Can optimism really scale a company?

In this episode, Dominic chats to Dan Williams, CEO of Orean Personal Care, to explore what it really takes to lead through chaos - from doubling revenue in tough markets to leading with vulnerability, optimism, and Ironman-level discipline.

Under Dan’s leadership, Orean has grown from £3M to £30M turnover, becoming one of the UK’s fastest-growing contract manufacturers in the beauty industry — all while achieving B Corp certification and building a culture rooted in learning and care.

What you’ll learn:

💪 How training for an Ironman reshaped Dan’s mindset as a CEO

💡 The power of optimism when leading through adversity

❤️ Why vulnerability builds trust faster than authority ever could

🏭 How Orean scaled without losing its culture or values

📈 What it takes to grow sustainably - from £3M to £30M

If you’re a founder or CEO navigating the messy middle of growth — trying to scale your team, your systems, and your mindset — this is a masterclass in how to stay human while building something extraordinary.

Book recommendations:

Unbeatable Mind - Mark Divine

The Obstacle is the Way - Ryan Holiday

Start With Why - Simon Sinek

Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor E Frankl

About the guest:

Dan Williams is the CEO of Orean Personal Care, a UK-based contract manufacturer producing premium skincare, haircare, and wellness products for some of the world’s most innovative beauty brands.

Under his leadership, Orean has grown tenfold in revenue and achieved B Corp certification, balancing profit with purpose.

A lifelong endurance athlete, Dan brings his Ironman mindset into business — combining optimism, resilience, and relentless learning to build a company culture defined by progress, not perfection.

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Chapters:

00:01:00 - Dan Williams: Background and Personal Life

00:01:32 - Business Growth Journey

00:03:39 - The Importance of Optimism

00:04:53 - Vulnerability as a Strength in Leadership

00:06:44 - Challenges of Turnarounds and Maintaining Energy

00:08:24 - The Role of Sports in Personal Development

00:10:42 - Achieving Goals Through Determination

00:12:05 - The Impact of Belief and Support

00:13:22 - Leadership and Management Styles

00:16:03 - Promoting from Within vs. Hiring Externally

00:18:05 - Succession Planning and Employee Development

00:21:06 - Overview of Orean's Business Model

00:23:34 - Curiosity and Understanding Customer Needs

00:27:14 - Establishing a Five-Year Vision

00:30:02 - Building a Strategy for Growth

00:32:29 - Evolving Leadership Team Dynamics

00:33:09 - Time Management and Work-Life Balance

35:00.00 - Navigating Challenges in Leadership

37:19.00 - Balancing Passion and Time Management as a CEO

42:13.00 - Finding Balance Between Passion and Life

43:19.00 - Effective Hiring Strategies and Lessons Learned

45:23.00 - Mastering the Art of Interviewing

49:02.00 - Book Recommendations