‘You fail forward and you fail fast’ with Carlton Roach

This week on The Pivot Project, I'm joined by Adeola and RonkeJane, founders of Black Creative Trailblazers — a Manchester-based organisation dedicated to empowering black creatives across music, art, fashion, poetry and more. We talk about their pivots from law and tech, building something from pure goodwill, knowing how you work best, and why showing up authentically will always beat a perfectly curated feed. A warm, honest and genuinely inspiring conversation, don't miss it!

In this powerful episode of The Pivot Project, we sit down with artist, singer, and founder of Museum Misha, Misha B to explore identity, healing, and the journey back to who you were before the world told you who to be.From growing up in foster care, to navigating The X Factor spotlight at 19, to rebuilding her life through art, family and faith. Misha shares a deeply honest and transformative story about:✨ Returning to your inner child✨ Finding your voice again✨ The power of mentors and “earth angels”✨ The beauty of being “beautifully broken”✨ Building a life that aligns with your soul✨ Creating spaces for collective healing through Museum MishaIf you’re going through a transition, feeling lost, or trying to rebuild your confidence and identity, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Entwistle as he shares his creative journey from working at McCann to becoming the Founder of Bank of Creativity and One Minute Briefs. One thing that stood out for us was his determination to make things happen because “Why can’t it be real?”.

At 30, most people are told to settle down. Jordan Stachini did the opposite. In this unfiltered episode, the founder of Co&Co Marketing Agency shares what it really means to blow up your life, on purpose. From radically transforming her body, to walking away from a relationship, to rebuilding her career on her own terms, Jordan proves that bold and ballsy moves aren't reckless, they are necessary. This is a story about choosing yourself, backing your instincts, and asking the question we all should when we’re stuck: What’s the other fcking option?

In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Danny Fahey, we explore the unpredictable path of building and winding down a successful creative agency. Danny reflects on what it really means to stay authentic, let go at the right time, and redefine what purpose means to you.As Danny puts it, “a creative career is like a bowl of spaghetti” and knowing when to close a chapter to start a new one is a skill in itself.

In this episode of The Pivot Project, Devika sits down with Danny Fahey — a creative force who's spent over 20 years in the entertainment industry as an artist, mentor, and cultural leader. From his early start in the UK rap scene to breaking into the industry before web 2.0 was ever present, Danny shares what it really took to be heard. He talks about his transition into youth work, creative leadership and building a life rooted in impact. This isn’t just a story about music, it’s about knowing when to walk away, redefining success, and listening for the signs when it's time to pivot. Part 2 coming soon! 

In this episode of The Pivot Project, host Devika Kapoor, chats with Ben Duffy, founder of Duffy’s Barbers in Ancoats, Manchester. Starting his career at just 15, Ben walks us through the pivots that shaped his journey—from small-town beginnings to building a brand rooted in values, service, and legacy.He opens up about the power of manifestation, what it really takes to run your own business, and why believing in yourself is the ultimate foundation for success. We also explore barbering became a gateway to helping others feel better.If you're in a moment of transition or thinking about taking a leap, Ben’s story is a bold reminder to bet on yourself.🎧 Tune in and pivot with intention.

In this episode of the Pivot Project Podcast, we sit down with Liam - a photographer, creative connector, and founder of Heads, a Manchester-based platform bridging creatives and brands. From livestreaming on Twitch as a teen to photographing global campaigns and launching a thriving creative community, Liam shares his journey of navigating transitions, building confidence, and pivoting with purpose.We talk about:- The evolution from freelancer to founder- The power of networks, self-belief, and long-term vision- How staying grounded fuels sustainable successWhether you're in a season of change or seeking clarity on your next move, this episode is full of honest insights and practical encouragement to help you design a life on your terms.

Season 2, Episode 1. We’re kicking off Season 2 with everyone's favourite DJ, G2 - known for his infectious personality and banging music taste, G2 has become a favourite among A-list artists and fans alike. But his journey wasn't always glamorous...Starting at just 16 years old picking up glasses in clubs, G2 spent the first two years learning his craft from other DJ's in the game. In this episode, we dive into his come-up story, what it takes to make it in the music world, and how he stays grounded despite the rooms he enters.'Act Like You've Been Here Before' - 🔥 Whether you're into music, motivation, or just love a good story – this one’s for you.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more inspiring convos all season long!#DJ #Podcast #Season2 #MusicIndustry #Rihanna #ComeUpStory

In this episode of The Pivot Project, I sit down with Carlton Roach, founder and CEO of Variety Mode, a functional mushroom blend brand. From a self-proclaimed “not-so-great employee” to building a business that’s helped tens of thousands of people, Carlton opens up about his decade-long journey in sales, his background in psychology, and the bold leap into e-commerce.We talk about building from scratch, the reality of walking away from stability, and when the path ahead is unclear, the only way out is through — and yes, you fail forward and you fail fast.