Kirsty Heap

Language: English

I was seven years old when I was diagnosed with dyslexia, and it impacted my life in different ways both positive and negative.  I found school very frustrating and had to spend a lot of extra time doing homework to make sure I achieved the grades I wanted. However, I did learn that my determination and resilience levels are high and that I don’t like being told that I can’t or won’t achieve something!

Looking back now I can see that I hid behind my dyslexia and I let my dyslexia define me in some ways. For example, I didn’t apply for certain jobs or didn’t think I’d be capable of undertaking certain roles because of it. I didn’t understand my dyslexia, I didn’t see its benefits until I was in my 30’s.

I did my master’s degree in Management with Human Resources in my early 30s whilst working and bringing up my children. This was a three-year process, which was not only challenging but extremely hard work! This was a turning point in my life when I realized, I controlled my future and that my dyslexia does not define me. I am in charge of what I achieve, do or become.

I enjoy working with people which is why I moved into coaching. I found that I have the ability to see the bigger picture, adapt to different situations and communicate well with people. When I asked friends what words they would use to describe me they said, happy, positive, determined, resilient, motivating, great listener, supportive, reliable, helpful, like to have a laugh, wild imagination, kind and caring to name just a few.

A couple of random facts about me – I love raw carrots, enjoy taking cold showers, and my favourite animal is a cow (and I can do a pretty good cow impression even if I do say so myself!).