Episode Description:

This week on the podcast, Andrew meets CEO and author - Richard Jacobs. In their conversation, Andrew asks Richard what his work in behavioural therapy entails. They also discuss how conformity by its very nature will never bring out the best in us, and Richard explains why the low boredom threshold he gets from ADHD helps him inject more passion into everything he does.

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:

Richard Jacobs is the CEO of YES (www.yesindeed.com), a groundbreaking training and development company training up Change Leaders around the world. Richard has pioneered new forms of learning using interactive theatre and film, storytelling, Socratic questioning and behavioural science. He delivers training on Change, Communication, Creativity, Collaboration, Leadership and Purpose. He is also the author of the book 7 Questions to Find Your Purpose.

Resources:

http://yesindeed.com/

http://theinvisiblegift.com/

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

https://www.onefineplay.com/

Episode Description:

This week on the podcast, Andrew meets actor, writer, and content creator - Dayna Halliwell. In their conversation, Dayna explains how she started her massive tiktok channel. They also discuss the the pitfalls and challenges of being on social media when you’re neurodivergent. And Dayna shares the story of when she accidentally texted her date a message he really wasn’t meant to see.

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:

Dayna Halliwell, otherwise known as Dyslexicdayna on social media, is a disabled actor, writer, theatre practitioner and content creator. In 2021, she started to upload comedy sketches to TikTok, to try and raise awareness for how poorly the dyslexic and dyspraxia community are treated in society - particularly in the education system. In less than a year she managed to grow her channel to 100,000 followers. In her videos Dayna talks about her story and experiences with dyslexia and dyspraxia, how she dealt with school life - bullies, classes and tests.

Resources:

https://www.tiktok.com/@dyslexicdayna?lang=en

http://theinvisiblegift.com/

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

https://www.onefineplay.com/

Episode Description:

This week on the podcast, Andrew meets school proprietor and spokesperson - Julian Roberts.

In their conversation, Julian details why he founded The View School and what they do differently for their kids. Julian also tells me about the time he was told to leave the class because he wasn’t reading well enough, and what his invisible gift is!

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:

Julian has been involved with supporting young people with High Functioning Autism and Social Emotional and Mental Health difficulties for over 17 years. Holding a Honours Degree with an SEN specialism, a post graduate certificate in Autism; Julian has an extensive knowledge of Autism and how this impacts upon the individual and those around them.

Julian has a background in brand development for the likes of Persil, Abbey National, Marks and Spencer and Tesco. Julian formed SENviews ltd in April 2018, a training and support service for schools, colleges and parents in meeting the needs of SEN, and particularly Autistic young people.

Most recently Julian has been focused on setting up and opening The View School, a specialist SEMH & ASD secondary school in Edenbridge, Kent www.theviewschool.org. Opening in September 2019, The View School provides an opportunity for education and personal development to those young people who can not meet the demands of other educational settings.

Resources:

https://www.theviewschool.org/

http://theinvisiblegift.com/

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

https://www.onefineplay.com/

Episode Description:

This week on the podcast, Andrew speaks to Katrina Cochrane - founder and owner of Positive Dyslexia - an organisation that focuses on diagnostic assessments for children and adults & provides training for companies.

In their conversation, Katrina reveals how she learned she was neuro-divergent late in life. They also discuss why the way neurodiversity is viewed has changed over the years. And Andrew and Katrina discuss what the neurodivergent community needs to do if there is going to be real change.

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:

Katrina Cochrane is one of the world’s leading experts on Dyslexia and learning difficulties. She started her career as a learning support teacher, and has worked her way up to become the founder and owner of Positive Dyslexia. Positive Dyslexia primarily focuses on diagnostic assessments for children and adults, however does also offer awareness training for companies, INSET training at schools and colleges and masterclasses from other experts who share their experiences with dyslexia and other Neurodiversity’s. Katrina also volunteers for dyslexia charities, such as Adult Dyslexia Care and British Dyslexia Association.

Resources:

https://www.positivedyslexia.co.uk/

http://theinvisiblegift.com/

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

https://www.onefineplay.com/

Episode Description:

This week on the podcast, Andrew meets Managing Director of SEND group, the UK Dyslexia and SEND Consultant at Microsoft, and also director and founder of The Dyslexia Show - Arran Smith.

In their conversation, Andrew learns about the teacher that changed everything for Arran. They also discuss sensory overload, and Arran explains why spotlighting hidden disabilities is the key to getting support.

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:

Arran Smith is the Managing Director of SEND group, as well as the UK Dyslexia and SEND Consultant at Microsoft. Arran also directs and founded The Dyslexia Show - an event for everyone with dyslexia, neurodiversity, as well as people, businesses, and organisations supporting and working with them. At the show there are seminars, workshops, various types of support, and the opportunity to discover the latest developments in the field of dyslexia.

He is a Trustee at the British Dyslexia Association, Chairman of The Leicestershire Dyslexia Association, Consultant at The Levels School, and a Director at Read Successfully Tugs.

Resources:

https://dyslexiashow.co.uk/

http://theinvisiblegift.com/

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

https://www.onefineplay.com/

Episode Description:

This week on the show, Andrew meets freelance creative and communication strategist, Mark Francis Long. In their conversation, Mark tells Andrew about his TedX Talk: I AM LEX. Mark also opens up being homeschool, and the boys debate whether the new D&I initiatives around neurodiversity are really having an impact.

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:

Mark Francis Long is a freelance creative and communication strategist, specialising in advance ad tactics optimising Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, as well as Influencer Marketing, Growth Marketing, and Trend Integration. Since 2007 he has been developing digital and social media content strategies for global brands and local start-ups all over Europe, USA, and Asia.

Mark is also co-founder of I AM LEX, which aims to educate the public, breaking stereotypes, and shift paradigms. In his Tedx Talk he explores the challenges with dyslexia - as well as a new way to describe and identify with dyslexia in the modern age.

Resources:

https://www.iam-lex.com/about

http://theinvisiblegift.com/

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

https://www.onefineplay.com/

Episode Description:

This week on the show, Andrew meets dyslexic author and illustrator Tom McLaughlin. In the episode, Tom tells Andrew why he believes dyslexia makes you quick witted. Tom also explains how dyslexia, in his own words, got him ‘fired from his own book’ and the discuss the problem with telling kids about famous neuro-divergents in history.

Top Quotes:

“Dyslexia allowed to me get quite good at lying, joking and faking. You can’t stand in front of a teacher and read a book so instead you start making it up. Both in class and with friends, I realised I could be the funny person. I think that’s why dyslexic people become quick witted.” - Tom McLaughlin

“Self-awareness, I believe, is the key to happiness” - 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:

Tom is an author and illustrator from Devon. He worked for 10 years as a political cartoonist for The Western Morning News. In 2006 he left the paper to freelance as an animation designer for a number of TV shows, as well as an occasional columnist for The Guardian online.

He won a bursary to direct his short animated film "The Girl With The Pink Shoes", as part of the Animated Exeter festival.

He started in the world of children’s publishing by illustrating other people’s books before turning his hand to writing. He has written and illustrated for Bloomsbury, Puffin, Scholastic, OUP, and Walker. His books have been nominated for countless awards and have been translated into over 10 different languages.

Resources:

https://tommclaughlin.co.uk/

http://theinvisiblegift.com/

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

https://www.onefineplay.com/

Episode Description:

This week on the show, Andrew meets founder, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Tullis Matson.

Tullis Matson is Managing Director of the award winning Stallion AI Services which is one of the most successful stallion collection centres in Europe. In 2020, Tullis established a charity, called Nature’s SAFE, which is Europe’s only living Biobank and is aimed at assisting in the conservation of the worlds’ most rare and endangered species through regenerative cryo-preservation.

In their chat, Tullis opens up about his difficult experience in education growing up. Tullis also explains why he sees his dyslexia as the reason behind his excellent communication skills and Andrew asks him what cryopreservation really entails.

Top Quotes:

“Never be ashamed to be dyslexic. Nowadays companies are actually looking for that different dynamic. That out of the box thinking.” - Tullis Matson

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:

Tullis Matson is Managing Director of award winning Stallion AI Services - Stallion AI Services.

Stallion AI Services Ltd is one of the most successful stallion collection centres in Europe, offering semen collection services, fertility assessment and worldwide semen export. Tullis has practiced Artificial Insemination (AI) in stallions and freezing semen for over 30 years. Tullis works with organisations such as Chester Zoo to help cryopreserve semen from endangered species. In 2011 he received the Marsh Christian Award for Conservation in Genetic Bio-Diversity. In 2020 he established a charity, Nature’s SAFE, Europe’s only living Biobank, aimed at assisting in the conservation of the worlds’ most rare and endangered species through regenerative cryopreservation. In April 2022 he was honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, for his excellence in Innovation.

Resources:

www.natures-safe.com

http://theinvisiblegift.com/

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

https://www.onefineplay.com/

Episode Description:

On today’s podcast, Andrew is joined by Amy from Amy’s Bakehouse - a luxury bakery. In the show, Amy reveals how lockdown led to her creating her 100k tiktok account, Amy explains why she thinks ADD helped her started her career in baking, and Andrew and Amy share their most embarrassing stories.

Top Quote:

“With dyslexia you have 1. the ability to see the big picture, and 2. because you go through school not able to do so much you don’t worry about your inadequacies.” - 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:

Amy’s Bakehouse is a luxury baking company based in London. Amy started baking during lockdown and has since grown her tiktok account to over 100k followers, started a business and has amassed a legion of adoring fans for her creations!

Resources:

https://www.amysbakehouse.co.uk/

http://theinvisiblegift.com/

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

https://www.onefineplay.com/

Episode Description:

In today’s show, Andrew meets communications consultant, writer, and founder of neurodiversity awareness group - ADHD Girls, Samantha Hiew. In the podcast, Samantha explains the origins of ADHD Girls, and why we need to redefine our male centric definitions of neurodiversity. Andrew & Samantha also discuss ‘masking’ and why embracing difference is the most effective pathway to change.

Top Quotes:

“The fact is - everyone is different. Different races, cultures, agendas. But recently it feels like everyone is trying to say that we’re all the same and that doesn’t seem helpful. In fact, we should embrace difference.” - Andrew Kitley

“I think we need to start seeing ourselves out of this medical diagnoses, outside of this label society has put on us. A part of understanding neurodiversity is acknowledging that we’re all different. At its core, neurodiversity is a movement to help us understand difference.” - Samantha Hiew

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:

Samantha Hiew is a Communications Consultant and founder, of neurodiversity awareness group ADHD Girls. Samantha is a PhD in Cancer Virology and Childhood Leukaemia from the University of London and has written extensively for medical journals like Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre. In the mid 2010s, Samantha was a columnist, feature and travel writer for the Huffington Post. After Samantha’s diagnoses for ADHD at age 40, she decided to start ADHD Girls: An organisation that aims to empower girls and women with ADHD to thrive in society; and improve Neurodiversity understanding via an intersectional lens. Her work was recognised with double nominations at the 2022 Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards: Stereotype Buster & Community Choice.

Resources:

http://theinvisiblegift.com/

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

https://www.onefineplay.com/

https://samanthahiew.com/