Different Hats Podcast

In this special Unplugged edition of the Different Hats Podcast, I dive into one of the most urgent questions facing UK business owners in 2025: How do you retain great people without breaking the bank?Amid soaring employment costs and rising redundancies, smart business leaders are exploring creative solutions. One powerful tool? Salary sacrifice car schemes. But what are they really, and how can they help both your people and your bottom line?Joined by three expert guests, Sarah May (HR strategist), Chris Barnard (finance guru), and Warren Keech (salary sacrifice specialist at RiverVale), this episode breaks down how salary sacrifice works, who it benefits, and how it can help build a purpose-driven culture that attracts and keeps top talent.Packed with practical insights, real-world examples, and financial clarity, this conversation is a must-listen for business owners, HR leaders, and anyone navigating recruitment and retention in today’s challenging climate.✅ Reduce payroll costs✅ Support employee wellbeing✅ Retain talent✅ Promote sustainability✅ Save money for your business📌 KEY CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction 02:20 - Why Employees Feel Undervalued Today04:00 - Wellbeing Beyond Wages: Gen Z Expectations06:45 - Creating a Competitive Benefits Package09:30 - The Hidden Cost of Losing a Team Member11:00 - Culture, Trust & Retention15:35 - What is Salary Sacrifice?17:00 - Employer & Employee Tax Savings Explained21:10 - Who Can Benefit from Salary Exchange?23:00 - Pitfalls & Credit Considerations for Employers25:20 - Electric vs Hybrid Cars: Tax & Sustainability29:40 - Why Offering an EV Scheme Increases Retention32:45 - The ESG & CSR Advantage36:00 - Hire Purchase vs Business Lease Explained41:00 - How to Introduce a Salary Exchange Scheme44:20 - Answering Employee Concerns with Clarity48:15 - Benefits Beyond Cars: Pensions, Health, and More51:30 - Solo Directors & Tax-Efficient EV Strategies53:05 - Final Takeaways: Pick n’ Mix Benefits That Work🎧 LISTEN IF YOU WANT TO LEARN:How to save money through smart employee benefitsThe power of values-led retention strategiesWhat salary sacrifice schemes actually meanHow to offer EV car benefits without the riskThe importance of wellbeing, trust & financial literacy in today’s job market🔗 Brought to you in partnership with RiverValeFind out more: https://www.rivervale.co.uk/Connect with out experts:Sarah May - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-maydayhr/https://www.maydayhr.com/ Chris Barnard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-barnard-b4642968/ https://www.collectiveconceptsaccounting.com/🎬 Produced by H2 Productions

In this deeply honest and vulnerable conversation, I sit down with Joel Lawton, entrepreneur, coach, and founder of In Your Corner, to explore what it really means to redefine success and live in full alignment with your true self.Joel shares his powerful personal journey: building a multi-million-pound business, navigating burnout, and ultimately making the courageous decision to walk away and rebuild life and work on his own terms. Together, we dive into the emotional narratives men carry, the importance of self-worth beyond doing and providing, and how true presence can be one of the most underrated measures of success.This conversation also touches on fatherhood, mental health, the challenges of hustle culture, emotional intelligence, men's groups, workplace culture, the education system, and how we can better equip younger generations to process emotions.Expect raw honesty, actionable insights, and an inspiring message for anyone questioning their own version of success.KEY CHAPTERS 00:00 — The Illusion of Success03:00 — Joel’s Definition of Success06:30 — Presence & Busyness11:50 — Hustle Culture Pressure17:40 — What Is Enough?21:20 — Joel’s Early Life & Upbringing25:00 — Self-Worth & Identity32:00 — Emotional Intelligence & Holding Space39:00 — Safe Spaces for Men43:40 — Supporting the Next Generation53:40 — Rethinking Education & Life Skills58:30 — The Power of Human Connection1:10:00 — Business Burnout & Transition1:25:00 — Full-Body Yes Decisions1:30:00 — Taking Responsibility for Change1:33:00 — Living in Alignment1:46:30 — Final Invitation: You Can Change It🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Joel LawtonWebsite: https://www.inyourcorner.co/Instagram: @_in_your_cornerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-lawton-3194aa9/💡 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.ukNostos Hove  www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale  www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

⚠️ Warning ⚠️ This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners. We do talk about suicide which we know can be distressing.🎙️ Welcome to Series 8 of the Different Hats Podcast!In this deeply powerful and emotional conversation, Daniel Wilsher shares his mission to change the narrative around young men, masculinity, mental health, and the broken education system. Daniel opens up about his personal journey of childhood trauma after losing his father to suicide, his own mental health struggles, and the path that led him to dedicate his life to helping young people unlock their true potential.From vulnerability, role models, emotional intelligence, to redefining success for young men, this episode is packed with raw honesty, profound insights, and real solutions that can change lives.Whether you're a parent, teacher, leader, or someone struggling with your own mental health, this conversation is for you. It's about hope, healing, human connection, and taking action.🌍 About This Episode:In a world that’s telling young men to be stronger, richer, more dominant, Daniel offers a different path. His work through LivedX is equipping schools, parents, and communities to have brave conversations that empower boys to define their own version of success, rooted in emotional intelligence, connection, service, and self-awareness.This is a masterclass in empathy, leadership, and the simple yet powerful truth: *sometimes all a young person needs is one adult to believe in them.🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Daniel Wilsher & LivedXWebsite: https://livedxlearning.com Instagram: @danieljameswilsher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-wilsher-448996168/💡 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.ukNostos Hove  www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale  www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/*If you have been affected by any of the content during this interview you can reach out to any of the below:Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.orgMy Black Dog - https://www.myblackdog.co/mental-health-charity

From CEOs and coaches to trauma survivors, storytellers, and change makers, Series 7 of the Different Hats Podcast was a powerful reminder that success isn’t always what it seems.Across 15 episodes, our guests didn’t just share their highlights, they shared their hearts.Series 7 also included the very special 100th milestone episode.Together, we explored themes of:💬 Emotional honesty & vulnerability🧠 Mental health, masculinity & identity👣 Healing from trauma & rewriting your story🧍‍♂️ Presence, purpose & soulful leadership❤️ Redefining success beyond money or titlesWhat we learned?Success isn’t what you have. It’s how you feel. It’s showing up fully, healing out loud, and choosing presence over performance.If you missed an episode, or just want to revisit some of the most inspiring voices we’ve hosted, now’s the time.👉 Catch up on Series 7 here 👉 https://youtu.be/D83ByTEq8vcThank you to every guest for your courage. And to every listener for helping us shape a better story.Together, we’re helping the world see success differently. 🔔 Subscribe, comment, and join the journey to redefine success through real, human stories.SPONSORED BY:Search Seven www.searchseven.co.ukNostos Hove  www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale  www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

What does it truly mean to be a man today? And how do we raise boys to grow into emotionally intelligent, resilient men?In this profoundly moving episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Jenkins, mental health advocate, speaker, and breakout voice from BBC’s The Traitors—for a conversation that cuts to the core of masculinity, trauma, and the power of vulnerability.Andrew shares his harrowing experience of surviving a car accident that changed his life forever, and how he stayed silent about the emotional aftermath for over two decades. Now, he’s using his voice to help others find theirs.Together, we explore:💬 The silent crisis facing young men. and why suicide rates are still rising🏉 The role of sport and father figures in shaping emotional awareness💔 Andrew’s emotional journey from silence to telling his son "I love you" for the first time at age 22👂 Why men don’t need fixing, they just need someone to listen📣 How schools, sports clubs, and parents can create emotionally safe spacesThis is more than a conversation. It’s a call to action, to change how we talk to our boys, how we show up for one another, and how we redefine what strength really means.If you're a parent, coach, teacher, leader, or someone on your own healing journey, this episode might just change the way you see the world.Key Chapters00:00 – Introductions04:10 – The Crisis in Men’s Mental Health: Where Do We Start?08:25 – The Pressure of Modern Life and Climbing the Wrong Ladder11:30 – Redefining Positive Masculinity in Schools and Sports17:30 – The Power of Vulnerable Role Models22:50 – Parental Pressure, Generational Trauma & Starting Conversations at Home29:10 – The Moment Andrew Told His Son “I Love You”35:20 – Academy Dropouts & Mental Health in Young Athletes42:00 – How Parents Can Be Better Equipped Emotionally47:15 – Creating a Culture That Celebrates Emotional Intelligence55:00 – Breaking the Cycle: Speaking to His Own Parents for the First Time1:02:30 – The Fear of Regret and Taking Your Own Advice1:07:20 – Men’s Support Networks & Listening Without Judgement1:13:50 – The Power of Hope, Safe Spaces & Prevention Over Cure1:20:00 – Why Andrew Said Yes to The Traitors1:26:30 – Behind the Fame: Finding Purpose Through Platform1:38:50 – A Message to Young Andrew: Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself1:45:00 – Redefining Success and Happiness: Final Reflection🔔 Subscribe, comment, and join the journey to redefine success through real, human stories.SPONSORED BY:Search Seven www.searchseven.co.ukNostos Hove  www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale  www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

“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/

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