Welcome to The Talk Works Podcast, a space where we explore mental health, therapy, practical advice, and the tools needed to support wellbeing in the workplace.

In this episode, host Jen Cottam speaks with Simon Whitaker, founder and CEO of the award-winning menswear brand Master Debonair. Simon shares the emotional story behind the business, reflecting on how personal loss, resilience, and a focus on wellbeing have shaped both his life and career.

He speaks openly about his relationship with alcohol and the life-changing decision to get sober in 2019. Simon also talks about the role of self-care and physical health in helping him overcoming the personal and professional challenges he's faced along the way.

If you're curious about your relationship with alcohol or looking for support, here are some helpful

• Drinkaware – A charity offering a free, easy-to-use app to track your alcohol intake: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

• AUDIT Test – Developed by the World Health Organisation to help you assess your drinking habits: https://auditscreen.org/

• Alcohol Change UK – A leading charity working to reduce alcohol harm:  https://alcoholchange.org.uk/about-us/about-our-charity

Visit Talk Works:

https://talk-works.org.uk/

Connect with Jen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencottam/

Connect with Simon:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonwhitaker1973/

Visit Master Debonair:

https://masterdebonair.co/