Newsletter 200: The Intersection of Athletics, Entrepreneurship, Neurodiversity, and AI Technology

A Kinesthetic Journey

Hello, dear readers! Matt Ivey here, writing to you on this beautiful day in Northern California. As we celebrate our 200th edition, I'm thrilled to share some personal insights on the connection between athletics, entrepreneurship, neurodiversity, and AI technology. My son's first Little League game of the season inspired these thoughts, a joyous occasion that got me reflecting on my journey.

From a young age, I've been a kinesthetic learner, constantly on the move - a trait often associated with ADHD and dyslexia. Physical activity and hands-on learning resonated far more than traditional classroom settings. This disposition naturally drew me to athletics, where I thrived in leadership roles like being a team captain:

- Rallying my teammates

- Making strategic decisions on the field

- Embracing the competitive spirit

The Entrepreneurial Mindset

As I've navigated my professional life, that same desire for autonomy, competitiveness, and ability to control my environment has driven me toward entrepreneurship. Working for myself provides the agency I crave, allowing me to steer the course of my business, much like a captain guiding a team.

Every decision, adjustment, and strategic move is in my hands – a feeling that harkens back to those days on the playing field. Yet, just as I looked up to athletic coaches growing up, I understood the immense value of learning from mentors with more experience.

Sharing Knowledge and Building Teams

One of my greatest joys is coaching and consulting for small businesses, sharing the wisdom I've gained. Treating my work like a competitive sport keeps that fire alive within me. I actively encourage others with ADHD, dyslexia, and neurodivergent traits to consider entrepreneurship – autonomy can be incredibly empowering.

Building great teams is another highlight reminiscent of coaching an athletic squad. I assemble a diverse group with complementary skills and nurture their growth. I prefer being the least knowledgeable person in the room, surrounded by experts who:

- Challenge me

- Elevate me

- Fuel my drive for continuous learning and adaptation

AI: A Thrilling New Frontier 

My latest passion is AI technology, igniting that same childlike excitement of picking up a new venture. The ever-evolving landscape, with novel challenges and opportunities, is utterly refreshing.

Diving into this realm – learning the tools, experimenting, and pushing boundaries – is a thrilling adventure akin to forming a new team. For those with dyslexia and neurodivergence, AI presents particular promise through tools like:

- Voice recognition

- Text-to-speech

- Machine learning algorithms

As someone with dyslexia, I'm tremendously excited by AI's potential to enhance reading, writing, and communication abilities.

Embracing the Unique Path

Looking back, I see unmistakable connections between my experiences in athletics, entrepreneurial spirit, neurodivergent cognitive profile, and passion for AI. These strands intertwine through that innate drive for continuous growth, adaptation, and breaking free from constraints.

I hope sharing my journey inspires you to lean into your unique strengths. Here's to the next 200 newsletters and all the incredible learning yet to come!

Be The Adventure!

Matt Ivey

Founder Dyslexic.ai