Listen "#113 Built a Business at 12, Paid Off His Parents’ Mortgage by 27: Tom George’s Story"
Episode Synopsis
“Doing everything is hard. Doing nothing is hard. So choose your hard.” – Tom GeorgeAt just 12 years old, Tom George launched his first business with a stack of flyers and a borrowed lawnmower. By 27, he had paid off his parents’ mortgage.In this raw, inspiring and deeply honest episode of the Different Hats Podcast, Tom shares his journey from a turbulent childhood, through early entrepreneurship, to becoming the director of multiple businesses, all driven by grit, purpose, and the desire to create a better life for those around him.This is not just a story about money, it’s about mindset, resilience, leadership, legacy, and redefining success on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your path, or wondered if it’s too late (or too early) to start something, this conversation is for you.🧠 You’ll learn:How childhood adversity shaped his mindsetWhy he values attitude over education when hiringThe truth behind hustle culture and burnoutThe importance of emotional presence in leadershipWhat really drives long-term fulfilment and success💥 Hit subscribe for more inspiring conversations that challenge the definition of success. https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔑 EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 – Introduction01:18 – “You can have 1,000 problems… until your health goes”04:57 – How Tom defines success (and why it’s not about money)07:49 – Self-awareness, presence, and growing into purpose13:45 – What Tom looks for when hiring young people20:14 – Tom’s childhood, family trauma, and gaining weight as an emotional outlet31:27 – Leaving the Jehovah’s Witness faith and its aftermath33:19 – How one business card changed Tom’s life38:26 – The £6k summer at 12 years old that ignited his entrepreneurial fire47:01 – Taking risks, changing lanes, and choosing your hard54:53 – From ego-driven choices to purposeful business moves59:56 – Hustle culture: mindset, mental health, and balance1:08:04 – Why living in the present matters more than chasing the future1:10:44 – Money vs Meaning: what truly drives Tom1:24:05 – Dealing with business volatility and emotional resilience1:31:09 – Relationships, insecurity, and proving you’re enough1:41:53 – Tom’s Advice to Young Entrepreneurs1:56:05 – Final Reflections: Dream Big, Start Now✨ SPONSORED BY:🔎 Search Seven – Search marketing with purpose: www.searchseven.co.uk🇬🇷 Nostos Hove – An authentic Greek experience: www.nostos-hove.co.uk🚗 Rivervale – Motoring made manageable: www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X - Empowering bold thinkers at every stage: https://www.plusxinnovation.com/🔔 Subscribe, comment, and join the journey to redefine success through real, human stories.✨ PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.