The Invisible Gift

Episode Description:On today’s podcast, Andrew is joined by one of Australia’s most highly regarded workplace designers, Domino Risch, to discuss ‘The Neurodivergent Workspace’.In this episode, Andrew and Domino discuss what exactly this kind of workspace is, Domino opens up about how she became interested in neurodiversity, and Andrew asks Domino about the future of working and why the past two years have accelerated it.Top Quotes:“I worked so many late nights in my old jobs and for no gain whatsoever. I never want my team to experience that because you end up resenting your job.” - Andrew Kitley“The day is coming very soon where we will see a deskless office. There will be no working stations. And the only thing that will be in an office are things that will facilitate collaborative engagement.” - Domino RischAbout 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:Domino Risch is one of the Australia’s most highly regarded workplace designers, working with leading organisations like Deloitte on its Sydney office and Goldman Sachs on both its Melbourne and Sydney offices Recently she has begun developing a concept for the ‘neuro-inclusive’ workplace and has a number of theories in how to promote this. Domino doesn’t have a neurodiversity but became interested in the subject when her daughter was diagnosed with ASD. Domino has a degree from the University of Canberra in Environmental Design and Interior Design. Currently, Domino is Hassell's global sector leader for Commercial & Workplace.Resources:http://theinvisiblegift.com/https://www.kitall.co.uk/https://www.onefineplay.com/https://www.hassellstudio.com/people/domino-risch

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=enhttp://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/abouthttp://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 KitleyAbout 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 MatsonAbout 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.comhttp://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 KitleyAbout 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 HiewAbout 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/

Episode Description:In today’s show, Andrew meets dyslexic fashion designer Jake Posner. In their conversation, Jake explains how his brand was born out of his neurodiversity, the boys discuss why fast fashion is bad for the planet and consumers, and Jake shares the story of when he arrived unannounced at Selfridges asking for a meeting!Top Quotes:“In life, you have to be constantly evolving. Evolve or go extinct.” - Jake Posner“My dyslexia allows me to tell stories, to be imaginative. It allows me a different way of seeing the world.” - Jake PosnerAbout 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:Jake Posner is a fashion designer and founder of his own brand NO ONE TRUE ANYTHING. NO ONE TRUE ANYTHING was founded in 2021 and has been directly inspired by Jake’s experiences with dyslexia. Jake is also an ambassador for the British Dyslexia Association and his work has been featured in a number of global publications such as Forbes Magazine and The Guardian.Resources:http://theinvisiblegift.com/https://www.kitall.co.uk/https://www.onefineplay.com/https://noonetrueanything.com/

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 KitleyAbout 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 - DuchessResources:http://theinvisiblegift.com/https://www.kitall.co.uk/https://www.onefineplay.com/https://www.belvoircastle.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/duchess/id1551120994

Episode Description:On today’s podcast, Andrew is joined by motivational speaker and entrepreneur Lee Chambers. Lee is an accredited psychologist and the founder of multiple businesses. He’s also autistic and, after bout of bad health in his 20s, now advocates for better physical health and greater equality and accessibility to all.In today’s show, Lee opens up about the illness that left him bedridden for a year, the boys discuss the mental health struggles around being a founder and Lee also identifies the problems you can encounter if you go into a self-development spiral.Top Quotes:“Getting diverse thinking within our business helps us to become more innovative and creative. more problems” - Lee Chambers“Being a business owner can be hard. Even when a business is doing making sure you have enough money to pay your team is hard because clients may not pay you on time. Every time you take on a new member of staff, you become responsible for their family. All that stress can weight on you.” - AndrewAbout 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:Lee Chambers was born in Bolton, and is a British psychologist, entrepreneur and radio host. He is the founder of PhenomGames and Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing. Lee is autistic. This is something he learned after his own son received the diagnoses. He has worked as a performance coach for sports clubs, including Manchester City F.C. and Everton F.C. Chambers life story was the subject of a BBC Radio 4 programme presented by Matthew Syed broadcast in 2021, named: Is This What Success Looks Like? Lee has degrees in Environmental Psychology, Health Innovation, and International Business Psychology.Resources:http://theinvisiblegift.com/https://www.kitall.co.uk/https://www.onefineplay.com/https://leechambers.org/

Episode Description:On today’s podcast, Andrew sits down with entrepreneur and founder of FullSpektrum - André Skepple. FullSpektrum is a company that aims to modernise and personalise education, care, and health, using technology.In today’s show, Andre details what FullSpektrum is and what they want to achieve, the boys also discuss the massive problem with education today, and why the government needs to step up and scrap the old ways of doing things.Top Quotes:“The process of dealing with local government, let alone national government, is like hitting your head repeatedly against a wall with the hope of making a crack.” - Andre Skepple“The people that go into government are the people that thrived in schools environments. That means everyone in government thinks the same way. That’s why we need people from different backgrounds, races, genders. A full spectrum, because only when we have that will a different conversation happen.” - Andrew KitleyAbout 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:Andre Skepple is the founder of FullSpektrum Ltd an organisation which aims to consolidate and personalise education, health & social care. He is also a specialist in applied biosciences, ICT systems management and clinical diagnostics, with a Master of Science (MSc) degree by Research in Applied Medical Microbiology. Andre is is dyslexic, dyspraxic and has some elements of ADHD. Andre is Director & Member Board Of Trustees for the Institute Of Neurodiversity. Andre has held a voluntary teaching career of over 8-years at a supplementary school for Afro-Caribbean pupils.Resources:http://theinvisiblegift.com/https://www.kitall.co.uk/https://www.onefineplay.com/https://fullspektrum.co.uk/

Episode Description:On today’s podcast, Andrew is joined by homeschooling expert Jenny Sandler. Jenny is the founder of her business homeschool UK where she offers specialised tutoring to neurodivergent children.In the show, Jenny identifies why undiagnosed ADHD is a public health issue, Andrew and Jenny discuss why teachers in Britain lack the education needed to support neurodiversity, and Jenny reveals just how much the UK government actually spends on a child’s educationTop Quote:“The widespread mismanaged and undiagnosed ADHD is a public health issue.” - Jenny SandlerAbout 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:Jenny Sandler is a teacher and founder of Homeschooling UK. She has a BA in Psychology and Education, a Masters in Literacy Learning and Literacy Difficulties and another Masters in Education - with a specialism around autism. Jenny is originally from California but has been living and working in the UK as a teacher and tutor for almost two decades. She started her business Homeschool UK - in 2019. In 2020, Jenny learned she had ADHD.Resources:http://theinvisiblegift.com/https://www.kitall.co.uk/https://www.onefineplay.com/https://www.homeschooluk.com/

Episode Description:On today’s very special episode, we’re bringing back one of our favourite guests from season one - educational specialist Paloma Forde to talk about the invisible gift workshops they've been launching to schools. In the episode, Andrew and Paloma explain in more detail what the workshops are, Andrew opens up about his ultimate goal for them in the future, and Paloma reveals the shocking statistic that shows the mental health crisis young people face today. Top Quotes:“My goal with these workshops is that someone, ten years from now, sits on a couch and talks about the workshop they did in school - called the invisible gift - and how it changed their life.” - Andrew Kitley“We want to get to the stage with these workshops that parents are no longer like ‘oh no - my child got diagnosed with dyslexia’. We want them to be able to see neurodiversity as an invisible gift. We want them to say, when their child gets diagnosed, ‘okay, my child has dyslexia. What do I need to do now?” - Paloma FordeAbout 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:Paloma Forde is a teaching specialist and founder of the award winning business Screening4Dyslexia. Paloma has worked for over twenty years in teaching. She initially specialised in autism but became aware of the lack of research and understanding in dyslexia, and began researching the topic herself. Paloma has since developed teaching strategies that are designed to aid dyslexic children in their learning and education.Paloma now advocates for the early screening and intervention of children with dyslexia, arguing children must be given the tools to adapt and thrive with dyslexia. In 2017, Paloma founded Screening4Dyslexia: A business dedicated to providing affordable and accurate testing for younger children. In 2017, her work was recognised nationally by The Sunday Business newspaper - Winning the ‘Small Business Award’, presented by Theo Paphitis.Resources:https://www.kitall.co.uk/https://screening4dyslexia.com/https://www.onefineplay.com/http://theinvisiblegift.com/

Episode Description:On today’s episode of the show, Andrew meets award winning journalist - Katie Glass. In the episode, Katie describes what it was like growing up with dyslexia and how she realised her dream of becoming a journalist despite her personal obstacles, and they also discuss the problem with labels.Top Quotes:“If you give yourself a label you allow other people to label you. Therefore, if you don’t label yourself, you don’t limit yourself.” - Andrew“I think I do have an invisible gift from dyslexia to take complex subjects and make them accessible.” - Katie GlassAbout 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:Katie Glass is an award winning journalist whose work regularly appears in UK publications including The Telegraph, The Sunday Times, The Evening Standard, The Sun, Condé Nast Traveller, The Spectator, Grazia and Elle Magazine. An established feature writer, Katie specialises in long-form features and interviews. Often exploring issues affecting young people she has investigated County Lines, children who commit violent crimes, and online sexual extortion. In a 2022 Telegraph article, Katie stated she was a ‘secret dyslexic’.Resources:http://theinvisiblegift.com/https://katie-glass.co.uk/https://www.kitall.co.uk/https://www.onefineplay.com/

Episode Description:On today’s episode of the podcast, I’m joined by choreographer, dancer and filmmaker Charlotte Edmonds. In the episode, Charlotte and Andrew talk about why we were all born to move and dance. They discuss some of our biggest pet peeves around dyslexia, and the perils of writing emails for dyslexic.Top Quotes:“I feel like dyslexia has made me empathetic to other people. That’s my invisible gift.” - Charlotte Edmonds"When you look at other cultures, dance and movement is far more important. In western societies we seem to suppress it but for me - we were all born to dance." - Andrew KitleyAbout 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:Charlotte Edmonds is a choreographer, dancer and filmmaker. She studied at The Royal Ballet Lower School and Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, and from 2016-2018 she was The Royal Ballet’s Inaugural Young Choreographer.Charlotte is also a freelance artist working on movement in film, fashion, theatre and dance companies across the world. In 2018, Charlotte was selected by Wayne McGregor as a choreographer for the BBC film Winged Bull In The Elephant Case performed by Alessandra Ferri and James Pett. In recent years, she created Move Beyond Words, which explores the relationship between dance and dyslexia.Resources:https://charlotteedmonds.com/https://www.movebeyondwords.co.uk/http://theinvisiblegift.com/https://www.kitall.co.uk/https://www.onefineplay.com/

Episode Description:On today’s episode of the podcast, Andrew is joined by by filmmaker and musical theatre actress Elizabeth Arifien. In the episode, Elizabeth explains how her dyslexia and challenges in school led to her career in dance. Elizabeth also describes the genesis behind the initiative she co-founded with Charlotte Edmonds, Move Beyond Words, and their plans for it are going forward.Top Quotes:“Due to my dyslexia, I was drawn to dance. I wasn’t able to express myself through words but being physical became like a language to me. I’m so grateful I have that. That’s why spreading it through the world and communities I work is so important to me.” - Elizabeth Arifien“We know now that being empathetic is a part of having dyslexia. So I think empathy is my invisible gift.” - Elizabeth ArifienAbout 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:Elizabeth Arifien is an actress in musical theatre, dancer, and a filmmaker. Elizabeth creates emotive performances and projects for others driven by personal and societal themes. Her collaborative works have been shared on stage and screen at the V&A, Royal Opera House and Lilian Baylis - Sadlers Wells. Alongside performing in shows she has conceptualised and produced over 40 events, films and workshops. In 2016 she founded Visceral Creative to assist and expand creativity into under-represented communities across London. Elizabeth also performed as Ikette in Tina Turner the Musical. Elizabeth is dyslexic and co-founder alongside Charlotte Edmonds of Move Beyond Words.Resources:https://elizabethrosearifien.com/abouthttps://www.movebeyondwords.co.uk/http://theinvisiblegift.com/https://www.kitall.co.uk/https://www.onefineplay.com/