Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group and one of today’s most successful businessmen with a net worth of over 2.7 billion dollars, is also widely regarded as a dyslexic thinker who has used his voice to encourage society to understand the benefits of neurodiversity and transform it into a unique superpower. 

More than ever, Branson, who was diagnosed with dyslexia in his twenties, after he had left school because the term wasn’t widely used at the time. According to the International Dyslexia Association, it’s a neurological condition caused by the brain’s wired differently, affecting how it processes written words, making reading and spelling more challenging.

Many people with dyslexia have gone on to accomplish great things, including Steve Jobs, Thomas Edison, Stephen Spielberg, and Richard Branson himself, who believes that with the right education, neurodivergent individuals can become valuable assets to companies and projects. 

This is why Branson partnered with the organization Made By Dyslexia to launch the University of Dyslexic Thinking or DyslexicU. This online school, in collaboration with The Open University, offers free online courses in different subjects.

“For two long, traditional learning environments have ignored the game-changing creative and emotional intelligence that has solved many of mankind’s challenges. So as we stand at the Dawn of the next industrial era we face some of the greatest challenges humanity has ever known. One thing is clear, the type of intelligence humanity needs is changing. Our way of thinking has never been encouraged by the old school of thought. It’s never been taught by any school of thought, until now”, said Branson in the University’s commencement speech video.

“Our new report finds that Dyslexic Thinking skills are the most in-demand skills in every job, across all sectors, globally today”, such as creativity, problem-solving, leadership, and unique approaches to tackling challenges.

Currently, DyslexicU has launched two courses: “Entrepreneurs and Startup Mindset”,  created in collaboration with Virgin StartUp, and “Change Makers and Activism”, created in collaboration with Virgin Unite. These courses cover topics and skills such as storytelling, sports, fashion, and music. Richard Branson stated that more courses will be added later this year. Learn more and join for free at www.dyslexicu.org