At just 21, Oly Newton’s world was turned upside down. After surviving a severe mental health crisis and living for years with the daily challenges of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), he channelled his pain into purpose, becoming a speaker, advocate, and founder of LightsOnXP, a human-centred workplace wellbeing platform shaped by lived experience.
In this powerful conversation, Oly opens up about how OCD has shaped his life, how he learned to manage it, and why it doesn’t define him. We dive into his journey from rock bottom to leading meaningful change, the importance of being truly present, and why human connection remains the most powerful tool for wellbeing in the workplace.
This is an open, honest, and deeply human exploration of recovery, hope, resilience, and the courage to keep showing up, even when the lights feel off.
00:00 — Introduction
04:12 — Oly’s early years and the experiences that shaped him
10:05 — Hitting rock bottom: a turning point in his mental health journey
17:46 — The power of speaking out and breaking stigma
23:30 — Founding LightsOnXP: building a wellbeing platform shaped by lived experience
31:18 — Redefining success: from surviving to thriving
37:54 — Why human connection is the cornerstone of mental health in the workplace
45:22 — Navigating balance and avoiding burnout
52:16 — Authenticity and showing up as your whole self
58:04 — The role of presence in recovery and leadership
1:05:48 — Finding fulfilment in purpose-led work
1:12:09 — Relationships, trust, and creating a support network
1:19:33 — Practical steps for organisations to support mental health
1:27:15 — Living with OCD: challenges and coping strategies
1:35:42 — Lessons learned from lived experience
1:43:58 — Advice for anyone struggling with mental health right now
1:51:25 — Future plans for LightsOnXP and personal growth
1:59:50 — Closing reflections & Oly’s definition of success today
🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:
👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast
🔗 Connect with Oly Newton
Website: https://www.lightsonxp.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olynewton/
💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.
SPONSORED BY:
Search Seven — www.searchseven.co.uk
Nostos Hove — www.nostos-hove.co.uk
Rivervale — www.rivervale.co.uk
Plus X — https://www.plusxinnovation.com/
PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions — https://h2productions.co.uk/
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