riddled with old paradigms, misunderstandings, false narratives, and a harmful stigma. It is about time to showcase the extraordinary creatives and exceptional problem solvers with something that connects them all for neurodiversity.

In this episode, Shae speaks with the wonderful Pennie Aston. Founder and CEO of GroOops Dyslexia Aware Counselling.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Sally Close on dyslexia and neurodiversity in the workplace. Introducing Sally Close – Business Improvement Consultant. Sally Close left her corporate career armed with 20+ years of leadership experience to apply her business improvement prowess to her own consultancy - helping clients with organisational development and cultural change.

In this episode, Shae speaks with fellow dyslexic Professor Stephen Macdonald.   Stephen is a Professor of Social Science at the University of Sunderland. Stephen is currently the research lead for the School of Social Sciences and Head of the Centre for Applied Social Sciences (CASS). He is also the Chair of the Vulnerability and Criminal Justice Research Network (DIS-CRIM). Stephen teaches undergraduates and postgraduates in criminology, sociology. Social work and social care. He has published broadly in the areas of neurodiversity and social exclusion, including issues concerning diagnosis, educational disengagement, digital inclusion, crime, victimisation, loneliness/isolation, and homelessness.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Professor Amanda Kirby MBBS MRCGP PhD. As the founder and CEO of Do-IT Solutions, Professor Amanda Kirby is very unusual and has the unique experience of straddling health, education, and the workplace. Amanda’s skill lies in her being a collaborator and a knowledge translator. This allows her to traverse disciplines and bring interdisciplinary working together.

Welcome to the first of our episode Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series for 2021!! In episode 41, Shae speaks with Rocking Dan the Music Man. We have had a lot of different guests on our show who advocate and work in the education space but we have never had a guest who is a dyslexic advocate, primary school teacher and a YouTube singing sensation! With over 12,000 subscribers and over 250 music videos Rocking Dan the Teaching Man has been a hit with children and schools all over Australia.  Dan first joined Shae on our Question Dys Facebook live to talk about his Faces of Dyslexia self-portrait. We had such a great conversation we thought we would continue it through this podcast. Shae hope's you enjoy this conversation as much as she did.