Tom Game

Talk

Reinventing myself: a dyslexic’s journey from manufacturing to software Testing

Throughout my career, spanning over 20 years in diverse manufacturing fields with a focus on Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), I achieved success. Despite this, I struggled against the challenges posed by my dyslexia. Upon returning from a 2-year career break, I assumed responsibility for European operations and procurement at a US based distillery. My proficiency was overshadowed by difficulties in executive functioning at work, leading to feelings of letting down myself, my family, and my employer.

With the support of my partner, I took a risk, quit my job, and join a Software Engineering bootcamp. Thanks to her help, this led me to my current role as an Apprentice Test & Quality Engineer at Cambridge Consultants. Changing careers has been a defining moment for me, empowering me to thrive and unlock my potential.

Thanks to my dyslexic thinking, I can perceive things uniquely, discover new methods of working, and highlight defects. My strength lies in understanding various user perspectives, aiding in spotting edge cases. My perseverance and ability to solve problems, developed by overcoming unique challenges, are immensely valuable in software testing.

I will explore the increasing influence of neurodiverse individuals in Industry 5.0, drawing from the findings in the “Intelligence 5.0” report by Made By Dyslexia. Across history, neurodivergent individuals have been pioneers in driving progress and innovation in STEM, a trend that will continue as we transition into this new era of industry. Involving neurodivergent individuals is important, but working together with neurotypical people is essential to leverage strengths and collaborate effectively.

Embrace Career Transitions: Making a career change can be daunting, but with the right support and guidance, it can unlock your potential. Commit fully to the process and embrace both the rough and smooth parts of the journey.
Age is Just a Number: Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Age should not be a barrier to pursuing new opportunities. Even if things don’t work out as planned, you will learn valuable lessons along the way. Remember Denzel Washington’s advice: fall forward, not backward.
Understand Yourself: Take the time to understand yourself and be honest about your strengths and challenges. Initially, set aside financial concerns to avoid restrictions. Once you have a clear understanding, invest time in planning your transition. Life is too short to not be courageous.

SPeaker Bio

Tom Game, also known as “TheTestingGame,” is a Quality & Test Engineer at Cambridge Consultants (CC), part of Capgemini Invent. After 20+ years in FMCG and manufacturing, Tom changed careers in January 2024. A proud dyslexic, he champions the neurodivergent community and believes that when correctly deployed, technology and AI can empower individuals. Tom is passionate about integrating quality throughout the software development life cycle and improving testing for responsible AI delivery.

Although still early in his career, Tom has already earned high regard at CC and within the broader testing community. Recently, he received the Innovator Award at the Makers Apprenticeship Awards 2025, recognising his contributions and innovative approach in the field