What if the very definition of success you’ve been chasing isn’t really yours?

In this raw, powerful episode, Sam sits down with Kevan Smith — storyteller, creative strategist, and co-founder of Brighton United — to explore how grit, resilience, and community can transform how we live, work, and lead.

From growing up on a self-sufficient farm in rural Arkansas to building an award-winning creative business in the UK, Kevan’s story is one of deep reflection, unfiltered truth, and radical self-discovery. But it’s also a story about race, isolation, and what it truly means to belong.

💬 Kevan opens up about:

• The 3 stages of success and why most people get stuck at stage one
• His experiences with racism and exclusion in the UK business world
• Why storytelling is a revolutionary act — and how it helped him find his voice
• The birth of Brighton United and the call to create inclusive, diverse spaces where everyone belongs
• His TEDx journey and mission to help people build connection through shared values

Whether you’re a founder, a leader, a parent, or simply someone trying to find your way in a noisy world — this conversation will stay with you.

👉 Don’t just listen. Feel it. Share it. Let it challenge your perspective.

📍 Timestamps & Chapters available in the description

📲 Follow, like & subscribe for more stories that redefine success.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms.

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

#DifferentHatsPodcast #RedefiningSuccess #BrightonUnited #StorytellingForChange #YouAlrightMate #MentalHealthAwareness #DiversityAndInclusion #Entrepreneurship #TEDx #Belonging #BlackVoices #Grit #Purpose #Storytelling

KEY CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

05:34 - Community, Belonging & Brighton

05:47 - Kevan’s Three Stages of Success

09:05 - Values, Fulfilment & Regret

11:17 - Rediscovering Grit & Embracing Struggle

16:03 - Self-Discovery vs. Societal Expectations

20:34 - Childhood on the Farm in Arkansas

25:18 - The Power of Reframing Work

28:54 - From Science to Storytelling

33:55 - Saying Yes to Opportunity: The NSYNC Story

38:14 - Film, Creativity & Finding Purpose

43:52 - The Power of Story to Connect

49:34 - Brighton United: Where It All Began

52:09 - Challenging the Status Quo

01:03:30 - Experiences of Racism & Belonging

01:17:12 - Building a More Inclusive Future

01:24:21 - A Blueprint for Change

01:34:00 - Relationships Over Ego

01:39:46 - Final Thoughts, Gratitude & Growth

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

• 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

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