An interview with Peter Lederer

Peter Lederer is an internationally recognized dyslexic entrepreneur and business leader who is better recognized for being at the helm for 25 years of the world-famous hotel and resort of Gleneagles, where he applied his transformative skills and dedication to develop it into an all-round and all-season resort. But his journey with dyslexia began with a transformative moment later in life, discovering his dyslexia at the age of 42. This revelation came through his son’s assessment. When he read the report it was his early life explained. This discovery didn’t just clarify his educational struggles when he was at school but also validated his unique cognitive strengths and challenges. Throughout his schooling, Peter, at an early age, had felt the weight of being different; though never labelled as incompetent, his dyslexia led him to feel inadequate compared to his peers. This is a similar story to the former Formula 1 champion Sir Jackie Stewart, both discovering that they had dyslexia because of their son’s diagnosis. Sir Jackie is now a Patron and Peter is a Board Director of Dyslexia Scotland.

Despite these challenges, Peter identified his strengths in practical tasks and logical thinking, which helped him navigate through life. University was out of the question, not having the relevant qualifications so he pursued a career in hotel and catering management. This was an industry that suited his abilities and interests, particularly enjoying the hands-on aspects and the practical “sandwich course” format that alternated between classroom learning and industry experience. This structure allowed him to excel and gain confidence in his abilities, which had never been allowed to develop before.

His experiences with dyslexia have heavily influenced his approach to management. He emphasises his humility, empathy, and the importance of empowering others. I have worked under influential leaders like Isadore “Issy” Sharp, OC, the Canadian hotelier and writer and the founder and chairman of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. While working in Canada, Peter established himself and learned the significance of treating people with respect and dignity, especially in difficult situations. This soon became globally recognised, and he was eventually headhunted and appointed Managing Director of Gleneagles. This principle shaped his leadership style at Gleneagles and beyond; Peter was awarded the OBE in 1995 for services to the hospitality industry and later the CBE for tourism services.

At Gleneagles, where he spent 25 years as Managing Director, Peter’s management philosophy prioritised employee well-being and development. He believed happy, well-trained employees would lead to satisfied customers and business success. This holistic approach improved employee morale and strengthened Gleneagles’ reputation as a premier hospitality destination. Peter’s commitment to staff development has extended beyond Gleneagles. Through other initiatives and his involvement in dyslexia awareness efforts, Peter demonstrated a consistent dedication to improving lives and communities. His belief in hiring for personality over qualifications highlighted his understanding that skills can be taught. Still, core attributes like empathy and a positive attitude are intrinsic to excellent service and team cohesion.

Peter’s achievements, including turning Gleneagles into a year-round success and his contributions to dyslexia awareness, underscore his lasting influence, impact and legacy. His journey from discovering dyslexia to becoming a respected leader and advocate highlights the potential within individuals who think differently. By embracing his dyslexia and leveraging his strengths, Peter forged a successful career and inspired others to see neurodiversity as a source of innovation and strength. In conclusion, Peter’s story exemplifies resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of understanding and accommodating neurodiversity in the workplace. His advocacy for dyslexia awareness and inclusive management practices serves as a beacon for organisations striving to create supportive environments where all individuals, regardless of their cognitive differences, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.