Every Child Has a Genius... Even If School Doesn’t Recognise It

Yesterday was the end-of-year assembly at my boys’ school... the one where awards are given out and school captains are announced. There’s excitement in the air... and for many children, there’s also quiet disappointment as they watch others walk up to the stage, again and again, while they remain in their seats.

I remember being that child.

At school, I was an all-rounder. I did well in English, Maths, and Science... above average, but never the best. I never got the awards.

And now, 30 years on, I finally understand why.

No matter how hard I tried, I could never have been the best... because what I truly excelled at wasn’t being measured.

‘Archaic’ might sound harsh when describing our education system, but let me ask you this...

How many jobs have you had where IQ was the only thing that mattered?
How many of you were creative as children, but felt out of place or deeply bored at school?
How many of you had natural strengths in emotional intelligence or human behaviour... yet those skills were never recognised or nurtured?
And how many of you have created a meaningful, successful life without a stack of academic qualifications?

In the past seven years, I’ve changed careers. And now... I know what it feels like to be the best.

Not better than others. But deeply aligned with my unique gifts.

When I sit with another human being — whether it’s a parent, teacher, or child — I help them see themselves more clearly. I support them in becoming who they’re meant to be. And that is my genius.

I facilitate transformation. Every. Single. Time.

These weren’t skills I learned in school... and they definitely weren’t on my report card.

Because back then, emotional intelligence (EQ), intuition, resilience, and behavioural insight weren’t even considered skills.

They weren’t recognised by my teachers... or even by my well-meaning parents.

So for much of my life, I felt unintelligent.

It has taken a lot to undo that belief... but I no longer see myself that way.

And when I say I’m doing my best... I mean I’m finally being me in the world. That’s the version of success I want for all of us.

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
— Albert Einstein

So when my youngest son came home with a medal for academic excellence in mathematics, I was truly excited for him. I celebrated with him and asked how he felt about the achievement... because I know maths is his happy place.

He is exceptional at it.

But my joy was laced with frustration.

Because my other son... like me... is a quiet all-rounder. He has incredibly high emotional intelligence. He’s kind, aware, insightful. These are the skills we know are at the heart of the future of work.

Yet year after year, he is overlooked. Because our current system doesn’t measure what he’s best at.

So yes, I feel angry. And sad.

Sad for every child whose genius is invisible in the current model of education.

Let me be clear... this is not about a particular teacher or school.

This is about the entire system. A collective need to redefine what we value.

As organisations start to seek out emotional intelligence and creativity in employees, universities will begin to adapt. As universities shift their requirements, so will schools.

And right now, we as parents have the power to start this shift in our homes.

We can name, celebrate, and value the diverse ways our children are wired.

We can look beyond what’s measurable and encourage what’s meaningful.

I’m hopeful. I see signs of change. But for now, we have to speak up.

Every child has a genius. It’s up to all of us to help them find it, name it, and own it.

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