The Invisible Gift

OneFinePlay

Welcome to The Invisible Gift, the show all about turning the Neurodiversity into possibility.

Andrew Kitley grew up knowing he was different. His dyslexia and ADHD made it difficult for Andrew to learn the same way others did in school. Despite Andrew possessing exceptional abilities in other areas, he was told he had a problem, a disability. Andrew left school frustrated, unfulfilled, without reaching his full potential.

This could have been a disaster but it turned out to be a blessing. Andrew would work his way up the literal and metaphorical ladder to become Managing Director of Kitall: a structural engineering firm. Under Andrew's guidance, Kitall is now one of the most sought after names to complete complex engineering projects in the UK.

Now, Andrew is under no illusion he has a gift. His dyslexia, his neurodiversity, has made him determined, adaptive, and creative. Andrew is on a mission to learn more about neurodiversity. How it can challenge, define, and empower. In The Invisible Gift, Andrew will seek the advice and inspiration of another trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning their challenge into an invisible gift.

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56 episodes
Updated Mar 15, 2023

Episodes56

Newest first

Oct 7, 2021 · 55 min
The Dyslexic Professor with Prof. Nigel Lockett
Episode Description: On this week's episode of The Invisible Gift, Andrew is joined by Prof. Nigel Lockett aka The Dyslexic Professor. Nigel and Andrew have a fascinating discussion - deep diving into the nature of neuro-diversity and why its an evolutionary adaption. Nigel and Andrew reimagine the world where dyslexia is celebrated and Nigel identifies the three key traits dyslexia gave him to be a successful entrepreneur. Top Quotes: "My underlining point is about diversity because I have learned through my job, through my research and through being dyslexic that having a team of cognitive diversities is just better." - Nigel Lockett "The reason why the tech industry makes so much money and is so successful is because they're agile. They're geared for quick changes" - Andrew 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: Prof. Nigel Lockett is Professor of Entrepreneurship at University of Strathclyde. He blogs as The Dyslexic Professor and recently co-founded a specialist group – Dyversity Lab. Before joining Strathclyde Business School, Nigel previously worked as Professor of Entrepreneurship at Lancaster University Management School and Professor of Enterprise at Leeds University Business School. He is the co-author, with Professor Richard Blundel, and Professor Catherine Wang of a major textbook, Exploring Entrepreneurship. In 2017, Nigel ‘came out’ as a dyslexic and starting blogging as a the dyslexic professor. Nigel has posited that not only is dyslexia not a disability but that is it is an advantage - claiming it is his ‘superpower’. Resources: https://nigellockett.com/about/ https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://www.onefineplay.com/
Sep 30, 2021 · 52 min
Focusing on the Positives with Tanya Bardsley
Episode Description: This week on The Invisible Gift, Andrew is joined by entrepreneur and reality TV star - Tanya Bardsley. Tanya and Andrew have a fascinating conversation, exploring ADHD and how it can make you entrepreneurial, Tanya talks openly about the bullying she experienced in school, and Andrew asks Tanya what her advice is to parents of dyslexic children. Top Quotes: "Getting diagnosed with ADHD was a huge weight off my shoulders. Finally I knew what was wrong with me and I could get the tools to help." - Tanya "We're given these negative labels. When you're at school with dyslexia you're just the thick kid and when you're at school with ADHD you're just the naughty kid." - Andrew 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: Tanya Bardsley is a glamour model, entrepreneur and television personality known for her work in The Real Housewives of Cheshire. Tanya rose to prominence in the early 2000’s being featured in, and appearing on the cover of, a number of different magazines such as ZOO and FHM. In 2004, Tanya began her career as a television personality hosting the sky one shows Gamenation & Strike. In 2015, Tanya appeared in the first season of the real housewives of cheshire. The show portrays affluent housewives in their everyday lives and explores their relationships with their friends, family and partners. Tanya is the only cast member to appear in all 13 seasons. In February 2020, Bardsley created the wellness hub and fashion boutique at shop ''Tanya Bardo Boutique'' in Wilmslow, Cheshire with BBC radio personality John Junior. Resources: https://www.instagram.com/tanyabardsley7/?hl=en https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://www.onefineplay.com/
Sep 23, 2021 · 1 hr 2 min
Becoming Television's Vet with Rory Cowlam
Episode Description: This week on The Invisible Gift, Andrew is joined by writer, presenter and resident Blue Peter Vet - Rory 'the Vet' Cowlam. Andrew and Rory have a great conversation, where Rory tells Andrew how he became a trained vet despite struggling in school, the lads discuss the challenges of presenting and reading lines when you're dyslexic, and Rory explains why mental health is the veterinary professions 'dirty little secret.' Top Quotes: "The reason why I call dyslexia my superpower is because it allows me to be emotive, to wear my heart on my sleeve, it allows me to be open." - Rory "When you know your weaknesses it means you really know your strengths." - Andrew 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: Rory ‘The Vet’ Cowlam is a British veterinary surgeon, writer and television personality. Rory graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2015 and he holds a postgraduate qualification in animal surgery. Rory began working as a presenter after graduating college in 2017. He is a broadcaster on a number of well known shows such as The CBBC show, and The Pets Factor - where Rory, along with three other vets, are followed while they go about their work in vet practises. Rory has also appeared on British broadcasting national institutions such as Blue Peter, BBC Breakfast, Lorraine, Sky News and Saturday Morning Mash Up. Along with his television work, Rory has authored the book 'The Secret Life of a Vet'. Resources: https://www.instagram.com/rorythevet/?hl=en https://rorythevet.com/about/ https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://www.onefineplay.com/
Sep 16, 2021 · 1 hr 3 min
Acting and Dyslexia with Kara Tointon
Episode Description: On this episode of The Invisible Gift, Andrew meets actress and winner of Strictly Come Dancing - Kara Tointon. In the show, Kara and Andrew discuss Kara's groundbreaking BBC dyslexia documentary; 'Don't Call Me Stupid', Andrew and Kara get emotional when talking about the support they received from their family, and they discuss whether medicating children for neuro-diversity is the right approach. Top Quotes: "You take these amazing, creative kids and when parents medicate, they get put into a box. They withdraw inside themselves." - Andrew "Dyslexia is not a hindrance. It's a good thing. It's a gift." - Kara Tointon 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: Kara Tointon is an English actress, known for a variety of television and stage roles. In 2005, Tointon joined the cast of BBC soap EastEnders as a new character, Dawn Swann. This would become Kara’s best known role which was fitting given her first ever television appearance was on EastEnders as an extra in 1994. In 2010, Kara won Strictly Come Dancing series 8 with her partner Artem Chigvinstev. Tointon has been acclaimed for her theatre work as well - Her 2011 role as Eliza Doolittle in West End’s production of Pygmalion was met with acclaim. In 2015, she was cast as Maria in The Sound of Music Live. Resources: https://www.instagram.com/kara_tointon/?hl=en https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://www.onefineplay.com/
Sep 13, 2021 · 1 min
The Invisible Gift Season 2 Preview
Preview Welcome back to Season 2 of The Invisible Gift, the show all about turning disability into possibility. Andrew Kitley grew up knowing he was different. His dyslexia made it difficult for Andrew to learn the same way others did in school. Despite Andrew possessing exceptional abilities in other areas, he was told he had a problem, a disability. Andrew left school frustrated, unfulfilled, without reaching his full potential. This could have been a disaster but it turned out to be a blessing. Andrew would work his way up the literal and metaphorical 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. Now, Andrew is under no illusion he has a gift. His dyslexia, his neurodiversity, has made him determined, adaptive, and creative. Andrew is on a mission to learn more about neurodiversity. How it can challenge, define, and empower. In The Invisible Gift, Andrew will seek the advice and inspiration of another trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning their challenge into an invisible gift. Season one proved to be an inspiring odyssey into the power of neurodiversity. And now Andrew’s back, joined by co-host and executive producer James Bishop, to have more incredible conversations with amazing people across the neuro-diversity spectrum. So please join us, this is The Invisible Gift Season 2.
Mar 16, 2021 · 51 min
How a Boy Who Couldn't Read Won a Pulitzer Prize with Philip Schultz
On the final episode of Season One of The Invisible Gift, Andrew meets famed writer, and Pulitzer prize winning poet, Philip Schultz. In this episode, we’re taken to the heart of the question: How did a boy who couldn’t read or write win a Pulitzer prize? Andrew and Philip share an incredible conversation where Philip takes us back to his challenging and character forming childhood. Philip explains the genesis behind his persona writing, how it can unlock one’s writing potential, and how this process led to his globally successful school: The Writer’s Studio. Philip also explains how he learned about his dyslexia, the story behind his powerful memoir My Dyslexia, we hear a performance of Philip’s poem ‘Googling Ourselves’. Top Quotes “I lived in a world where dyslexia explained a lot. The life of the imagination was a more feasible, safer life than the one on the outside.” - Philip Schultz “The hardest thing in teaching is encouraging people to translate what they really feel about the subjects they’re writing about” - Philip Schultz “I couldn’t learn how to read or write. So I became a writer.” - Philip Schultz “The struggle is to overcome the image of the self as a failure.” - Philip Schultz About The Guest Philip Schultz was born into a working class family in Rochester, New York. He struggled in school, failing to learn to read until he was eleven years of age. Despite this, Philip would go on to study in university, and released his first collection of poetry Like Wings in 1978. Philip Schultz has been teaching creative writing for almost five decades. After spending four years as the director of New York University’s graduate creative writing program, he founded his own school, The Writers Studio, in 1987. Schultz’s work has been published in The New Yorker, Partisan Review, The New Republic, The Paris Review, Slate, and other magazines. He won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for his collection poetry Failure. This, before the Nobel Prize for Literature, is the highest honour a poet can receive globally. He wouldn’t learn he was dyslexic until his son was diagnosed with the condition, at the age of 57. In 2011, he published his memoir My Dyslexia. Resources https://www.writerstudio.com/courses/online/ https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/philip-schultz https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://www.onefineplay.com/ 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 & inspiration of a fellow trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning the challenge of dyslexia into a gift.
Mar 9, 2021 · 54 min
Understanding the Science of Diversity and Positive Dyslexia with Prof. Rod Nicolson
In the ninth episode of The Invisible Gift, Andrew sits down with Professor Rod Nicolson. Professor Nicolson has been one of the leading academics researching the subject of dyslexia for four decades. Together, Rod and Andrew traced the causes of dyslexia, what exactly is going on in the brain of a dyslexic, how the understanding of dyslexia has morphed and transformed in schools and workplaces, analysed the meaning of ‘positive dyslexia’, and what needs to be done to better aid dyslexics in schools, universities and beyond. Top Quotes “We have been looking at what goes wrong for dyslexic people. We should be looking at what goes right.” - Professor Rod Nicolson “We came up with a very simple theory behind dyslexia. Dyslexic children take longer to get their skills automatic.” - Professor Rod Nicolson “The distinctive skills of dyslexic people are the ones employers are actually trying to train in their talent management classes.” - Professor Rod Nicolson “If you fail at those early tasks in school, like for example reading, it becomes aversive. It becomes like seeing a spider when you see that book.” - Professor Rod Nicolson “My advice to dyslexic people? The world is open to them.” - Professor Rod Nicolson About The Guest Professor Roderick Nicolson is Professor of Psychology at Edge Hill University, in Lancashire UK. His area of specialism is in human learning and he has authored a number of books on the subject of dyslexia alone. Professor Nicolson’s research into dyslexia began in 1987, and his 2012 book, Positive Dyslexia, aims to redefine popular notions about dyslexia - shifting the focus from the supposed challenges, and onto the strengths. Resources https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/ http://positivedyslexia.org/index.html https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://www.onefineplay.com/ 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 & inspiration of a fellow trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning the challenge of dyslexia into a gift.
Mar 2, 2021 · 53 min
Children, Early Intervention and Why Dyslexics are Creative with Paloma Forde
On this week’s episode of The Invisible Gift, Andrew meets with entrepreneur, and dyslexia teaching specialist, Paloma Forde. Paloma explains to Andrew the distinctive differences between dyslexic and non-dyslexic children, highlighting the creativity and verbal strength dyslexia can bring. Paloma and Andrew discuss the most effective teaching methods for dyslexic children, the importance of early intervention, and how, when given the necessary support, neurodiverse children flourish. Top Quotes “There’s an overlap of 40% between dyslexia and autism.” - Paloma Forde “You don’t need diagnoses for intervention. So catch dyslexia early” - Paloma Forde “I always tell parents: 50% of Nasa are dyslexic.” - Paloma Forde "Dyslexic children are way more creative.” - Paloma Forde 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/ 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 & inspiration of a fellow trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning the challenge of dyslexia into a gift.
Feb 23, 2021 · 54 min
Dyslexia and the Entrepreneurial Spirit with Chris Donnelly
On this episode of The Invisible Gift, Andrew chats to CEO of VERB Brands Chris Donnelly. Chris brings Andrew back to his childhood, highlighting the incredible support he was offered in school, and how influential seeing other successful CEOs with dyslexia was in moulding his ambition and confidence. Chris and Andrew also spoke about their families, the positives and negatives of leadership and dyslexia, how the pandemic has brought the best out of their proactive mindsets, and they also explore how dyslexia helps forge the independent thinking required to excel as an entrepreneur. Top Quotes “Because you fail so much as a student, when you go out into the world, failure doesn’t scare you.” - Andrew Kitley “I think with dyslexia and ADD, they do make you resilient. You will come up with solutions because you have to.” - Chris Donnelly “With dyslexia, when you get good enough to be normal you’re really disciplined in understanding how to overcome challenges.” - Chris Donnelly "My advice to dyslexics is: Don’t fear. They say you have a problem; I see it as a positive.” - Chris Donnelly About The Guest Chris Donnelly is the founder of VERB Brands, a luxury digital ad agency based in London. Chris was surrounded by dyslexia growing, with his brothers and father all having the same neurodiversity. From his entrepreneurial family, his naturally inquisitive mindset, and the academic support he received in school, Chris excelled. At 21, Chris founded what would become the multi-million pound company VERB Brands in his dorm room. Chris also has ADD and dyscalculia, which makes operating the financial side of his business a challenge. Despite this, Chris’ meticulous and positive outlook has led to Verb Brands becoming a thriving business worth millions of pounds. Resources https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://verbbrands.com/ https://www.onefineplay.com/ 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 & inspiration of a fellow trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning the challenge of dyslexia into a gift.
Feb 16, 2021 · 53 min
Soaring in Academia and Neurodiversity with Mirabel Brow
In this episode Andrew sits down with Mirabel Brow, a chemistry student at University of London. Mirabel's academic achievements are extraordinary by any standards, but when considering Mirabel has dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism, they are even more phenomenal. In the episode, Mirabel tells Andrew of the incredible influence her mother had on her education and how Mirabel’s precocious mindset enabled her to both succeed and exceed in school. Andrew and Mirabel get under the skin of neurodivergence, discussing the common overlap of different conditions, how each poses a unique set of strengths, and what needs to be done to get the most out of neurodiverse students. Top quotes “Once I was assessed I knew I wasn’t stupid.” - Mirabel Brow “I’m not a diagnosis; I’m a person.” - Mirabel Brow “You can just leave school and get a job. You don’t have to worry. Everyone’s journey is different” - Andrew Kitley “One in five people are dyslexic.” - Mirabel Brow About The Guest Mirabel Brow is a chemistry student from University College London. Mirabel had chronic dyslexia growing up, and as a child she was told she wouldn’t be able to read until age 11. Mirabel also has dyspraxia and is on the autism spectrum. Although initially she found school challenging, her parents capitalised on the precocious and diligent child. She took extra work home and spent summers practising her reading and writing. By her teens, Mirabel was flourishing academically and would go on to study chemistry at University College London. She is currently president of the Art Society and plans to specialise in inorganic chemistry. Resources https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirabel-brow?originalSubdomain=uk https://www.onefineplay.com/ 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 & inspiration of a fellow trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning the challenge of dyslexia into a gift.
Feb 9, 2021 · 52 min
The Dyslexic Inventor, the Power of Difference, and a Dyslexic Bottle of Wine with Jim Rokos
In this episode of The Invisible Gift, Andrew talks with the multi-award winning inventor, and artist, Jim Rokos. Andrew and Jim have a fascinating conversation. Jim talks about his experiences in school, his first invention, how dyslexia has informed and defined his work, and they speak on the merits and strengths of neurodiversities in society at large. The boys also enjoy a ‘dyslexic’ bottle of wine. Special thanks to Ruth Ward for permitting use of her photography. Top Quotes “It’s a dyslexic thing to think around problems and find solutions.” - Jim Rokos “Having failed so much through school, there’s a willingness to fail and take risks." - Jim Rokos “I think all neuro- diversities are advantageous. Within a community, it’s useful to have people who think in different ways.” - Jim Rokos “The brain architecture of a dyslexic is more tangled. Which is how they can come up with more unusual ideas.” - Jim Rokos About The Guest Jim Rokos is a multi-award winning artist and inventor based in London. Jim learned he had dyslexia at age 9, and has since spread the message of neurodiverse positivity through his art. Originally training as a model maker, Jim worked on a number of major television and film projects such as The Muppets Treasure Island, Tomb Raider, Band of Brothers and others. His patented cat-food bowl won BBC’s Tomorrow’s World's Best Inventions pilot in 2001. Rokos won the prestigious 2012 Reddot Design award for the 13° 60° 104° Wine Decanter and the Enterprise Europe Network Award 2014 for the Gauge vase. In 2016, Jim curated the first ever Dyslexic Design exhibition in London. The show challenged perceptions of dyslexia by accentuating the positive effects of unique perspectives in art and design. The show was a silver winner in London’s design awards. Resources http://www.jimrokos.com/ https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://www.ruthward.com/ https://www.onefineplay.com/ 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 & inspiration of a fellow trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning the challenge of dyslexia into a gift.
Feb 2, 2021 · 49 min
Photography, the Dyslexic Superpower and Neurodiversity with Jon Holloway
Andrew sits down with portrait photographer and artist Jon Holloway. Andrew and Jon spoke at length about Jon's experiences with dyslexia in school and university, how dyslexia has helped define Jon’s optimistic and determined mindset, and why dyslexia is his ‘superpower’; not ‘kryptonite’. Jon explains the origins behind his amazing neurodiversity project, why highlighting the unique and extraordinary qualities of neurodivergence is important, his ambitions plans for the project in the future, and we learn the secret to portrait photography. Top Quotes “Life has been so difficult due to an inability to read and communicate as I’d like to. Therefore, everything else will be fine” - Jon Holloway “I created this project because I wanted ten year old me to see these portraits and think: ‘It’s okay. You can be this good.” - Jon Holloway “Any portraiture really, is about learning about the person. It’s like an interview.” - Jon Holloway “Dyslexia is something that can be amazing. I believe it's a superpower.” - Andew Kitley “Concentrate on your superpower and not on your kryptonite.” - Jon Holloway About The Guest Jon Holloway is an east London based photographer and artist. Jon has specialised in headshot photography for a number of well known media, broadcasting, and production talents including Zoe Tapper, Chris Lang, and Iain Glen just to name a few. Jon also utilises a bespoke studio known as Holloway Lightbox, which is used as a photography studio and writers retreat. Most recently, Jon has been leading a photography neurodiversity project which captures exceptional neurodivergents in their space. Resources https://jonholloway.co.uk/ https://studiobark.co.uk/projects/holloway-lightbox/ https://jonholloway.co.uk/dylexic-photographer-blog https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://www.onefineplay.com/ 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 & inspiration of a fellow trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning the challenge of dyslexia into a gift.
Jan 26, 2021 · 50 min
Sport, Determination, and Dyslexia with Adelle Tracey
In this episode of The Invisible Gift, Andrew speaks to Adelle Tracey: a top Team Great Britain athlete and middle distance runner. Andrew and Adelle spoke about Adelle’s childhood in Jamaica, her beginning in sport, how dyslexia has impacted her life and her goals for the 2021 Olympic Games and beyond. Top Quotes “That’s the superpower of dyslexic people: Finding a way out of a problem.” - Andrew Kitley “80% dyslexics leave school without a diagnosis” - Adelle Tracey “Believe in yourself. Don’t see dyslexia as a barrier, see it as a strength.” - Adelle Tracey About The Guest Adelle Tracey is a middle distance runner, Team Great Britain athlete, and makeup artist. She was chosen as a torchbearer in the 2012 London Olympics and lit the Olympic flame. In the semifinals 2018 European Championships, Adelle achieved her 800 metres personal best of 1:59.86, and went on to finish fourth in the final. Adelle is an ambassador for the British Dyslexia Association, and is in contention to appear in the 2021 Olympic Games. Resources https://www.adelletracey.com/ https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/ https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://www.onefineplay.com/ 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 & inspiration of a fellow trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning the challenge of dyslexia into a gift.
Jan 19, 2021 · 55 min
Butler to the Royals - Etiquette and Dyslexia with Grant Harrold
Andrew chats to Grant ‘The Royal Butler’ Harrold. Andrew quizzes Grant on how he began his career, as a butler and Andrew learns what The Royal Family are really like to work for. We also learn how Grant realised he was dyslexic, how it has both challenged and empowered him, Grant shares some stories of the hilarious faux pas as a result of dyslexia, and the boys also speak about Grant’s etiquette school, and his plans for the future. Top Quotes “A common ground for dyslexics is a determination.” - Grant Harrold “The secret to being a great butler is knowing what your client wants before they ask for it.” - Grant Harrold “Nobody is going to believe I’m actually sitting in Clarence House. In the drawing room. Talking to the Prince of Wales about life.” - Grant Harrold About The Guest Grant ‘The Royal Butler’ Harrold, is an entertainer, royal commentator, broadcaster, etiquette expert, and former butler to the Prince of Wales. Grant began his career butlering in 1997, and within seven years would be interviewed for a position by The Prince of Wales himself in Clarence House. Grant appeared in the BBC series Country House, and has since gone on to forge a hugely successful career broadcasting - appearing on television around the world. Grant continues to teach others how to behave around royals with his etiquette school and, most recently, co-stars with his dachshunds on his youtube channel: The Royal Butler. Resources https://www.theroyalbutler.co.uk/etiquette-consultant-uk https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNGcIL3e2oCoUupdktt_VQA https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://www.onefineplay.com/ 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 & inspiration of a fellow trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning the challenge of dyslexia into a gift.
Jan 19, 2021 · 59 min
Finding Humour and Power in Dyslexia with Angie Le Mar
On the opening episode of The Invisible Gift, Andrew Kitley talks to comedian, playwright, and broadcaster, Angie Le Mar. Andrew learns all about Angie’s beginning in comedy, and how dyslexia is directly responsible for her sense of humour. Angie also takes us on a tour of her career, her sell-out one woman shows, why dyslexia has cost her work, and how it led to her writing her own roles. Andrew and Angie also speak about how dyslexia is misunderstood in school, why it really is a gift, and what needs to be done to get the most out of dyslexics. Top Quotes “The reason why I didn’t do well in school isn’t because I wasn’t clever. It’s because it wasn’t geared to me.” - Angie Le Mar “I don’t think of myself as a failure in the school system. I don’t think the school system was for me.” - Angie Le Mar “We’ve all got a place on stage. Some of us for a lifetime; some of us for a moment.” - Angie Le Mar About the guest Angie Le Mar is a multi-award winning comedian, actress, and writer. Angie was born in Lewisham in London to Jamaican parents. As a child, Angie struggled in school but found refuge in acting and performing. To avoid reading in class, Angie would tell jokes that would get her sent out of the classroom. This would lead to a trailblazing career in comedy that would have her dubbed ‘The Queen of Comedy’. She would go on to perform a legendary set on the iconic Real McCoy Show, perform sell out one woman gigs in the Apollo Theatre, and write a number of award winning theatre shows such as Take Me Back. Resources https://www.kitall.co.uk/ https://angielemar.co.uk/ https://www.onefineplay.com/ 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 & inspiration of a fellow trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning the challenge of dyslexia into a gift.
Jan 12, 2021 · 1 min
The Invisible Gift Trailer
Welcome to The Invisible Gift, the show all about turning disability into possibility. Andrew Kitley grew up knowing he was different. His dyslexia made it difficult for Andrew to learn the same way others did in school. Despite Andrew possessing exceptional abilities in other areas, he was told he had a problem, a disability. Andrew left school frustrated, unfulfilled, without reaching his full potential. This could have been a disaster but it turned out to be a blessing. Andrew would work his way up the literal and metaphorical 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. Now, Andrew is under no illusion he has a gift. His dyslexia, his neurodiversity, has made him determined, adaptive, and creative. Andrew is on a mission to learn more about neurodiversity. How it can challenge, define, and empower. In The Invisible Gift, Andrew will seek the advice and inspiration of another trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning their challenge into an invisible gift.