{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"#108 \"We Like Your Culture, But What About Our People?\" – Kevan Smith’s Challenge to Brighton","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/622688d5f58eea001227e7f7/1743366454005-55d2856f-1f81-4a69-a392-25fb7ad957a8.jpeg?height=200","description":"

What if the very definition of success you’ve been chasing isn’t really yours?


In this raw, powerful episode, Sam sits down with Kevan Smith — storyteller, creative strategist, and co-founder of Brighton United — to explore how grit, resilience, and community can transform how we live, work, and lead.


From growing up on a self-sufficient farm in rural Arkansas to building an award-winning creative business in the UK, Kevan’s story is one of deep reflection, unfiltered truth, and radical self-discovery. But it’s also a story about race, isolation, and what it truly means to belong.


💬 Kevan opens up about:


Whether you’re a founder, a leader, a parent, or simply someone trying to find your way in a noisy world — this conversation will stay with you.


👉 Don’t just listen. Feel it. Share it. Let it challenge your perspective.


📍 Timestamps & Chapters available in the description 


📲 Follow, like & subscribe for more stories that redefine success.


🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms.


https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast


#DifferentHatsPodcast #RedefiningSuccess #BrightonUnited #StorytellingForChange #YouAlrightMate #MentalHealthAwareness #DiversityAndInclusion #Entrepreneurship #TEDx #Belonging #BlackVoices #Grit #Purpose #Storytelling


KEY CHAPTERS:


00:00 - Intro

05:34 - Community, Belonging & Brighton 

05:47 - Kevan’s Three Stages of Success 

09:05 - Values, Fulfilment & Regret 

11:17 - Rediscovering Grit & Embracing Struggle 

16:03 - Self-Discovery vs. Societal Expectations 

20:34 - Childhood on the Farm in Arkansas 

25:18 - The Power of Reframing Work 

28:54 - From Science to Storytelling 

33:55 - Saying Yes to Opportunity: The NSYNC Story 

38:14 - Film, Creativity & Finding Purpose 

43:52 - The Power of Story to Connect 

49:34 - Brighton United: Where It All Began 

52:09 - Challenging the Status Quo 

01:03:30 - Experiences of Racism & Belonging 

01:17:12 - Building a More Inclusive Future 

01:24:21 - A Blueprint for Change 

01:34:00 - Relationships Over Ego 

01:39:46 - Final Thoughts, Gratitude & Growth 


Special Thanks to Our Sponsors



Produced By:


H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk

","author_name":"Sam Thomas"}