For much of her life, Lauren Sánchez Bezos faced challenges that many people never saw. Before becoming a journalist, pilot, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist, she was a student struggling with dyslexia, a learning difference that made reading and processing information difficult.
Today, Sánchez Bezos is using her platform to highlight the realities of living with both dyslexia and ADHD, while sharing the tools that helped her succeed in highly demanding careers.
© Lauren SanchezDuring a candid discussion about her experiences, Sánchez Bezos reflected on the accommodations and techniques she developed over the years to navigate everyday challenges.
How Audiobooks Changed Everything
One of the most significant tools in Sánchez Bezos' journey has been audiobooks. "One of the first things is pretty obvious, and that's audiobooks," she explained.
As a student, reading books from cover to cover often felt impossible. "When I was in high school, getting through a book, well, it never really happened. So, as you remember, Cliff Notes. I used to use Cliff Notes, and now I can get through a whole book. So, thank you, audiobooks."
Audiobooks have become a widely recommended resource for individuals with dyslexia because they allow users to absorb information through listening rather than traditional reading. For Sánchez Bezos, they opened the door to enjoying books in a way that worked with her learning style.
© Lauren Sánchez Bezos /IGUnique Memory Technique
Sánchez Bezos also revealed how she developed a personalized strategy while working as a television reporter. Reporters often need to write scripts and deliver them live on camera with little room for error. While many colleagues could quickly memorize scripts, she needed a different approach.
© WireImage"The other thing is how I memorize things as a reporter," she said. "You used to have to go and write a script, and then memorize it, because you do a live shot." She continued, "A lot of people could just memorize it and go on camera right away. I used to have to write it down three times, so that my brain could process all of those words, and it really sunk in."
The repetitive writing process helped reinforce information while also improving spelling, another area commonly affected by dyslexia. "It also helps me with spelling," she added.
Turning Challenges Into Strengths
Rather than viewing dyslexia as a limitation, Sánchez Bezos has often spoken about the resilience and problem-solving skills it helped her develop. She built a successful broadcasting career, earned her pilot's license, founded the aerial film company Black Ops Aviation, became a bestselling children's author, went to orbit, and has taken on major philanthropic initiatives.
© Lauren SanchezMany experts note that people with dyslexia often develop strong creativity, adaptability, and big-picture thinking skills, qualities that have been evident throughout Sánchez Bezos' professional journey.
How She Manages ADHD
In addition to dyslexia, Sánchez Bezos also lives with ADHD, which can affect focus, attention, and organization. One of her simplest coping tools is something many people with ADHD will recognize. "Well, fidget toys," she said. "I can't see them, but I'm always trying to play with them, or else I end up biting my nails."
© Lauren Sánchez BezosFidget tools are commonly used to help channel restless energy and improve concentration during meetings, conversations, or tasks that require sustained attention.
Her Kids Keep Her Focused
Perhaps the most relatable strategy Sánchez Bezos shared involves her children. "The other thing that helps me with my ADHD, well, is my kids," she said.
According to Sánchez Bezos, her children know exactly how to pull her attention back when she's distracted. "Because if I get distracted, they go, 'Mom,' and if that doesn't get their attention, they call me by my first name, my first real name, which is Wendy."
© Lauren Sánchez/InstagramShe joked that one of her children, Evan, has mastered the technique. "I'm calling you out. He goes, 'Wendy,' and I turn right away."
An Inspiring Message for Others With Dyslexia and ADHD
Sánchez Bezos' story serves as a reminder that learning differences do not define a person's potential. Through practical adaptations, persistence, and self-awareness, she found methods that worked for her and used them to build a career spanning multiple industries.
© Lauren SanchezAs she summed up her experience: "Those are just some of the things that help me navigate dyslexia and ADHD."
