Essex boy Dean Franklin made history as the first outright male winner of BBC’s The Apprentice in over a decade — but what might surprise you is that he nearly QUIT the show just two weeks before the final.

In this episode, Dean opens up about being rejected at his very first audition, only to come back a year later and beat out 80,000 other hopefuls to land Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment.

Our conversation is equal parts inspiring, revealing, and downright silly. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like being watched by six million people every week, and hear Dean reflect on his relationship with Lord Sugar — then and now.

With his winning mindset and trademark cheeky smile, it’s easy to see why Dean became a fan favourite. Expect to leave this episode smiling, inspired, and with a fresh perspective on what it really takes to go from rejection to victory.

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We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.

The question is: how?

Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment, health and psychology.

Between the second and third series, I made the decision to go full-time on this show.

I sold my successful 10 year old PR agency after a heart-breaking family tragedy made me realise that I should run towards passion, purpose and positive impact, and my dream of this being my career.

Possibilists, pull up a pew.

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Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at ⁠https://projectpossible.substack.com⁠ for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.

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Follow on IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/richleighpod⁠

Email: ⁠hello@projectpossiblepod.com⁠

The Project Possible website: ⁠http://www.projectpossiblepod.com

How is it possible to become a full-time podcaster?

A very personal one for my first-ever mid-week upload - and my first ever solo episode.

In this episode, I talk about who I am, why I sold my company to pursue the passion I have for interviewing and creating this show, the impact of grief, what I hope to achieve, how you can get involved and more.

I don’t have plans to do solo episodes regularly, but I wanted to speak outside of the confines of an interview for a moment, directly to you - and I hope you enjoy it!

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We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.

The question is: how?

Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment, health and psychology.

=====

Join our growing posse of Possibilists now by signing up to our free weekly newsletter at ⁠https://projectpossible.substack.com⁠

You'll be the first to get interviews, see behind the scenes, be first in line for giveaways, ways to get involved and more.

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Follow on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/richleighpod

Email: ⁠hello@projectpossiblepod.com⁠

The Project Possible website: ⁠https://www.projectpossiblepod.com

One of the UK’s leading interview podcasts*.

We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.

The question is: how?

Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment and academia.

Possibilists, pull up a pew.

*Previously known as The Starting Line, before series 3.

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My upbringing was one of domestic violence, addiction, debt collectors and prison visits.

At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time and left the chaos of my family council house without a penny to my name, determined to break the cycle.

By 30, I was a successful PR agency owner with a #1 best-selling book, working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities.

Using that influence, I’ve helped to raise more than £1m for sick children.

On February 7th 2025, my youngest brother Jordan took his own life. He was just 27. His note to me was addressed ‘to the dad I never had’.

In June 2025, I sold my PR agency to give 100% of myself to this project and my aim to build a community of Possibilists, dedicating myself to positivity and my passion for sharing the stories and lessons of incredible people.

Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, Project Possible is the show that asks the question: what is possible, for you, for me and for all of us?

=====Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at ⁠https://projectpossible.substack.com⁠ for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.=====Follow on Instagram: http://instagram.com/richleighpodEmail: ⁠hello@projectpossiblepod.com⁠The Project Possible website: ⁠https://www.projectpossiblepod.com