This week, I met with Chris, a software developer, we had an interesting conversation about his experiences with dyslexia and how it has impacted his career and entrepreneurial endeavours. We shared insights on the importance of accessibility in technology, the challenges of starting and running businesses, and our use of AI tools to enhance productivity. Chris spoke to me about his career journey and the many platforms and systems he has developed and more recently the one that support small businesses, Spiky Carrot.
Life often throws unexpected challenges our way. For Chris, his journey has been shaped by two major hurdles—dyslexia and a battle with cancer. Yet, through determination, adaptability, and a passion for technology, he has turned adversity into opportunity.
Discovering Dyslexia: The Early Years
Chris’s struggles with reading and writing were apparent from a young age in the early 1990s. He recalls having regular hearing tests as they thought he wasn’t listening in class. At primary school, his mother recognised the signs and learned about statements (now EHCPS) and fought to get him the support he needed. However, even with a diagnosis of dyslexia, the education system provided limited resources, and the real assistance only came when he entered secondary school where he received exam access arrangements.
Despite these challenges, Chris excelled in problem-solving and mathematics, a common trait among many dyslexic individuals. His dad was an engineer and like most families, it was suggested he followed in his dad’s footsteps. However, his fascination with computers and technology, such as PC gaming, would eventually steer him towards a different path.
Breaking Barriers in Education
Chris faced discouragement from educators who believed his dyslexia would limit his success in IT. One teacher even told him outright that he wouldn’t be good at it, due to dyslexia. Yet, he refused to be defined by these opinions. and went on to study Advanced Computing at the local college. He spoke how he received a review of his statement each year and it puzzled him, why did they think things would change? This involved working on spreadsheets and graphics. He earned a top grade from this course.
When he graduated from this course, he applied for an apprenticeship in computer maintenance but his English wasn’t considered good enough and he didn’t get the place.
Instead, he pursued a degree in Multimedia at Salford University, where he discovered a love for coding and software development.
University was a turning point. With the right accommodations, such as assistive technology and extra exam time, Chris thrived academically. He recalls having an MP3 player to record lessons along with a computer and some software. He reflects on this time and is astounded at how IT and software has evolved and is so much better now and offers more support. He graduated with First-Class Honours and quickly proved his capabilities in the tech industry.
He knew at that time that he was creative and good at art and design but didn’t go down the route of graphic design. He recognised that these are skills that individuals with dyslexia often had. He also knew he was good at seeing patterns.
Ironically, the very same school where he was once doubted later hired him to develop a custom-built software system for students. His work attracted attention, even drawing interest from international education leaders. They secured funding for a second year and extended his contract, he enjoyed building systems from scratch. From there, Chris’s career flourished, working with colleges and tech companies to create innovative systems that improved education and business processes. He also gained employment back at his old college and found he adapted his skills again to learn how to integrate his own skills with an existing system. He developed a system that enabled students to gain visual access in the reception area to their timetables and social events.
From Employee to Entrepreneur
Chris’s career in digital development expanded into roles at start-ups, established agencies, and eventually contracting. He realised his passion lay in building custom solutions rather than working with off-the-shelf software. This drive led him to co-found the Create a Test, a platform designed to help students with maths assessments. Chris was very much working on the back-end while his partner created content. He also worked in digital agencies and felt he wanted to explore more about established systems. He soon realised that wasn’t his area as it didn’t involve his problem-solving skills.
Balancing a full-time job while working on a side business was tough, but Chris remained committed. Eventually, he transitioned into contracting, giving him the flexibility to focus more on his entrepreneurial aspirations. However, just as he was gaining momentum, life took an unexpected and devastating turn.
Facing Cancer During the Pandemic
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris fell seriously ill. Initially dismissed as food poisoning, further investigations led to an emergency surgery, only for doctors to later confirm it was bowel cancer.
Undergoing treatment during a global health crisis was isolating and challenging. With hospitals in lockdown, he had to navigate surgeries, immunotherapy, and recovery largely on his own. The experience was physically and mentally gruelling, but Chris found solace in his work.
Even while undergoing treatment, he channelled his energy into a new project—Small Market, an e-commerce platform for handmade crafts. Keeping his mind engaged in problem-solving helped him stay motivated during his recovery.
A Triumphant Comeback
Chris’s determination paid off. Following another major surgery, doctors confirmed that his treatment had been successful, the cancer was gone. Now, years later, he remains cancer-free, a testament to both modern medicine and his own resilience.
Today, Chris continues to push forward, combining his skills in software development with his entrepreneurial spirit.
Chris is now celebrating the 1st anniversary of his new project Spiky Carrot. When he was developing Small Market, he realised there was a lack of places for small and start up business to advertise.
We spoke about Chris’ fundamental personal trait that leaves him want to help people and he reflects on how most of his projects have been built around that.
I asked about the skills needed to develop apps and web development. He told me about always ensuring it was built right for the end user and lots of work goes into refining the project, once it’s up and running. He says that as a coder, you tend to never really speak to anyone, you’re simply sat at a desk all day. Now as an entrepreneur, he finds he has every role within his company, such as marketing and networking. Now he speaks to the end user and also goes out to network with other business owners. He finds his ‘dyslexic side’ often kicks in, solving problems and making connections. He finds he is having to develop new skills too outside of coding, that he never really had to do before.
He feels that in the past, people may have been scared to tell employers about dyslexia but he feels that things have moved on more recently and especially in the world of software and engineering. Employers understand that those with dyslexia have a set of skills, such as recognising patterns and lies of code. However, feels there are advantages and disadvantages of having dyslexia, all at the same time. He feels on a positive he has so many ideas and makes so many connections but finds it difficult to contain them.
I asked Chris if he’d experienced his employers ever making reasonable adjustments in the past. He felt that he had always self-managed and in his line of work never really needed any specific adjustments. One of the things he liked to do was change the background colour of code. Usually, it’s white text on a black background with occasional bits of yellow. He likes to swap it to a white background as he feels the code and the coloured text pops out more for him. AI, like for so many, has been a game changer for Chris, it has helped him to check his spelling and grammar. AI can bring so much to benefit individuals, such as structuring a piece of text, changing the language style for different audiences, giving prompts and ideas to help those stuck with the blank page difficulty.
The other adjustment he’s made in his life is team work and collaboration. He enjoys bringing people together to help solve problems that are outside his skills set. As he rightly says, don’t put it all on your own shoulders. Share the problem solving with those who have specific skills in a field. I think that’s the trait of entrepreneurs. They have such fantastic ideas and feel they have to be every part of a business, which is simply impossible, if you wish to do it well and not burn out. A great piece of advice!
His journey, from struggling in school to proving doubters wrong, from battling cancer to building businesses, is nothing short of inspiring.
Lessons from Chris’ Story
1. Advocacy is crucial – Without his mother pushing for early intervention, Chris may not have received the support he needed for his dyslexia.
2. Passion overcomes obstacles – Despite discouragement, he pursued a career in IT and thrived.
3. Resilience in the face of adversity – Whether it was job setbacks, starting a business, or facing cancer, Chris never gave up.
4. Creativity is a strength – Dyslexia often comes with strong problem-solving and creative skills, which Chris used to build innovative solutions.
5. Health battles can inspire new beginnings – Even during cancer treatment, he launched a new venture, proving that motivation and purpose can be powerful healing tools.
Chris’s journey is a reminder that no matter the challenges, perseverance and adaptability can turn struggles into success. His story isn’t just about overcoming dyslexia or surviving cancer, it’s about thriving despite the odds.
So often, I get asked “what career will be available to my child if they have dyslexia?”. Chris’ story proves that dyslexia does not have to define a career choice, in fact it may enhance it.
