Different Hats Podcast

Ready to discover what it really takes to bring a game-changing idea to life—especially one that transforms an entire community’s relationship with the sea? In this episode, I sit down with Ross Gilbert, the visionary behind Brighton’s iconic Sea Lanes. From wrestling with never-ending planning hurdles (hello, storm drains!) to managing the pressure of big builds and bigger budgets, Ross shares an unfiltered look at the resilience and teamwork needed to keep a massive project afloat. We dive into the power of sport and mindset—why his background in golf taught him to embrace failure and stay patient with every twist. If you’ve ever dreamed of carving your own path and building something truly special, Ross’s story is pure inspiration. Grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into one of the most fascinating entrepreneurial journeys on the Brighton coast!

Highlights:

• How Ross juggled planning nightmares and unexpected challenges (like a historic railway running through the site)
• Why embracing “small steps” and daily progress is vital for any long-term project
• The power of having a tight-knit team: when one person’s down, another steps up
• Lessons from golf on dealing with failure and bouncing back fast
• Ross’s unique lifestyle balance—splitting time between Germany and the Brighton seaside

Tune in for a candid, behind-the-scenes chat about creating something truly groundbreaking for the local community. Don’t forget to subscribe, drop a comment, and hit that “like” button if Ross’s journey inspires your next big move!

Key Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

04:13 – Early Love of Sport & Golf

16:30 – Discovering Property & the Entrepreneurial Bug

31:00 – Pop-Up Bar & Silent Yoga Disco

37:45 – Overcoming Site Logistics: Volks Railway & Storm Drains

45:00 – Lost Days & Squeaky Cash Flow

53:00 – Sea Lanes Grand Opening

1:10:00 – Redefining Success & Final Life Lesson.

https://linktr.ee/differenthats

https://www.different-hats.co.uk

• Search Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.uk
• Plus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.com
• Nostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk
• Rivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.uk

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

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

Ready to see success in a whole new light? In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Gary Salters—founder of “Go Succeed”—whose energy and insights will flip your idea of “making it” on its head. From his early days working at McDonald’s (and loving every moment of it!) to coaching small businesses through powerful processes, Gary proves that success is so much more than money and status. We talk about how growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles shaped his open-minded attitude, why authentic values make or break your business, and how time is our most precious commodity. If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing the wrong goals, Gary’s perspective will give you the clarity and motivation to start moving forward. Grab a notepad and let’s redefine success—on your terms.

Highlights:

• Gary’s journey from McDonald’s star to corporate leader, and the leap into entrepreneurship
• Why creating a killer process (yes, even in a tiny startup) can transform your results
• Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles—and how it shaped Gary’s view on acceptance and inclusion
• The real reason time is worth more than any paycheck
• Simple strategies to build client relationships without feeling salesy

Don’t miss this honest, inspiring conversation that’ll help you see business (and life) differently. Hit that “Like” button, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!

Watch Now / Listen on All Podcast Platforms:

https://linktr.ee/differenthats

Subscribe to the Newsletter:

https://www.different-hats.co.uk

• Search Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.uk
• Plus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.com
• Nostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk
• Rivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Produced By:

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

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

⚠️ Warning ⚠️ This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners. We do talk about suicide which we know can be distressing.

Ready to redefine what “success” really means? In this riveting episode of The Different Hats Podcast, we sit down with entrepreneur Michael Yeoman, who’s built an award-winning distillery from discarded English wine grapes and pioneered a thriving solar energy business—while navigating personal tragedy, financial downturns, and unexpected career twists.

Discover how Michael’s childhood struggles, near-health scares, and a passion ignited by the Burning Man festival led him to embrace sustainability and innovation in everything he does. From turning press waste into premium spirits to installing solar panels that power homes and businesses, Michael shares the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—and how failure can be your greatest teacher.

In This Episode, Learn About:

• Overcoming setbacks (including three redundancies!)
• Building a socially responsible brand—renewable energy to eco-distilling
• Maintaining mental wellbeing through stress and uncertainty
• Striking real work-life balance across multiple ventures

If you’ve ever wondered how to flip adversity into opportunity, don’t miss this conversation. Hit play to hear Michael’s incredible journey and get inspired to redefine success on your own terms!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your definition of success!

Watch Now / Listen on All Podcast Platforms:

https://linktr.ee/differenthats

Subscribe to the Newsletter:

https://www.different-hats.co.uk

• Search Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.uk
• Plus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.com
• Nostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk
• Rivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Produced By:

H2 Productions Ltd – 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.org

My Black Dog - https://www.myblackdog.co/mental-health-charity

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

Welcome to the 100th episode of my Different Hats Podcast! In this milestone conversation, I open up about my personal journey to redefine success—beyond wealth, fame, and social status. I share the stark realities of how traditional “success” metrics can weigh heavily on our mental health, including the fact that nearly 60% of suicides are tied to financial or economic pressures.

At one point, I truly believed success was measured by money. When I fell short of the financial milestones I had set for myself, I spiraled into self-doubt and despair, feeling as though I’d let my family down. But through my own struggles—and the powerful insights from 99 prior interviews with entrepreneurs, Olympians, multimillionaires, athletes, local business owners, and authors—I discovered a new path forward.

In this episode, you’ll hear the transformative lessons I’ve learned, showing how meaningful relationships, authenticity, and well-being can guide us toward deeper, more genuine fulfillment. We’ll explore why valuing presence over productivity, inner peace over income, and love over luxury can reshape both our goals and our mental health.

If you’ve ever questioned whether traditional measures of achievement truly serve you, I hope this heartfelt episode inspires you to challenge the status quo and define success on your own terms—in ways that nourish your life rather than drain it.

Key Topics:

• My journey from financial failure to a more fulfilling definition of success
• How societal pressures and mental health struggles can be intertwined
• Fostering meaningful relationships, growth, and a sense of purpose
• Embracing authenticity, presence, and small daily joys

Thank you for joining me on this 100th episode celebration! I can’t wait for you to hear these stories and be part of a movement that values compassion and genuine connection above all else.

Jamarl Billy

Kevan Smith

Howie McConnell

Gareth Kemp

Mary Kemp

• Search Seven
• Plus X
• Rubix VT
• Rivervale

• H2 Productions Ltd

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

As we launch Series 7 of the podcast, we sit down with Laura Hearn—a journalist, mental health advocate, truly incredible storyteller and host of the Flip It podcast. Laura’s journey is one of profound resilience: she navigated an eating disorder, family tragedy, and heartbreak that upended her life. Yet, instead of giving up, Laura found a way to “flip” every struggle into a source of growth and self-discovery.

From losing her beloved stepfather to facing an earth-shattering breakup and walking away from a 17-year career at the BBC, Laura shares how she learned to embrace vulnerability, harness the healing power of nature, and find gratitude—even in the darkest moments. Join us for a deeply heartfelt conversation about redefining success, being true to oneself, and living with an open heart.

• Flipping the Script: Turning negative experiences into catalysts for positive change.
• Healing & Hope: How therapy, gratitude, and community saved Laura from her darkest hours.
• Redefining Success: It’s not about money or titles, but about contribution, connection, and authenticity.
• Mental Health & Workplace: Laura’s insights on overcoming stigma and championing real stories.

YouTube Episode

Podcast Link

• Laura on LinkedIn
• Flip It Podcast

• Rivervale
• Plus X
• Rubix VT
• Nostos Hove

• H2 Productions Ltd

If you find hope or inspiration in Laura’s story, please

• Like & Subscribe for more powerful conversations
• Comment your biggest takeaway
• Share this episode with someone who needs a little extra light today

#MentalHealth #SelfDiscovery #DifferentHats #Podcast #Series7 #Episode99 #Inspiration #EatingDisorders #Resilience #FlipIt

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

In this special short story we pay tribute to the late Jeff Nailard who sadly passed away in December 2024. Jeff was Used Vehicle Director at Rivervale our podcast sponsors and last year I had the privilege of sitting down with Jeff for The Different Hats and Rivervale Inside Stories Podcast collaboration.

I had met Jeff many times but during this episode what I took most from our conversation was his undeniable passion for the motor industry and how much he loved what he did.

This is such an important message to take into the New Year. As we go into 2025 ask yourself do I really love what I do, does it light me up? If not maybe it's time to make that change...

Watch the Short Story here 🧢    • A Tribute to Jeff Nailard: Love What ...  

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.

In this special episode, I sit down with the head of TED himself, Chris Anderson, for a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most influential storytelling platforms on the planet. Our time together may have been brief—tucked away at a recent TED and TEDx Brighton pilot event—but the depth and brilliance of Chris’s insights were profound.

Together, we explore what truly ignites a transformative idea, and how the right spark can ripple out to reshape entire communities. After stewarding TED for two decades, Chris shares some key ingredients behind what makes a memorable TED Talk—what it takes to captivate hearts and minds, and why storytelling is at the core of forging real human connections. His reflections on how we find our most powerful narratives align with the mission of this podcast and CBC: to encourage meaningful dialogue and help ideas flourish.

Beyond TED, Chris also shares pivotal moments from his personal journey. From his upbringing in Pakistan to navigating the awkwardness of adolescence, venturing into journalism and entrepreneurship, and eventually assuming the helm of TED—even struggling initially with public speaking himself —Chris’s story is as inspiring as it is relatable.

This is a fantastic insight into the man behind what is the surely the greatest storytelling platform in the world, that inspires, educates and how the ideas that are shared really do change the world.

#DifferentHatsPodcast #IdeasChangeEverything #Stories #RedefiningSuccess #LifeLessons #TED #TedX #TEDTalk #PowerofStorytelling

Watch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/wW9Zi10v34M

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

Special thanks to our sponsors and producers who make these moments possible as well as a shout out to the TedX Brighton team and Toby Moore for making this happen:

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.

In this gripping short story episode, we sit down with award-winning entrepreneur Kyriakos Baxevanis—founder of Little Jasmine Day Spas and Therapies, and Nostos Hove—as he reveals how he rose from the depths of depression to redefine his destiny.

Kyriakos candidly shares the raw pain of hitting rock bottom and the unwavering resilience he forged in his youth, the very mindset that propelled him from obscurity to success.

Through heartfelt honesty, he illustrates the extraordinary power of trusting your instincts and believing in yourself, no matter how daunting the path ahead may seem. He recalls making a pivotal decision to relocate to Brighton and vowing to excel at whatever he did—whether scaling a thriving venture or counting chickens at a grocery counter. His story illuminates the truth that true strength lies not in circumstance, but in the mindset you cultivate.

This inspirational journey will resonate deeply with anyone striving to overcome personal barriers, rebuild after setbacks, or embrace a growth mindset. Tune in for a profound, no-holds-barred narrative that underscores one essential truth:

#Entrepreneurship #Resilience #OvercomingFailure #SmallBusinessTips #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowth #VulnerabilityIsStrength #BusinessChallenges #FindingPurpose #MotivationalStories #InspirationForLife #RebuildingAfterSetbacks #SuccessRedefined #LifeLessons

Watch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/aj3jUoKHIIY

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.

In this compelling short story episode, and just days ahead of is TED Talk at Brighton Dome. I wanted to release this transformative chapter of resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of purpose with the inspiring Dan Flanagan, founder of Dad La Soul. Dan shares the emotional rollercoaster of leaving behind a safe but unfulfilling career to chase entrepreneurial dreams, only to face crushing setbacks when his first business collapsed.

Through moments of profound vulnerability, he takes us into the darkness of failure, revealing the immense pressure of fatherhood and the weight of self-doubt that brought him to the brink. This story isn't just about recovering from failure; it’s about redefining success, which message and mission aligns so much with my own. From learning to ask for help to embracing the power of community and creativity, Dan's journey reminds us that resilience is born from adversity, and true success is measured not by the titles we earn but by the connections we build and the lives we touch.

Tune in for a raw and inspiring short story that will resonate with anyone navigating life’s challenges and striving to build something meaningful.

#Entrepreneurship #Resilience #OvercomingFailure #FatherhoodJourney #SmallBusinessTips #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowth #VulnerabilityIsStrength #BusinessChallenges #FindingPurpose #MotivationalStories #InspirationForLife #RebuildingAfterSetbacks #SuccessRedefined #LifeLessons

Watch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/4_XyIbLYFPE

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.

In this profound and thought-provoking conversation, I had the privilege of sitting down with Brazilian football icon Gilberto Silva, mere hours before he joined global legends like Roberto Carlos, Stiliyan Petrov, and Jens Lehmann for Strive Aid on Sunday, 17th November. This powerful event aimed to raise awareness and funds for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a cause close to the hearts of many.

Gilberto Silva, a World Cup champion and symbol of excellence in the world’s most beloved sport, shared insights that transcend trophies and fame. For him, success is not measured by accolades or social status but by the balance we create in our lives. It’s about being a good person, cherishing moments with loved ones, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Success, according to Gilberto, is found in the quality of your relationships—spending time with your parents, knowing your children want to spend time with you, and contributing positively to the world.

This conversation encapsulates the core mission of my podcast: to redefine success. Society often equates success with fame, wealth, or status, even the dictionary definition of success is the attainment of these goals, but my journey and hundreds of conversations with remarkable individuals have taught me otherwise. True success is personal and deeply human. Gilberto Silva embodies this understanding in every sense—a true gentleman and a true legend.

I hope this episode challenges you to rethink what success means in your life. Together, we can shift the narrative, make mental health a priority, and inspire a world that values balance, kindness, connection and love above fame, wealth or social status.

#DifferentHatsPodcast #MensHealth #CALM #RedefiningSuccess #LifeLessons #FootballLegend #MentalHealthMatters

Watch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/wGakb06_aa8

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

Special thanks to our sponsors and producers who make these moments possible as well as a shout out to the team from Striver and Ryan Alfonso from Fitness Content Agency for filming on the day:

Tim Chase - Striver - https://striver.co.uk/

Ryan Alfonso @fitnesscontentagency

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.