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Different Hats Podcast

Short Story 15: Beyond Success: Chris Goodman on Mental Health and Finding Fulfillment

Welcome to another powerful instalment of our short story series, where we explore the transformative moments that have shaped some of the most remarkable journeys over the past six seasons. In this episode, we are honored to feature the deeply inspiring Chris Goodman.


"Who am I?"


This is the question many of us ask when we feel disconnected from our purpose, and it’s the very question Chris Goodman found himself facing in 2020. After nearly two decades as joint CEO of the highly successful Focus Group, Chris had achieved all his financial dreams. Yet, despite reaching the pinnacle of professional success, he found himself battling depression and struggling with his mental health.


Despite his outward achievements, Chris realized that the path to success had come at great personal cost. Two years ago, on World Mental Health Day, we first shared Chris’s story—an open, raw conversation about the true price of success. Today, we revisit this eye-opening episode, one that still resonates deeply.


As Chris poignantly writes in his blog, “It’s good to squawk,” he reflects on the moment he realized:


"On 6th March 2020, I reached the top of the ladder... only to find it was leaning up against the wrong wall."


Chris had followed the script—working hard, building a multi-million-pound business, achieving financial freedom. But in the process, he neglected the most important investment: himself. His story is a powerful reminder that success without self-fulfillment leaves a void that no financial gain can fill.


In this episode, Chris shares his deeply personal journey of realizing that wealth and achievement mean little if you haven’t nurtured your own well-being. It’s a lesson that will resonate with many—those who are on their own journey of self-discovery, striving for more than material success. This conversation offers profound insights on the importance of purpose, balance, and mental health in the pursuit of a fulfilling life.


Chris is not only an inspirational business leader but also a man committed to making a positive impact. He went on to launch, the Focus Foundation, which aims to connect employees, customers, and industry partners to improve lives. By sharing his story so candidly, Chris is already making that impact.


Prepare to be moved and inspired by this episode, just as I was.


#MentalHealthMatters #SelfDiscovery #LeadershipJourney #PurposeAndFulfillment #BusinessSuccess #FocusOnMentalHealth #Inspiration #ChrisGoodmanStory #WellbeingInBusiness #SuccessAndSacrifice #FocusFoundation #MentalHealthAwareness #EntrepreneurLife #PersonalGrowth #LifeBeyondSuccess


Watch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/P06EkcrmfGM


Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts 🧢 https://linktr.ee/differenthats


Special thanks to our sponsors and producers who make these moments possible.


OUR SPONSORS


Rivervale 🧢 https://www.rivervale.co.uk/


Plus X 🧢 https://www.plusxinnovation.com/


Nostos Hove 🧢 https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk/


OUR PRODUCERS


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

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