Discover how dyslexia can be a superpower in the world of entrepreneurship. In this eye-opening episode of the Hobo CEO podcast, we explore the surprising link between neurodiversity and business success.

Our guest, Professor Nigel Lockett, is a true hybrid - an entrepreneur turned academic with a fascinating journey. With a PhD under his belt, Nigel has become a venture professor at three leading UK universities, specializing in problem-solving. His expertise spans from running successful startups to supporting entrepreneurs and tackling complex challenges in organizations like the UK's National Health Service.

Key Topics Discussed

●     The overrepresentation of dyslexics in entrepreneurship (3-4 in 10 entrepreneurs have dyslexia)

●     How dyslexia enhances entrepreneurial mindset and capabilities

●     The journey from entrepreneur to academic and back

●     Adapting work environments to suit neurodivergent thinking styles

●     Enhanced capabilities of dyslexic entrepreneurs: problem-solving, empathy, and big-picture thinking

●     The importance of self-awareness in leveraging dyslexic traits

●     Entrepreneurship as an iterative process and the value of experience

●     The role of mentorship and strategic thinking in entrepreneurial success

●     Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur

●     The importance of neurodiversity in team dynamics and problem-solving

Key Takeaways

●     Entrepreneurial mindset is a cycle that improves with repetition and conscious effort

●     Neurodivergent groups, when collaborating effectively, can produce better outcomes in complex environments

●     Reframing entrepreneurial mindset as a growth mindset or orientation towards innovation can benefit various organizations

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Hobo CEO 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!

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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.

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More About Nigel:

Nigel is an Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland and blogs as The Dyslexic Professor. He is an entrepreneur turned academic with a career spanning being a senior academic, serial entrepreneur and community leader. Nigel retired from academia in 2022 and now mentors founders of innovative start-ups and contributes to executive education programme. In 2023, he agreed to Chair of a social enterprise start-up, Songs, Signs & Sounds, offering free, interactive, weekly music sessions for young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Nigel no longer considers his dyslexia as a disability or even a learning difference but as a learning advantage - which enables him to support organisations to the see the big picture or emerging opportunity.

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

Books: Exploring Entrepreneurship 3rd Edition (2021) https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/exploring-entrepreneurship/book274132

Book chapter: ‘Towards a dyslexia superpower: Reflections on the Year in the Life of a Dyslexic Professor of Entrepreneurship’ in Towards a dyslexia superpower: Reflections on the Year in the Life of a Dyslexic (2021) - https://www.routledge.com/Entrepreneurship-Dyslexia-and-Education-Research-Principles-and-Practice/Pavey-Alexander-Passe-Meehan/p/book/9780367542108?srsltid=AfmBOoqkTUSE1PJs4b47_FSR8vplujj2vX16pAtSrzkXAXmRn-9EaPaQ