"I am NOT stupid" When Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran revealed her struggles with dyslexia and overcoming it 

In a candid 2017 tweet that would resonate with millions, Barbara Corcoran boldly proclaimed:

"I was a straight D student and spent my entire life trying to prove that I am NOT stupid!"

This raw, unfiltered statement from the real estate mogul and Shark Tank investor encapsulates a lifelong journey of transforming perceived weakness into extraordinary strength. Corcoran, now a self-made millionaire worth over $100 million, has become a beacon of hope for those struggling with learning differences.

She is most recognized for her astute business sense on the well-known entrepreneurship reality show Shark Tank, where she sits with other investors like Mark Cuban to share her knowledge and invest in promising start-up companies.

Her triumph, however, is the result of a remarkable journey shaped by dyslexia, a neurocognitive condition that affects how the brain processes language. Dyslexia is estimated to impact about 20% of people and can influence reading, writing, memory, and organization skills.

Barbara Corcoran’s journey with dyslexia

Growing up, Barbara Corcoran was labeled the "dumb kid" – a painful designation that followed her through school. Her academic record was far from impressive, with straight D grades that seemed to predict a limited future.

"I was labeled the 'dumb kid' that couldn't read or write, coming all through to when I was graduating in high school," she candidly shared with CNBC Make It.

Undiagnosed until her own son was diagnosed in second grade, Corcoran's dyslexia went untreated for years. But what could have been a roadblock became her greatest asset. Her mother's powerful response became a lifelong mantra of resilience:

"Don't worry about it. You have a wonderful imagination; you'll learn to fill in the blanks"

Although daydreaming in class for six hours a day might seem like a surefire way to fail academically, Barbara Corcoran saw it as a springboard for future achievement. Her aspiration of becoming the "Queen of New York Real Estate" at the age of 23 appeared unrealistic for a woman who had academic difficulties.

Her journey wasn't straightforward. She worked 22 different jobs before finding her footing in real estate. A $1,000 loan from her boyfriend became the seed money for her real estate firm. In 1973, she started selling apartments on Manhattan's Upper East Side with just seven agents. By 2001, she sold her firm for an impressive $66 million.

The power of self-doubt and empathy

Many successful entrepreneurs, including Corcoran, Sir Richard Branson, Daymond John, and Kevin O'Leary, credit their dyslexia for shaping their unique approach to problem-solving.

According to a Cass Business School study, entrepreneurs in the United States and the United Kingdom are even more likely than the general population to have dyslexia.

"Dyslexia made me a millionaire," she wrote on LinkedIn, turning what many would see as a limitation into her greatest strength.

The condition forced her to develop unique skills – persistence, imagination, and the ability to think differently.

Interestingly, Corcoran sees self-doubt as a crucial element of success.

"Self-doubt makes you over-prepare so you can't get caught with your pants down," she explained.

She believes that the "curse of being competent" is rooted in self-doubt and that every successful person wrestles with it.

Deep empathy was also fostered by her dyslexia.

"When you're labeled the 'dumb kid' by your classmates, you develop empathy & kindness towards others because you need it shown to you," she said.

Her ability to empathize turned into a superpower in leadership, enabling her to establish credibility and execute plans.

The tale of Barbara Corcoran is not just one of individual success—it serves as a striking reminder that potential is not defined by academic achievement. Her story demonstrates how any challenge can be turned into a stepping stone for success with the right attitude, perseverance, and creativity.

Barbara Corcoran's message is clear for anyone who feels constrained by learning differences: your unique way of thinking may be your greatest strength.

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You can watch Shark Tank on ABC every Friday at 8 PM ET, with streaming available on Hulu.