Different Hats Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Get ready for a transformative episode in our Short Story Series, where we uncover the pivotal moments that have defined some of the most extraordinary journeys from the past six seasons. This time, we’re thrilled to feature the endlessly creative and visionary Toby Moore.

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to craft a TED Talk that resonates with the world? 🗣️

With the highly anticipated December event at the Brighton Dome fast approaching—where TED’s very own Chris Anderson will take the stage for an unforgettable evening—we’re bringing you an inspiring story from one of my most thought-provoking guests, my good friend Toby Moore 🚀.

After a decade of curating TEDxBrighton, Toby dives deep into the art of creating impactful TED Talks, sharing the secrets behind powerful storytelling and the kind of ideas that deserve a global audience. 💡

In this compelling short story, we explore:

❌ Toby’s honest and raw relationship with failure

📈 The surprising ways we measure success and why it matters

🧢 How embracing different roles can unlock new opportunities and experiences

🗣️ The real ingredients needed to create a TED Talk that changes minds and lives

Tune in and let this insightful conversation with Toby Moore ignite your creativity and challenge your perspective.

#TEDTalk #CreativityUnleashed #ChangeMakers #IdeasThatInspire #TransformYourWorld 🌍 #StorytellingMastery

Watch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/E7-1HSRsWuo

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/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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:

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/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another instalment of our short story series, where we revisit some of the most inspirational insights from the past six seasons of our podcast. Continuing with our Olympic theme, we are honoured to feature British Olympic Silver medalist, the extraordinary Leon Taylor.

🌟 Overcoming the Shadows: A Battle with Mental Health 🌟

In this episode, Leon Taylor courageously opens up about his struggles with mental health and depression following the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. He shares the harrowing experience of returning to the sport he loved after two shoulder surgeries, and the journey to rediscovering his joy and passion.

💪 Resilience in the Face of Adversity 💪

Leon recounts his descent into one of the darkest periods of his life, describing how he almost hit rock bottom. Despite the overwhelming challenges, he learned invaluable skills, demonstrating incredible resilience and strength. His triumphant return to the podium at the 2004 Olympics is a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination.

🧘 The Power of Breath: Transforming Mind and Body 🧘

In this enlightening short story, Leon shares the transformative practice of breath work and its profound impact on mental and emotional well-being. He explains how simple daily steps can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and help us achieve a flow state, providing a powerful tool for personal transformation.

🚀 Cultivating an Olympic Mindset 🚀

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Leon Taylor that delves deep into the mindset of an Olympic Silver Medalist. Learn how to cultivate resilience, harness the power of breath work, and apply these lessons to achieve greatness in your own life.

#LeonTaylor #Olympics #StateofMind #MindsetMatters #JourneyToSuccess #BeYourBest #Inspiration #PodcastSeries #LifeLessons #Paris2024 #OvercomingAdversity #Resilience

Watch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/J1ufOCQ7ONM

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/

Rubix VT 🧢 https://www.rubixvt.com/

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

OUR PRODUCERS

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weeks podcast we hear from the amazing Jack 'The Lad' Hayes. Head of programme delivery at The LoveLocalJobs Foundation CIC, an ambassador for Rivervale leasing and a Breakfast show host MORE radio. This was only the second episode of the 24 hour podcast and I could have talked to Jack for 24 hours. He spoke so openly, honestly and with genuine authenticity it was truly inspirational and powerful, this episode blew me away.

In this fascinating episode Jack talks about:

💥 A painful and difficult period in his life

💥 How at a cross roads at 29, he grabbed an opportunity that changed his life

💥 The belief he has that where you have come from has nothing to do with where you can go.

💥 How he is helping to inspire young people through the Dare to Dream Programme

He discusses some of the challenges he has faced in his life from being bullied in school to the period in his life from 2019 to 2020 where he left the Breakfast show after 15 years, lost a dear friend, his beloved mum passed away and had to witness his dad suffer a heart attack just a week after losing his soulmate. His wife had pneumonia and his eldest son collapsed and was rushed to hospital. It was a really powerful conversation and I am so grateful to Jack for sharing this with me. He talks passionately about the importance of surrounding yourself with good people and how being kind, humble and a good person is ultimately our most valuable currency. You can tell how much he loves his role being part of the LLJ Foundation and how they are changing young peoples lives and giving them the belief to Dare to Dream.

Jack's rule for living a fulfilled life:

💥 Choose the people that you let into your life carefully..

Everyone has a story to tell... Happy Listening 🎧

Watch the episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/59hk5SC_R9s

Find out more about the Love Local Jobs Foundation ➡️ https://www.lovelocaljobsfoundation.com/

OUR SPONSORS

Creative Pod ➡️ https://www.creativepod.uk.com/

EMC Corporate Finance ➡️ https://www.emcltd.co.uk/

Preston Insurance Brokers ➡️ https://prestoninsurancebrokers.co.uk/

Plus X ➡️ https://plusx.space/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of these bonus episode releases from the 24 hour podcast challenge, I speak with Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Plus X, Mat Hunter. Mat aims to build the infrastructure for innovators and entrepreneurs that will help to grow great companies, provide productive and stimulating employment for diversely talented people and drive economic growth across the UK.

Mat has worked for more than 25 years in the world of human centred innovation. Formerly Partner at global design innovation agency IDEO, and Chief Design Officer of the UK Design Council, he brings a wealth of experience in supporting startups, scaleups and corporate innovation teams, dealing with issues of health, the environment, employment and other pressing innovation challenges, as well as engaging with academia and government.

In this fascinating episode Mat talks about:

💥 Building an innovative community

💥 Understanding the problem you are trying to solve

💥 People's attitude towards innovative collaboration

He discusses in depth the nuance behind really solving the pain points of a problem and asking the question, are you making something that is like a vitamin, a nice to have, or a painkiller and really solving a problem that will have a major impact? Mat's clear passion for entrepreneurship and innovation was a genuine joy to talk about and the perfect way to kick off the 24 hour podcast challenge.

Mat's rule for living a fulfilled life:

💥 Get fired up by what fires you up and do what you love...

Everyone has a story to tell... Happy Listening 🎧

Watch the episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/6ufK__uLvNI

Connect with Mat Hunter ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathunter/

Find out about Plus X ➡️ https://plusx.space/

OUR SPONSORS

Creative Pod ➡️ https://www.creativepod.uk.com/

EMC Corporate Finance ➡️ https://www.emcltd.co.uk/

Preston Insurance Brokers ➡️ https://prestoninsurancebrokers.co.uk/

24 Hour Podcast Series Produced by H2 Productions ➡️ https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on the podcast this week is Ricky Whiting an SEO expert, an author, Studio Director and founder of Itty Bitty.co.uk. He also was in an advert for the flagship Nintendo Mario Bros Game. He was the first person to play the game in the UK and the adverts were used in Europe with over 1.3 million views.

Ricky is one of the most positive, enthusiastic, energetic people I have had on the podcast. He discusses how at a young age he lost his best friend and he made a promise to himself and Russ that he would not take life for granted and have a positive outlook. That mindset helped him to start and build his own businesses. Him and his wife started their company Itty Bitty, an online baby boutique business when he left his previous employment, his wife Kate was made redundant and they had just started a young family. He refers to this period as 'The Wall', as they needed to generate an income to put food on the table and Since opening their doors for business, Itty Bitty has managed to tap into this gap and carve out its own space online with an unrivalled range of styles for babies and kids up to 16 years old.

In this brilliant episode Ricky talks about how they have grown to over 100,000 followers on social media and how he helps other businesses now with their marketing and SEO from the knowledge and expertise they have gained through Itty Bitty. As he says the proof is in the pudding with what we have created from scratch and he shares some great hints and tips with us, the 3 Ps, People - Profit. - Process and how important it is too put people first. He also talks of his desire to stay as far away from 'The Wall' as possible and his vision for future Rick. It is a truly inspiring, uplifting episode packed with energy, enthusiasm and some great takeaways.

Everyone has a story to tell... Happy Listening 🎧

Watch the episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/OrhLhVHBYiE

To find out more about Itty Bitty ➡️ https://www.ittybitty.co.uk

To connect with Ricky Whiting ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-whiting/

OUR SPONSORS

Picture Book Films ➡️ https://picturebookfilms.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A year ago I was lucky enough to have the inspirational Jo Myles on the podcast. During the conversation we spoke about her career in the creative industry, with the likes of Alexander McQueen, a buyer for Laura Ashley and Warehouse managing large teams and £40 million pound budgets. Her company 3 Blonde Bears that she founded in 2007 won numerous awards and after Winning the make awards in 2012 and being selected by Lord Young & Sir Terry Healy to be a founding member of Enterprise 250 and in 2013 saw Joanna being recognised as one of the most creative founders in the UK.

Jo talks about her journey through the ups and downs of running 3 Blonde Bears, her battle with Cancer, food markets, Baking, how her passion for Art saved her and led her on a new path. Her amazing can do attitude and Moto JFDI. We also discussed the idea and concept of the Sussex Contemporary art exhibition. Fast forward to this year and her and her partner Jason are in their second week of the amazing Art Exhibition at the i360. The Sussex Contemporary free-to-visit exhibition that specifically showcases the county's creativity. All art is chosen by a selection panel of leading experts. The art is available for sale with a percentage of the proceeds going to Table Talk Foundation. As Jo states in the interview JFDI... Just F*****G Do it... and she has done just that and made this idea become a reality.

This is a truly inspiring episode from one of the most inspirational people I have had the pleasure of meeting.

The episode is also now on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/ELJtsD-pjfU

You can find our more about the Sussex Contemporary Here ➡️ https://www.thesussexcontemporary.co.uk/

Connect with Jo Myles Here ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-myles-artist/

OUR SPONSORS

Picture Book Films ➡️ https://picturebookfilms.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we have a bonus episode with Rob Duce, CEO at Outside The Box Events LLC & Chief Executive Officer for "Theatre by QE2".

Rob a formally a qualified Chartered Accountant with Touche Ross talks about how is entrepreneurial spirit was ignited at a young age, selling lemonade and other items outside his house. He spoke about the death of his his father in 1985 during his A-Levels and how this shaped his life to try and make the most of every day, an ethos he has lived his life by. He has built up small business from scratch and sold to listed plc and now living in Dubai runs a small but beautifully formed company, specialising in after dinner events and black tie events. His advice and ethos is simple... Carpe Diem, Seize the day,

⭕️ There is a piece of cake for everyone 🧢

🟥 Life is short you should try and make people happy and smile 🧢

🔺 Carpe Diem, Seize the Day 🧢

Everyone has a story to tell...

Watch the episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/D8e5YOv9LgA

Find out more about Rob Duce click here ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-duce-33a530a/

OUR SPONSORS

Creative Pod ➡️ https://www.creativepod.uk.com/

EMC Corporate Finance ➡️ https://www.emcltd.co.uk/

Preston Insurance Brokers ➡️ https://prestoninsurancebrokers.co.uk/

Plus X ➡️ https://plusx.space/

Produced by H2 Productions ➡️ https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My Guest on the podcast this week is Chris Goodman, Co-Founder & Director of Focus Group, a UK Comms & IT business. Employing over 800 staff across 9 offices, Focus Group delivers innovative solutions to over 30,000 businesses, and has annual revenue in excess of £130m. 

For two decades his leadership experience in the IT and telecoms sector covers everything from the development of effective sales teams, cohesive people and culture strategies and robust financial analysis, together with having led and completed numerous M&A and private equity transactions.

He remains deeply committed to ensuring Focus Group has a positive and sustainable impact on those in and around our community, leading on agendas such as employee wellbeing and business culture. 

Despite such huge success over the past two decades, it has come with sacrifices, along with his on battle with mental health. Today on World Mental Health Day, he shares his story with us in this truly open and honest conversation. To share a quote from his blog, 'It's good to squawk'

Chris shares how during his life he had followed the script, worked hard, built a multi-million pound business but after realising his dreams and achieving financial freedom he felt unfulfilled, because he'd failed to invest in the most precious commodity...himself!

This is a truly eye opening episode that will resonate and hopefully have a great impact on many people on a journey of self discovery, as it did on me.

Chris is a truly inspirational business leader and one I learnt so much from during this episode. He recently founded the Focus Foundation, a charity designed to connect the Focus Group community of employees, customers and industry partners in order to make a positive impact on people’s lives. By Chris also sharing his story, he is doing just that.

Everyone had a story to tell... Happy Listening

Watch the Episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/EMPngHvf-SA

Read Chris's Blog Here ➡️ https://www.mysquawk.co.uk/post/where-does-your-ladder-lead

OUR SPONSORS

Picture Book Films ➡️ https://picturebookfilms.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My Guest on the podcast this week is Lyndsey Clay, a Qualified Coach, Networking Champion and Social Concierge, who is passionate about connecting people through supporting local businesses to create lasting personal and professional relationships, right here in Brighton & Hove.

Lyndsey's fascinating journey into entrepreneurship started during lockdown, but this is not just a story about business, as Lyndsey shares her personal journey through infertility, miscarriage, IVF and divorce, and how her experiences over the last few years have impacted her sense of self and of belonging. 

Lyndsey shared how during some dark times, her road to recovery started by listening to others' stories, realising she was not alone, and in March 2017 she started a blog on Instagram promoting her newfound ethos with the motto:

For me her story highlights that when life does not go according to plan, if you have enthusiasm and a positive attitude towards life and embrace it, you can change direction and find true happiness. She has started something extremely special with Connected Brighton as she builds her community, and I wish her continued success. 

Everyone has a story to tell... Happy Listening 🎧

Watch the episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/Brtw4hBuT-E

Find out more about Connected Brighton ➡️ https://www.connectedbrighton.com/

OUR SPONSORS

https://picturebookfilms.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.