This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the determination and talent of people like Kate Richards, Financial Controller at IG Design Group Plc in the UK.

Driven to do better

“An important factor in my journey is my dyslexia,” Kate says. “I was diagnosed at a very young age, as one of the 5% of children in the UK with the worst form of dyslexia. It was obvious that something wasn’t right. I struggled to read, but I’d finish a maths question quicker than anyone else.”

Kate’s dyslexia brought challenges, but also spurred her on. “I didn’t want it to define me, so I felt I had to work harder to achieve the same as other people.”

Re-finding focus

After leaving school, Kate started working at a solicitor’s office, where she was mentored by an accountant. “I came into that job a little bit lost. My mentor saw potential in me, gave me practical help to find accountancy courses and job opportunities, and enabled me to refocus. I’m so lucky to have people who have mentored, supported and pushed me into opportunities where I’ve gained leadership experience. That’s led me to where I am today.”

Accelerated action

“The culture at IG Design Group is probably one of the best I’ve ever worked in. We’re very people-focused and always motivating each other to achieve more.”

One of the key steps of accelerated action Kate has seen at IG Design Group is a growing discussion around menopause. “Our HR Manager, Sarah, organised a webinar and issued a Menopause policy as part of Women’s Health week, and it really opened my eyes. I think this is something that needs to be considered more in our workplace cultures.”

With weaknesses, there are strengths

To anyone starting out in their career while managing dyslexia, Kate says “of course it gets frustrating at times, but don’t let that hold you back. Maybe achieving your goals will involve working a little bit harder than other people, but it’s worth it. Maybe this also means you can see things slightly differently than other people, with its weaknesses there are also strengths.”