I Lost Myself for 10 Years | Scott Thomas on Identity, Purpose & Reinvention

About this episode

For ten years, Scott Thomas says he lost himself.

Known to millions from Love Island, Scott has since built a career as an entrepreneur, podcaster and motivational speaker, but behind the public profile was a period in which he says he became disconnected from the person he really was.

In this episode of TEDx and Talks, Scott joins hosts Andy Coley and Simran Whitham ahead of taking to the TEDxNorthernQuarter stage in Manchester.

Scott speaks openly about his years in nightlife, drinking, drugs and chasing a version of success that looked right from the outside but did not feel aligned on the inside. He shares the turning point that made him realise something had to change, and why rebuilding his life was not about becoming somebody new, but about reconnecting with who he had always been.

The conversation explores identity, self-belief, sobriety, family, friendship and personal transformation, including why the people closest to us can sometimes struggle when we change, and the "lonely chapter" that can happen when you no longer fit into your old life but have not yet found your new community.

Scott also talks candidly about modern masculinity, emotional openness and why he believes men do not have to choose between being driven and being vulnerable.

The conversation then goes behind the scenes of his TEDx journey, from months of coaching and rewrites to the work required to turn a deeply personal idea into a fifteen-minute TEDx talk.

Ultimately, Scott describes reaching a place where his work, relationships and ambitions finally feel aligned, and finding a purpose centred on helping other people reconnect with their own potential.

TEDx and Talks is the official podcast of TEDxNorthernQuarter, taking you beyond the red dot to discover more about the people, stories and ideas behind the talks.

Hosted by Andy Coley and Simran Whitham.

Recorded by THE CLUB MCR in Manchester.

TEDxNorthernQuarter returns to Stoller Hall, Manchester on 11 September 2026, bringing together 16 speakers to share ideas worth spreading.

Find out more about TEDxNorthernQuarter:

Website: https://www.tedxnorthernquarter.com/
Podcast: https://podcast.tedxnorthernquarter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedxnorthernquarter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tedxnorthernquarter/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tedxnorthernquarter

Connect with Scott Thomas:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scott.thomas/
Website: https://www.scottthomas.co.uk/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.thomas

Content note: This episode contains strong language and candid discussion of alcohol, recreational drug use and gambling.

TEDxNorthernQuarter is an independently organised event under license granted by TED.