TPP 346: Gil Gershoni on Creativity, Dyslexic Design Thinking and Tapping into the Hyper-Abilities of Dyslexic People

I know it can be incredibly powerful and transformational for parents raising differently wired kids to hear from neurodivergent adults about their lived experience. How did they feel as a child? What was it that helped them navigate feelings of inadequacy they may have internalized or the challenges of being a child who was misunderstood or whose gifts were overlooked? That’s why I’m so happy to share today’s conversation with Gil Gershoni, the founder and creative director of the branding firm Gershoni Creative, the creator of the Dyslexic Design Thinking methodology, and the host of the Dyslexic Design Thinking podcast. Gil’s big goal is to show the world that dyslexic thinkers can open new doors and innovate absolutely anything.

I invited Gil to share his inspiring story of how, as a child, he shifted his relationship with his dyslexia so it became the key to his finding so much success in his creative work, as well as to help listeners better understand the link between dyslexia and creativity. In telling us about his journey and his perspectives on the gifts of neurodivergence, Gil also shares how parents can best support and show up for our dyslexic kids so they have the knowledge and confidence to leverage their unique brains.

Gil is also the creator of a wonderful, empowering initiative called Dear Dyslexia: The Postcard Project, which invites dyslexics of all ages — from students to professionals — to depict their relationship with dyslexia on postcards using words and image, so I asked him to share with us the why behind that initiative and tell us how it’s helping dyslexics everywhere, especially kids, really lean into who they are.

I really enjoyed having this sit down with Gil, someone who is very much on the frontlines of the paradigm shift we’re all a part of. Whether your child is dyslexic, has another learning disability, or is in any way neurodivergent, I hope this conversation feels supportive, inspirational, and motivating for you.

About Gil Gershoni

Gil Gershoni is the founder and creative director of the branding firm Gershoni Creative. He says that everything he does, he does dyslexic. Gil sees dyslexia as a hyper-ability. His goal is to show the world that dyslexic thinkers can open new doors and innovate anything.

Along with Gershoni Creative, Gil created Dyslexic Design Thinking, a method that helps clients see new perspectives and tell the story of their brand. Gil also hosts Dyslexic Design Thinking, a podcast that explores the link between dyslexia and creativity. Through these outlets, Gil spotlights dyslexic thinkers and ideas.

Things you'll learn:

• What made the difference in Gil’s life as being someone who ultimately embraced and leveraged the gifts of his dyslexic brain
• What Gil’s Dyslexic Design Thinking methodology is, and how it can be used to support creativity, problem solving, and more
• How Gil defines the gifts and “hyperabilities” of the dyslexic brain
• How Gil supports parents powerfully showing up for and advocating for their kids
• How Dear Dyslexia: the Postcard Project has help kids redefine their relationship with their dyslexia
• How parents can help their child to unlock their own potential

Resources mentioned:

• Dyslexic Design Thinking
• Dyslexic Design Thinking podcast
• Dear Dyslexia: The Postcard Project
• David Flink
• Jonathan Mooney
• 12-Year-Old Asher Talks with Social Movement Leader David Flink (Tilt Parenting Podcast)
• LD and ADHD Advocate and Author Jonathan Mooney on Why Normal Sucks (Tilt Parenting Podcast)
• Description of Gil’s talk about SXSW

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