My мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½± Story - Dr Chris Bushby
Tuesday 25 April 2023
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Having been Chief Executive of two leading organisations for over 25 years, a Chair of several Boards and with three honorary doctorates, certain assumptions are made of you. But many will have no idea that some days I can find it difficult to even write my own signature.
My dyslexia journey
I was fortunate to have been diagnosed as dyslexic when I was eight or nine. At the time dyslexia wasn’t recognised and I was considered ‘backward’.
My parents recognised that there was something more complex about the way I learnt and took me for a diagnostic testing, which confirmed a dyslexia diagnosis.
At senior school I also benefited from the support of four fantastic teachers who recognised my abilities. I finished school at Debenham High as Head Prefect, House Captain and Head Librarian, which is ironic as I have hardly ever read a book!
The highs, the lows and some self discovery
Undeniably there have been barriers. As part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme I undertook a placement at a veterinary practice in Framlingham. I loved it! They thought I had promise to become a vet, but because of the academic qualifications and lack of recognition of dyslexia at that time, it wasn’t a possibility.
Instead I spent three years in the army in the Coldstream Guards, which enabled a route into university on my return. On graduation, I was privileged to be awarded the top student of the university. By this time there was a greater understanding of dyslexia.
I am a black belt, 3rd Dan in Judo. This practise and resulting achievements, competing on a national and international stage, helped my personal development and an understanding of what I am capable of.
Play to your strengths
I urge those with dyslexia and those around them to never consider it a disadvantage but to have self-belief instead.
You develop your own personal strategies to cope and play to your strengths. For example, I couldn’t write or read well, I see words as shapes, but I could think and speak. I was the only pupil at the time to have been awarded 20/20 in my oral English exam. My speech was on ferreting, and I took in my pet ferret. The external examiner had to hold him while I did my oral exam and didn’t take any notes!
мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½± in the workplace: My advice
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As a business leader, it is important to build a team around you with the skills to help you succeed. All work places today should have a culture where everyone has an awareness of learning difficulties and the challenges they may present.
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Those with learning differences should be fully supported with additional help as required. Simple changes can make a big difference, such as changing communication methods and using audio more frequently. Everyone should be given a chance and I am pleased to say this is certainly the case at Big C.
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Like a lot of dyslexics, I have a good memory, I am good at problem solving and seeing the big picture. Technology has been a game changer. I use dictation software on my phone, spell checking and find models and other visual tools, such as PowerPoint very helpful.
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The support given should never be patronising, diversity within teams is extremely beneficial to an organisation and can bring a different dimension to thinking and creativity.