UC Business School's Thought Leadership Series | Dyslexic Thinking: An Untapped Strategic Advantage for Modern Business?

Join us for an engaging talk as part of the UC Business School's Thought Leadership Series. Doors open from 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start. This is a free event, with food and drinks provided at approximately 6.30pm following the session.

Guest Speakers

• Dorenda Britten

• Chris Cole

• Graham Grant

• Michelle Sharp

Dyslexia is something we need to overcome to be successful...but how true is that?

In this UC Business School Thought Leadership event we explore the advantages that dyslexic thinkers bring to business and innovation. Our panel will discuss both their experiences as business leaders and their experiences of working with dyslexic thinkers: what dyslexia is; what businesses can learn from dyslexic thinkers and, ultimately, what benefits does this approach bring to us as business leaders and thinkers. 

We will begin with a panel discussion followed by a chance for people in the audience to engage in Q&A. You may see the format is slightly different from previous Thought Leadership events as we are adopting approaches that are dyslexia friendly and accessible to all who attend. 

More about the speakers:

• Dorenda Britten
  Dorenda Britten is co-founder of Unlock Innovation Ltd, focused on how organisations recognise and apply different ways of thinking. Her work explores how conventional views of talent can limit innovation, with a particular focus on dyslexic thinking as an often underutilised strength. Drawing on experience across design, technology and business, she helps organisations uncover hidden potential and build more inclusive, effective approaches to problem solving.

• Chris Cole
  Chris Cole is an adaptive thinking adviser and thought leader working at the intersection of dyslexia, learning, and workplace performance. Late-diagnosed dyslexic, with over a decade of experience, she brings both lived insight and practical application to her work. Chris challenges the idea of dyslexia as a deficit, reframing it as a different way of thinking that highlights both strengths and where systems don’t quite work. Through Unlock Innovation, her work focuses on how diverse thinking — not just dyslexic thinking — improves decision-making and creates space for innovation. She works with leaders, organisations, and educators to reduce friction and create environments where different thinkers can perform. Her focus is on shifting the conversation on dyslexia and neurodiversity in Aotearoa into something practical, clear, and ready to act on.

• Graham Grant
  Graham Grant is a business leader with experience across global markets and sectors including financial services, renewable energy and forestry. He brings a strategic and analytical approach to growth and transformation. Also a member of the UC MBA Advisory Committee, he is committed to supporting and shaping the next generation of business leaders.

• Michelle Sharp
  Michelle Sharp is a senior executive and board advisor focused on transformation at the intersection of purpose, performance and growth. She has held CEO roles across commercial and not-for-profit sectors, including UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand. Michelle brings deep experience in digital transformation, telecommunications and infrastructure, with leadership roles at Vodafone in the UK and New Zealand. She is known for building inclusive, high-performing organisations that value different ways of thinking, including neurodiverse perspectives. Michelle holds advisory and governance roles and is founder of Power of Purpose, a strategic advisory firm. She is committed to creating equitable opportunities and lasting impact across Aotearoa New Zealand.

UC photographers will be present on the day. These images may be used by the University of Canterbury in the future for online or print publications and may be placed on official UC social media channels. The event will also be recorded, and attendees may be visible. If you have any questions or concerns regarding photography, please email communications@canterbury.ac.nz.