I believe everyone has a story to tell, through seeking true, authentic insights about the entrepreneurial journey, I provide a platform for our peers to share their stories and inspire those that listen.
Welcome! I’m Sam Thomas, the host of the "Different Hats Podcast." In a world where entrepreneurs often feel pressured to wear countless hats, I believe in the power of authentic storytelling to redefine what success truly means. My mission is to help the 'World to See Success Differently' so you can achieve happiness, purpose, and fulfilment, by sharing real stories from those who’ve navigated the entrepreneurial landscape.
Through engaging conversations with peers and industry leaders like Chris Anderson of TED, I aim to provide you with the insights and inspiration needed to build the business you desire. Unlike other platforms, "Different Hats" focuses on the human side of entrepreneurship, moving beyond the performative aspects to foster genuine connections and meaningful growth.
Happy Listening 🎧
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I believe everyone has a story to tell, through seeking true, authentic insights about the entrepreneurial journey, I provide a platform for our peers to share their stories and inspire those that listen.
Welcome! I’m Sam Thomas, the host of the "Different Hats Podcast." In a world where entrepreneurs often feel pressured to wear countless hats, I believe in the power of authentic storytelling to redefine what success truly means. My mission is to help the 'World to See Success Differently' so you can achieve happiness, purpose, and fulfilment, by sharing real stories from those who’ve navigated the entrepreneurial landscape.
Through engaging conversations with peers and industry leaders like Chris Anderson of TED, I aim to provide you with the insights and inspiration needed to build the business you desire. Unlike other platforms, "Different Hats" focuses on the human side of entrepreneurship, moving beyond the performative aspects to foster genuine connections and meaningful growth.
Happy Listening 🎧
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it really mean to speak your truth in a divided world?
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jonathan Lea solicitor, entrepreneur, and founder of The Jonathan Lea Network, for an honest conversation about courage, conviction, and authenticity.
Jonathan opens up about growing his law firm, navigating controversy, and standing firm on his beliefs during one of the most polarising times in modern history. We talk about free speech, the fear of speaking out, and why honest debate, even when uncomfortable, is essential for personal and societal growth.
From lessons in leadership and fatherhood to the rise of AI in law, this episode is a masterclass in integrity, presence, and redefining success.
00:00 Introduction
03:21 “How do you define success?” – career, family, campaigning
10:16 Success as a feeling vs. milestones; surviving a tough market
25:50 Should debate be taught in schools?
27:00 Pandemic years: campaigning, reputation, and staying civil online
33:48 Values vs. opinions: can relationships survive big differences?
38:13 “Freedom movement,” Tommy Robinson, and division
41:38 Immigration, patriotism, compassion & policy
50:41 Who benefits? Foreign policy, media narratives, and nuance
1:07:31 Why Jonathan spoke out during COVID
1:10:05 Censorship, protests, platform bans & media framing
1:20:36 Did speaking out hurt business? (what actually happened)
1:26:38 Leadership vs. being anodyne; standing for something
1:28:35 Lockdowns, collateral harms & vaccine passports
1:31:41 Can opposing truths coexist?
1:36:02 How to speak up safely (regulators, sources, IHRA, AI checks)
1:43:35 How his firm uses AI (ChatGPT & Gemini) across legal work
1:55:23 Will AI replace lawyers? Where humans still add value
1:59:48 The next 5 years: tech, team, and growth mindset
2:06:02 New fatherhood, balance & presence
“If you truly believe in what you’re saying, you have to be willing to stand by it — even when it’s uncomfortable. Authenticity isn’t about being loud, it’s about being honest.”
🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:
👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast
🔗 CONNECT WITH JONATHAN LEA:
Website: https://www.jonathanlea.net
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanlea/
Search Seven – www.searchseven.co.uk
Nostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.uk
Rivervale – www.rivervale.co.uk
Plus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com
🎥 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.