--- title: Cisco CEO John Chambers turns dyslexia into strength description: John Chambers, CEO of tech giant Cisco Systems, is talking openly about his dyslexia. Chambers hopes that his story of success will inspire young people. slug: cisco-ceo-john-chambers-turns-dyslexia-into-strength author: Geri Coleman Tucker published: '2019-10-16T11:52:06.516Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/B493B2722ACE414F91FC659E484736F6/2d4f923fee2253f7d6ed1f95e4d341d9/AP080922041290.jpg source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/cisco-ceo-john-chambers-turns-dyslexia-into-strength lang: en --- # Cisco CEO John Chambers turns dyslexia into strength John Chambers leads one of the nation’s largest technology companies, Cisco Systems, based in California’s Silicon Valley. When he talks about technology and his company slogan, “Tomorrow Starts Here,” he draws parallels to the kind of future tech found in *Star Trek* and *The Jetsons*. But when he’s not talking business, he’s often talking about dyslexia — especially with young people. Chambers, a West Virginia native, has become a prominent spokesman for [dyslexia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-dyslexia) because he says it’s important to be a role model to others. He was in grade school when he was first diagnosed. He told the [*Wall Street Journal*](https://www.wsj.com/articles/networking-with-ciscos-john-chambers-1407522067) and [*Business Insider*](https://www.businessinsider.com/cisco-ceo-john-chambers-talks-dyslexia-2014-7) that his dyslexia is both a strength and a weakness. “It would surprise you how many government and business leaders (have) dyslexia,” he told *Business Insider*. “Some people view it as a weakness, and maybe it is. What dyslexia forces you to do, you don’t go A, B, C, D, E ... to Z. I can go A, B ... Z with speed ... So it’s definitely an advantage.” He acknowledges that many executives won’t talk about their dyslexia. But he has used his dyslexia to help make him one of the most respected leaders in business — and rich, to boot. “Learning disabilities stay with you throughout your entire life,” he told the *Journal*. And in his case, dyslexia has empowered him to create and push for innovative technology products. Learn about [CEOs like Chambers](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/entrepreneurs-who-learn-and-think-differently) who have shared their stories about learning and thinking differences. --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [Entrepreneurship a perfect career path for kids with dyslexia, says Honest Tea CEO](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/entrepreneurship-a-perfect-career-path-for-kids-with-dyslexia-says-honest-tea-ceo) - What does your child want to be when she grows up? If she has dyslexia, she might want to add entrepreneur to her list. Honest Tea CEO and founder Seth Goldman says many people with dyslexia are bursting with creativity. Theyre used to dealing with setbacks and adversity. And they can be persistent - [Make dyslexia about strengths, not shame](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/make-dyslexia-about-strengths-not-shame) - Let me introduce myself: My name is Ben Foss, and I am dyslexic. When I was a kid, my mother read out loud to me. When I went to college, Id fax my term papers home to her in New Hampshire so she could read them to me over the phone and help me find spelling mistakes. I know what its like to feel lo - [How I start a conversation about dyslexia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-i-start-a-conversation-about-dyslexia) - A big part of being successful when you have dyslexia is being able to engage people who dont know much about dyslexia in a conversation. I like starting with some stats: Dyslexics are 17 percent of people, 35 percent of entrepreneurs and 41 percent of prisoners. 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