Sir Richard gives Darwin 11 year-old entrepreneur some tips on life

Darwin’s 11-year-old dyslexic entrepreneur Angus Copelin-Walters is being mentored by one of the world’s foremost business leaders.

RICHARD Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, has been mentoring Darwin’s 11-year-old dyslexic entrepreneur Angus Copelin-Walters.

Sir Richard, who is also dyslexic, shared his thoughts on business and said he thought Angus, who recently won the Champion Sole ­Operator Award at the ­National Small Business Awards, was on the path to a “really amazing life”.

Angus is the founder of the popular Croc Candy brand in Darwin. Sir Richard told Angus that his own personal journey with dyslexia as a schoolboy was a hard one.

“First of all nobody had heard of the word dyslexia so people just assumed that I was not very clever,” Sir Richard told Angus during their one-to-one live hook-up.

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“It is much better in the schools of today because they now understand dyslexia. In the real world when I left school dyslexia became a major advantage for me.

“It helps me think creatively, it helps me see solutions where others see problems. It has made me realise that it is not a disadvantage, it is just a different way of thinking. I’m lucky enough to see dyslexia as my super power and you’ve already discovered that yourself.”

Angus shared with Sir Richard the story of his candy business and his latest venture experimenting with bush flavours like lemon myrtle, Kakadu plum and green ants.

Sir Richard told Angus to trust his instincts. “As you get older you will have more instinct based on more experience … don’t be afraid to take risks,” he said.

“My nickname is Dr Yes because by pretty well saying yes to everything has put me on some wonderful adventures.”

Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, has been mentoring Darwin’s 11 year-old dyslexic entrepreneur Angus Copelin-Walters, with mum Joanne. Picture: SUPPLIED

Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, has been mentoring Darwin’s 11 year-old dyslexic entrepreneur Angus Copelin-Walters, with mum Joanne. Picture: SUPPLIED

Angus said the mentoring from Sir Richard and sharing mutual stories about living with dyslexia was a dream come true.

Angus has put a friendly call-out to Scott Morrison asking the Prime Minister to consider making Australia the first country in the world to train all teachers with free dyslexia training developed by his favourite global charity, Made by Dyslexia, and Microsoft.

Angus is one of the first inspirational young people to join Made by Dyslexia as a ‘Young Ambassador’ for Australia. In this role, Angus will work alongside the global charity to help the world understand, value and support dyslexia.