Episode Description:

On today’s podcast, Andrew meets the custodian of Belvoir Castle - Emma, the Duchess of Rutland. For 30 years, Emma has revolutionised and grown the commercial side of one of Britain’s most historic Castles into a bustling and thriving business. Emma also has her own podcast, Duchess, and recently spoken about her experiences growing up with dyslexia.

In this episode, the Duchess takes us back to her childhood growing up on a farm, and why those formative years steeled her for a life of custodianship. Andrew and the Duchess also discuss why dyslexia strengthens you against failure and how neurodiversity can make you a visionary.

Top Quotes:

“Two little words that matter are ‘hard work’. That’s the DNA in my veins and I really believe it came from dyslexia, an inability to do something, and a desire not to fail.” - Duchess of Rutland

“From dyslexia, failures used to come thick and fast but now as an adult I think when I fail I’m more used to it than other people. I just see failures as good because you’re learning.” - Andrew Kitley

About the host:

The Invisible Gift is hosted by entrepreneur and dyslexic, Andrew Kitley. With twenty years experience, Andrew Kitley has worked his way up the metaphorical and literal ladder to become Managing Director of Kitall: an engineering firm.

Under Andrew's guidance, Kitall is now one of the most sought after names to complete complex engineering projects in the UK. In each episode of The Invisible Gift, Andrew seeks the advice and inspiration of a fellow trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning the challenge of dyslexia into a gift.

About the guest:

Emma Rutland, The Duchess of Rutland, did not always stride the halls of stately homes. Born Emma Watkins, the Duchess grew up the daughter of a Quaker farmer, in the Welsh marsh countryside. She trained as an opera singer in the Guildhall School of Music, and worked as a successful interior designer before meeting her future husband David Manners, the 11th Duke of Rutland, at a dinner party. Their marriage in 1992 would transform Emma Watkins into the 11th Duchess of Rutland and the custodian of Belvoir Castle. The Duchess has authored a number of books and, in 2020, started a no.1 show on the Apple Podcast chart - Duchess

Resources:

http://theinvisiblegift.com/

https://www.kitall.co.uk/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/duchess/id1551120994