Successful entrepreneur to prison. That redefined success forever. | Dean Harrison | TEDxSwansea

About this video

After building an award-winning business, Dean appeared to have everything society calls success. But unresolved trauma, pressure and addiction were hiding beneath the surface. Following a personal collapse and prison at 45, he began redefining success. In this talk, Dean explores why peace, authenticity and self-understanding may matter more than achievement Dean is a father of two sons and a man of Christian faith whose life reflects resilience and restoration. An entrepreneur with strong business acumen, he founded the ERP recruitment company Gorilla ERP, leading it to national recognition and winning Best Business in Wales 2020/2021. Despite external success, unresolved childhood trauma began to shape his life more deeply in his early thirties, affecting relationships, leadership, and self-worth. For a time, he turned to alcohol to cope with growing pressures. Between 2023 and 2025, Dean faced his most difficult season, which became the catalyst for breakthrough. Through counselling, deep personal work, and diagnoses of ADHD and PTSD, he gained new understanding of lifelong challenges. Grounded in faith and guided by hope, Dean rebuilt his life from the inside out. Today, he is passionate about helping others confront their past, find healing, and discover that transformation and a renewed life are possible. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx