DiscoverCurious Leadership with Dominic MonkhouseE351 | Dan Williams: How Optimism, Grit and Vulnerability Built a £30M Business
E351 | Dan Williams: How Optimism, Grit and Vulnerability Built a £30M Business

E351 | Dan Williams: How Optimism, Grit and Vulnerability Built a £30M Business

Update: 2025-10-30
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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.

Sign up to receive our weekly Curious Leadership newsletter:  https://subscribe.monkhouseandcompany.com

Follow Dominic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicmonkhouse 

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E351 | Dan Williams: How Optimism, Grit and Vulnerability Built a £30M Business

E351 | Dan Williams: How Optimism, Grit and Vulnerability Built a £30M Business