Success is often measured by the ability to navigate challenges, adapt, and persevere. For Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, parent company of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants and Wycliff Douglas Provisions, these principles have been essential not just in business but in his personal life. Diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and attention deficit disorder (ADD) at a young age, Roland faced multiple learning differences that forced him to see the world through a unique lens. What might have seemed like obstacles were actually the foundation for his creative thinking, adaptability, and entrepreneurial mindset.
For many, the question arises: Can you be successful while having learning differences? Roland Dickey, Jr.’s journey offers a resounding “yes,” proving that dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADD are not barriers to success but rather advantages that fuel innovation, resilience, and out-of-the-box thinking.
Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and ADD: From Challenge to Strength
Dyslexia and dyscalculia are two well-known learning differences. Dyslexia primarily affects reading and language processing, while dyscalculia involves difficulty with math and numbers. ADD, on the other hand, affects attention, focus, and impulse control, making it challenging to maintain sustained concentration. For Roland Dickey Jr, these conditions presented significant challenges in traditional academic settings. He struggled with reading comprehension, numbers, and focus, making standard classroom work especially difficult. But instead of letting these struggles define him, Roland learned to adapt, finding alternative ways to process information and solve problems.
While many people with learning differences are initially labeled as “difficult” or “challenged,” Roland discovered early on that his brain simply worked differently—not less effectively. He learned to rely on creativity, intuition, and problem-solving skills to excel in areas where conventional approaches failed. These qualities have become some of his greatest assets as a leader.
Resilience: Overcoming Setbacks and Pushing Forward
Resilience is a trait that defines successful entrepreneurs, and Roland’s experience with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADD forged this in him from a young age. Growing up with learning differences forced him to work harder, persist longer, and find new ways to achieve his goals. Each setback, whether in school or early in his career, became an opportunity to develop the grit needed to succeed.
Rather than being discouraged by failure, Roland found a way to embrace it as part of the learning process. His resilience allowed him to push through challenges and setbacks that might have derailed others. In business, this same mentality has helped him navigate economic downturns, competition, and external pressures. The ability to bounce back from adversity is crucial in entrepreneurship, and Roland’s early experiences with learning differences gave him a unique advantage.
Creative Thinking: Turning Problems into Opportunities
One of the hallmarks of dyslexia is the ability to think outside the box. Because traditional methods of learning and problem-solving didn’t work for Roland, he had to develop creative solutions to overcome obstacles. This divergent thinking—viewing problems from multiple angles and coming up with innovative ways to tackle them—has become a cornerstone of his leadership style.
When Roland Dickey, Jr. took over Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in 2006, the company was at a crossroads. Competition was increasing, and the barbecue landscape was changing. Rather than sticking to the status quo, Roland used his creative thinking to revitalize the brand. He expanded franchising opportunities, embraced new technology, and led the company into the digital age with innovations like online ordering and mobile apps. His ability to see the bigger picture and innovate has helped Dickey’s become the largest barbecue franchise in the world.
His ADD, though sometimes challenging, has also fueled his ability to juggle multiple ideas and projects simultaneously. The fast-paced nature of business suits Roland’s quick thinking and adaptability. While others may struggle with the constant shifts and demands of entrepreneurship, Roland Dickey, Jr. thrives on it, using his fast-paced, energetic thinking style to his advantage.
Roland’s creative thinking also extends to how he runs his business on a day-to-day basis. He encourages his team to think freely, take risks, and approach challenges with an open mind. This culture of innovation has allowed Dickey’s to remain agile, pivoting quickly when necessary and staying ahead of trends in the fast-paced restaurant industry.
Adaptability: Thriving in an Ever-Changing Environment
Adaptability is key to success in any business, and it’s something Roland Dickey, Jr. excels at. His dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADD made him constantly adapt to new situations growing up, whether it was finding new ways to study or coming up with unconventional methods for absorbing information. This skill translated seamlessly into his career.
In business, things rarely go according to plan. Whether it’s navigating the impact of a global pandemic or adjusting to market fluctuations, leaders must be able to adapt quickly. Roland’s background has made him adept at pivoting when needed, adjusting strategies, and finding new ways to thrive when old methods are no longer effective. His adaptability has been crucial in keeping Dickey’s Barbecue Pit competitive in an evolving industry.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: How Learning Differences Fuel Success
Entrepreneurs are often defined by their ability to take risks, think creatively, and challenge the status quo. Roland Dickey, Jr.’s experience with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADD naturally pushed him to develop these traits. His learning differences forced him to approach problems differently, which is the very essence of entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship thrives on divergent thinking—the ability to connect ideas that others might not see as related, to question conventional wisdom, and to embrace failure as a learning experience. Roland’s experiences with learning differences uniquely positioned him to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Instead of seeing obstacles, he sees opportunities, a hallmark of successful entrepreneurs.
This mindset has not only driven Roland’s success at Dickey’s but has also inspired others in the business. He has fostered an entrepreneurial culture within the company, encouraging franchisees and employees to think independently, come up with their own solutions, and always look for ways to innovate.
The Power of Divergent Thinking: A Common Trait Among Visionaries
Roland Dickey, Jr. isn’t alone in using learning differences to his advantage. In fact, many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, creators, and business leaders have leveraged similar experiences to fuel their success.
- Walt Disney: The legendary animator and entrepreneur was believed to have had dyslexia. Despite early struggles in school, Disney’s visionary thinking led to the creation of an entertainment empire.
- Steven Spielberg: One of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Spielberg has been open about his struggles with dyslexia. His condition didn’t prevent him from revolutionizing the film industry and becoming a household name.
- Charles Schwab: The founder of the Charles Schwab Corporation has dyslexia. His learning differences pushed him to think differently about investing, leading to the creation of one of the largest brokerage firms in the world.
- Henry Ford: Ford, who had dyslexia, revolutionized the automobile industry. His innovative approach to manufacturing, including the assembly line, reshaped industries beyond just automobiles.
- Steve Jobs: While never officially diagnosed with dyslexia, many believe Jobs exhibited traits consistent with the condition. His unconventional thinking led to the creation of Apple, a company that transformed technology.
- Paul Orfalea: The founder of Kinko’s had both dyslexia and attention deficit disorder (ADD). He turned his learning differences into an asset, building one of the most successful copy store chains in the world.
- Richard Branson: The founder of the Virgin Group has dyslexia and ADD, two learning differences that pushed him to think differently, leading to his success as one of the world’s most innovative business leaders.
These leaders, like Roland Dickey, Jr., have demonstrated that learning differences aren’t barriers to success but often catalysts for innovation and greatness.
Can You Be Successful with Learning Differences? Roland Dickey, Jr. Says Yes
Roland Dickey, Jr.’s story answers the question, “Can you be successful with learning differences?” with a resounding yes. His dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADD have not held him back—they’ve propelled him forward. His ability to think differently, solve problems creatively, and adapt quickly are all traits that have made him a successful leader.
Learning differences, far from being a disadvantage, have given Roland the resilience, creativity, and adaptability necessary to navigate the complexities of running a business. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone who may be facing similar challenges. Success is not determined by how easily you fit into conventional molds but by how you leverage your unique strengths to overcome obstacles and create opportunities.
Roland Dickey, Jr.: A Leader Who Understands Challenges
Beyond his role as CEO, Roland Dickey, Jr. is someone who understands the struggle and triumph that come with learning differences. His journey has made him a compassionate and empathetic leader. He knows firsthand what it means to face challenges, and this understanding is reflected in the way he runs his business.
Roland’s story is a powerful reminder that success comes in many forms and from many paths. Dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADD may have made traditional learning difficult for him, but they also forged the skills and mindset that have allowed him to build a business empire. For Roland Dickey, Jr., learning differences aren’t just part of his story—they are integral to his success.
Also Read: Language Skills: a key asset for the next generation of global CEOs
