Listen "#108 "We Like Your Culture, But What About Our People?" – Kevan Smith’s Challenge to Brighton"
Episode Synopsis
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 oneHis experiences with racism and exclusion in the UK business worldWhy storytelling is a revolutionary act — and how it helped him find his voiceThe birth of Brighton United and the call to create inclusive, diverse spaces where everyone belongsHis TEDx journey and mission to help people build connection through shared valuesWhether 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 #StorytellingKEY CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro05:34 - 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 SponsorsSearch Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.ukPlus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.comNostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.ukProduced By:H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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