Getting promoted into a management role in the emergency services is a proud achievement but doing so while navigating the challenges of dyslexia adds a whole different layer to the journey. For many of us with dyslexia, our strengths can be overlooked, our confidence tested, and our potential underestimated. But leadership isn’t about being flawless, it’s about being resilient, self-aware, and deeply human.

Dyslexia isn’t just about spelling or reading, it’s about how we process information, how we manage written communication, and how we feel when faced with tasks that others find routine. In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of the emergency services, clear communication, report writing, and critical decision-making are daily demands.

STEPPING UP AND IMPOSTER SYNDROME

When I stepped into a management role, the imposter syndrome hit hard. Simple tasks like composing emails or digesting long policy documents took twice as long. I worried my team would notice. I feared judgment, misunderstanding, or worse, pity.

But here’s what I’ve learned: dyslexia doesn’t define my leadership, it shapes it.

Living with dyslexia forces you to adapt constantly. That adaptability, when embraced, becomes a leadership strength. I’ve learned to think creatively, solve problems from different angles, and build systems that work not just for me but for everyone. I rely on tools, technology, and, more importantly, people.

"Confidence doesn't come from knowing you'll get everything right, it comes from knowing you'll face things head-on, no matter what."

HONESTY, RESPECTED

Successful leaders don’t do everything alone, they delegate, empower, and build trust. My dyslexia has pushed me to do exactly that.

At first, I kept my dyslexia quiet. I thought it made me seem less capable. But eventually, I began to open up, first to trusted colleagues, then to my team. And something incredible happened: people respected the honesty. They saw the strength invulnerability.

By sharing my challenges, I created space for others to be open too, about their own struggles, whether personal or professional. That transparency fostered a culture of psychological safety, one where people feel supported, not judged.

That’s powerful leadership.

Confidence doesn’t come from knowing you’ll get everything right, it comes from knowing you’ll face things head-on, no matter what. Some days, I still stumble over paperwork or second-guess my wording. But I’ve stopped letting that define my worth. I focus on what I bring to the table: compassion, perspective, and the drive to lead from the front.

I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. Whether that means using dictation software, asking a colleague to proofread, or prioritising verbal communication where possible, I lead in ways that play to my strengths.

The emergency services need leaders who are human. Who can listen, learn, and lead with empathy. Dyslexia doesn’t hold me back, it reminds me to lead with humility, courage, and determination.

If you’re stepping into leadership with dyslexia, know this: you’re not broken, you’re built differently. And that difference, it might just make you one of the most effective, authentic leaders out there.