At 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 mindset
• Why he values attitude over education when hiring
• The truth behind hustle culture and burnout
• The importance of emotional presence in leadership
• What 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 – Introduction

01:18 – “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 purpose

13:45 – What Tom looks for when hiring young people

20:14 – Tom’s childhood, family trauma, and gaining weight as an emotional outlet

31:27 – Leaving the Jehovah’s Witness faith and its aftermath

33:19 – How one business card changed Tom’s life

38:26 – The £6k summer at 12 years old that ignited his entrepreneurial fire

47:01 – Taking risks, changing lanes, and choosing your hard

54:53 – From ego-driven choices to purposeful business moves

59:56 – Hustle culture: mindset, mental health, and balance

1:08:04 – Why living in the present matters more than chasing the future

1:10:44 – Money vs Meaning: what truly drives Tom

1:24:05 – Dealing with business volatility and emotional resilience

1:31:09 – Relationships, insecurity, and proving you’re enough

1:41:53 – Tom’s Advice to Young Entrepreneurs

1:56:05 – 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.uk

Plus 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/

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