Dear Dyslexic Podcast

What happens when a dyslexic woman who was told she’d "never be anything" becomes a trailblazing leader in disability inclusion? In this raw and powerful episode, Saraya O’Connell from Hotel Etico—Australia’s first social enterprise hotel—opens up for the first time about her dyslexia, ADHD, and how she turned workplace struggles into superpowers. Saraya is the General Manager of Hotel Etico, a groundbreaking not-for-profit hotel in the Blue Mountains that trains and employs young adults with disabilities in hospitality. A dyslexic and ADHD leader, she’s spent years masking her neurodivergence while advocating for systemic change in employment. Diagnosed with dyslexia at 15 (after teachers called her "stupid"), Saraya left school early, climbed the ranks in hospitality and disability sectors, and now champions inclusive hiring practices—all while navigating the invisible challenges of neurodiversity. In this episode, we discuss a range of significant topics, including: ●     The emotional toll of educational trauma and being underestimated. ●     Disclosure struggles: Why even disability sector leaders hide their dyslexia. ●     Workplace strategies for dyslexia/ADHD (like handling forms and multi-step instructions). ●     How Hotel Etico is revolutionizing hospitality inclusion—and why the industry is embracing it. ●     The recent ADHD diagnosis that explained her "chaos superpower." ●     Vulnerability in leadership: Why Saraya is finally going public with her story. A NOTE FROM OUR DIRECTOR AND PODCAST HOST: I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au [https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/] to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well! If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

What happens when a dyslexic woman who was told she’d "never be anything" becomes a trailblazing leader in disability inclusion? In this raw and powerful episode, Saraya O’Connell from Hotel Etico—Australia’s first social enterprise hotel—opens up for the first time about her dyslexia, ADHD, and how she turned workplace struggles into superpowers. Saraya is the General Manager of Hotel Etico, a groundbreaking not-for-profit hotel in the Blue Mountains that trains and employs young adults with disabilities in hospitality. A dyslexic and ADHD leader, she’s spent years masking her neurodivergence while advocating for systemic change in employment. Diagnosed with dyslexia at 15 (after teachers called her "stupid"), Saraya left school early, climbed the ranks in hospitality and disability sectors, and now champions inclusive hiring practices—all while navigating the invisible challenges of neurodiversity. In this episode, we discuss a range of significant topics, including: ●   The emotional toll of educational trauma and being underestimated. ●   Disclosure struggles: Why even disability sector leaders hide their dyslexia. ●   Workplace strategies for dyslexia/ADHD (like handling forms and multi-step instructions). ●   How Hotel Etico is revolutionizing hospitality inclusion—and why the industry is embracing it. ●   The recent ADHD diagnosis that explained her "chaos superpower." ●   Vulnerability in leadership: Why Saraya is finally going public with her story. A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host: I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well! If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support: LifeLine – 13 11 14 BeyondBlue Counsellor – 1300 22 4636

Ever felt like your brain just works differently — and wished technology could meet you halfway? In this empowering solo episode, Dr Shae Wissell shares why AI has become a game-changer for dyslexics and other neurodivergent minds, offering practical ways to turn daily challenges into new superpowers. In today’s episode, Dr Shae Wissell, researcher, advocate, and proud dyslexic and dysgraphic, dives deep into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way neurodivergent individuals work, learn, and live. From writing struggles to planning overwhelm, Shae shares personal stories and practical tools that have helped her — and can help you too — reclaim time, energy, and confidence. Topics Discussed: * Why AI is not "cheating" — it's an accommodation, like glasses * How ChatGPT, Grammarly, Siri, and other tools support writing and proofreading * Using speech-to-text apps to unlock faster communication * Reducing cognitive overload with planning and time management AI tools * The importance of remaining the subject matter expert (and not blindly relying on AI) * How AI levels the playing field for dyslexic and neurodivergent individuals * Shae’s favourite tools: Google NotebookLM, Speechify, Goblin Tools, and more * Practical first steps to start using AI without feeling overwhelmed A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host: I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Hobo CEO podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well! If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support: * LifeLine on 13 11 14 * BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636 Contact Shae: Website https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/ [https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rethink_dyslexia [https://www.instagram.com/rethink_dyslexia] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shae-marie-wissell-b95aaa31/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shae-marie-wissell-b95aaa31/]

In a world where disability often gets lost in the noise of bureaucracy, how do we ensure that every voice is heard? In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Peter Smith, the Director and Founder of the Center for Disability Employment Research and Practice (CDERP). With over 15 years of experience in the field, Peter has dedicated his career to improving employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. His journey began at Sydney University, where he recognised the lack of focus on disability and employment. Under the mentorship of leading experts, Peter has developed a robust evidence base for disability employment methodologies and has established accredited training programs tailored for Australia. His work spans across various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and even Saudi Arabia, making him a global advocate for disability rights. In this episode, Peter and I discuss a range of significant topics, including: ●     The current landscape of disability employment in Australia and the impact of the NDIS. ●     The challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions in accessing support. ●     The importance of integrity and evidence-based practices in disability advocacy. ●     The umbrella effect of the neurodivergent movement and its implications for various disabilities. ●     Personal anecdotes and lessons learned from Peter's extensive career in the field. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that not only sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities but also inspires hope and action for a more inclusive future. A NOTE FROM OUR DIRECTOR AND PODCAST HOST: I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au [https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/] to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well! If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

What if the key to unlocking potential in the workplace lies in embracing neurodiversity? We are joined in this episode by Dr. Annalisa, the founder of Atom Consulting [https://atomconsulting.com.au/], a company dedicated to helping water utilities manage their risks, particularly in water quality. With a rich background in consulting and a personal journey through neurodiversity, Annalisa has become a passionate advocate for individuals with learning differences. After her elder son was diagnosed with autism, she pursued her own diagnosis of ADHD in her 40s, leading her to a deeper understanding of neurodiversity. Annalisa's commitment to inclusivity in the workplace is evident in her efforts to bridge the gap between neurodiverse talent and the skills shortage in the water sector. In this episode, we discuss significant topics such as the challenges and triumphs of adult diagnoses, the importance of creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals, and practical strategies for leaders to support their teams. Annalisa shares her personal experiences with ADHD and dyslexia, the tools she has developed to navigate her professional life, and her vision for a more inclusive workplace. A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host: I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au [https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/] to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well! If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support: