Different Hats Podcast

“Doing everything is hard. Doing nothing is hard. So choose your hard.” – Tom GeorgeAt just 12 years old, Tom George launched his first business with a stack of flyers and a borrowed lawnmower. By 27, he had paid off his parents’ mortgage.In this raw, inspiring and deeply honest episode of the Different Hats Podcast, Tom shares his journey from a turbulent childhood, through early entrepreneurship, to becoming the director of multiple businesses, all driven by grit, purpose, and the desire to create a better life for those around him.This is not just a story about money, it’s about mindset, resilience, leadership, legacy, and redefining success on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your path, or wondered if it’s too late (or too early) to start something, this conversation is for you.🧠 You’ll learn:How childhood adversity shaped his mindsetWhy he values attitude over education when hiringThe truth behind hustle culture and burnoutThe importance of emotional presence in leadershipWhat really drives long-term fulfilment and success💥 Hit subscribe for more inspiring conversations that challenge the definition of success. https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔑 EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 – Introduction01:18 – “You can have 1,000 problems… until your health goes”04:57 – How Tom defines success (and why it’s not about money)07:49 – Self-awareness, presence, and growing into purpose13:45 – What Tom looks for when hiring young people20:14 – Tom’s childhood, family trauma, and gaining weight as an emotional outlet31:27 – Leaving the Jehovah’s Witness faith and its aftermath33:19 – How one business card changed Tom’s life38:26 – The £6k summer at 12 years old that ignited his entrepreneurial fire47:01 – Taking risks, changing lanes, and choosing your hard54:53 – From ego-driven choices to purposeful business moves59:56 – Hustle culture: mindset, mental health, and balance1:08:04 – Why living in the present matters more than chasing the future1:10:44 – Money vs Meaning: what truly drives Tom1:24:05 – Dealing with business volatility and emotional resilience1:31:09 – Relationships, insecurity, and proving you’re enough1:41:53 – Tom’s Advice to Young Entrepreneurs1:56:05 – Final Reflections: Dream Big, Start Now✨ SPONSORED BY:🔎 Search Seven – Search marketing with purpose: www.searchseven.co.uk🇬🇷 Nostos Hove – An authentic Greek experience: www.nostos-hove.co.uk🚗 Rivervale – Motoring made manageable: www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X - Empowering bold thinkers at every stage: https://www.plusxinnovation.com/🔔 Subscribe, comment, and join the journey to redefine success through real, human stories.✨ PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

In this deeply honest and empowering episode with the brilliant Marina Lazaris, we dive into how modern men (and women) can reconnect with authentic love, real confidence, and emotional success, beyond the fake measures of status, wealth, or appearance.This is a powerful conversation about redefining masculinity, rewriting success, and reconnecting with who we really are. Full of raw insights, practical tips, and hope for the next generation.If you're a man feeling stuck, isolated, or unsure where to begin, this episode is for you.If you're raising sons, working with men, or simply care about building a better future, this episode is for you.👇 Chapters and Timestamps 👇00:00 - Introduction01:06 - The power of love stories: Creating a lasting foundation06:58 - Teaching men how to confidently approach women again10:00 - Chivalry, respect, and bringing back genuine kindness18:00 - How fear of rejection and shame are holding men back27:00 - Building real self-worth without wealth or status36:00 - Understanding emotions: anger, sadness, joy as gifts44:00 - The inner critic vs. inner champion: Rewriting your story53:00 - Why community and connection are the real success metrics1:02:00 - The loneliness epidemic: Shocking statistics on single men1:10:00 - Finding purpose, passion, and your authentic self1:18:00 - Healing masculine and feminine wounds in relationships1:30:00 - How slowing down actually speeds up your success1:40:00 - Practical daily habits for building confidence and self-love1:50:00 - Service, gratitude, and the secret to a fulfilled life1:55:00 - Final thoughts: Hope for the next generation of men✅ If you found value in this episode:Like Subscribe Share Comment 📚 Grab Marina Lazaris book https://www.amazon.co.uk/MEN-NEED-LOVE-Too-RELATIONSHIPS/🌐 Connect with us: https://www.different-hats.co.uk🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcastSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsSearch Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.ukPlus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.comNostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.ukProduced By:H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk

What if everything you thought success looked like... wasn't the thing at all?In this emotional, wise, and deeply human episode, I sit down with Norman Mayhew, entrepreneur, mentor, and founder of The Sussex Sign Company, for a conversation that is as raw as it is inspiring.From growing up in poverty and dealing with childhood trauma, to building a million-pound business and learning how to define “enough,” Norman’s story is a moving reminder that the most valuable things in life often aren’t things at all.💬 Norman opens up about:Growing up with violence, shame, and the tally man at the doorHis fight to break the cycle for his kids — and the cost that came with itWhy dignity in work matters more than what’s in the bankThe lessons learned from 30 years in business and 60+ years in lifeThe moment he realised that love is the only thing that really countsThis isn’t a business podcast. This is a conversation about being human.👉 Whether you’re a founder, leader, parent, or someone just trying to hold it all together, this one will move you, shake you, and maybe even help you breathe a little deeper.📍 Key Chapters:00:00 – Introduction04:34 – Redefining Success After 30 Years16:19 – Childhood Trauma & the Drive to Break the Cycle21:26 – The Regrets of Working Too Much29:29 – The School System is Broken34:35 – All They Wanted Was Time43:03 – Dignity in Work: A Brother’s Story55:38 – Building the Sussex Sign Company From Scratch1:10:22 – Leadership, Loyalty & Lifelong Lessons1:47:11 – Final Reflections📲 Follow, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.🎥 WATCH NOW on YouTube: 🎧 LISTEN on Spotify/Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/differenthatsSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsSearch Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.ukPlus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.comNostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.ukProduced By:H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk#DifferentHatsPodcast #NormanMayhew #RedefiningSuccess #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealthAwareness #Legacy #Love #Storytelling #Leadership #DignityInWork #Purpose #YouAlrightMate #BusinessWithHeart

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Susanna Petche, a GP, trauma specialist, and CPTSD survivor, for one of the most open, vulnerable, and important conversations I’ve ever had on the show.Susanna shares her lived experience of sexual trauma, misdiagnosis, and the long road to healing. We talk honestly about what it means to be trauma-informed, in healthcare, education, workplaces, and in our day-to-day lives, and why reframing success starts with emotional safety.🔍 In this episode, we explore:The hidden epidemic of trauma and CPTSDHow trauma shows up in the body and mindWhy vulnerability is a strength, not a weaknessEmotional intelligence and the future of educationLetting go of old success stories and rewriting new onesHow healing can begin — even after decades of silence🎧 Whether you’re a parent, a leader, an educator, or simply someone on your own healing journey, this episode is full of insight, honesty, and, most importantly—hope.✨ "Healing is possible for everyone." – Dr. Susanna PetcheKey Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 03:52 – What Success Used to Mean (And Why It Changed)06:26 – The Diagnosis That Changed Everything11:33 – Why Vulnerability Feels So Hard (Especially in the UK)15:19 – Is the Education System Emotionally Broken?22:29 – Ambition After Trauma: Still Striving, But Differently39:15 – The Body Keeps the Score: Trauma in the Medical System46:34 – The Need to Teach Boys, Not Just Protect Girls54:12 – The Corrosive Power of Shame1:37:33 – Final Message: Healing Is Possible for Everyone —🌐 Learn more and listen at https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast#TraumaInformed #MentalHealthAwareness #CPTSD #HealingJourney #IWD2025 #RedefiningSuccess #DifferentHatsPodcast #VulnerabilityIsStrengthAbout Dr Susanna PetcheDr. Susanna Petche is a GP, innovator, CPTSD survivor, and samba reggae drummer with over 23 years of clinical experience. She specialises in psychological trauma and its impact on the mind, body, and spirit. Susanna is on a mission to raise awareness of psychological trauma and help create a more compassionate, trauma-informed world.To contact Dr Susanna Petche or find out more click here - https://www.trauma-sense.com/Special Thanks to Our SponsorsSearch Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.ukPlus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.comNostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.ukProduced By:H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk

In this profoundly moving episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with my dear friend and storytelling collaborator, Terry Bower, for a conversation that will stay with you long after the final word is spoken.Terry isn’t just a storyteller—he’s a soul who has lived through unimaginable loss, and yet radiates empathy, humour, and wisdom. In this raw and emotionally honest exchange, Terry opens up for the first time about the heartbreaking moment he overheard his mum say, “I’m not ready to die.” He shares the pain of losing all six of his siblings and both parents by the age of 50, and how those experiences have shaped the man he is today.From becoming a master of building relationships in business to learning how to process emotions later in life, Terry’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.We talk grief, therapy, emotional expression, legacy, business, and what it truly means to "be more dog"—to wake up with joy, go to bed with peace, and live each day with purpose. Terry’s warmth and wit shine through as he reflects on what he’s learned, how he’s healing, and why true connection is the ultimate success.Key Topics:Redefining success through simplicity and peace of mindProcessing grief after losing family membersEmotional resilience and embracing vulnerabilityThe power of storytelling in life and businessCreating safe spaces for honest conversationsLegacy, love, and learning to let goThis is not just another podcast episode—this is an invitation to feel, reflect, and connect.🎧 Listen now and be part of the movement to redefine success, one story at a time.https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast 👇 Timestamps & Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction04:45 – Losing his sister Jill and the power of grief10:17 – The COVID epiphany: letting go of control26:50 – The moment he heard his mother’s final words40:25 – Therapy, emotional processing & storytelling50:56 – Grieving all six siblings & what it taught him1:09:52 – Legacy, gratitude, and choosing joy daily1:27:57 – The power of human connection in business💛 If this episode resonates with you, please like, comment, share, and subscribe. Your story matters. Let’s rewrite the narrative together.#DifferentHatsPodcast #TerryBower #GriefAndLoss #RedefiningSuccess #StorytellingForBusiness #EmotionalWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness #LifeLessons #Legacy #HumanConnection #PodcastInterview #SuccessRewrittenSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsSearch Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.ukPlus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.comNostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.ukProduced By:H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk

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:The 3 stages of success and why most people get stuck at stage oneHis experiences with racism and exclusion in the UK business worldWhy storytelling is a revolutionary act — and how it helped him find his voiceThe birth of Brighton United and the call to create inclusive, diverse spaces where everyone belongsHis TEDx journey and mission to help people build connection through shared valuesWhether 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 #StorytellingKEY CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro05:34 - 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 SponsorsSearch Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.ukPlus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.comNostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.ukProduced By:H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk