What really drives a founder to keep going when everything gets hard — pressure, setbacks, sleepless nights, and the weight of other people’s livelihoods?
In this brutally honest episode of Beyond the Boardroom, Aleksandra speaks with Michael Howard, CEO of Maris Interiors, who scaled a seven-person team into a 250-strong, multi-million-pound company without chasing fame or validation.
From a broken home and brief homelessness at 17, to building one of the UK’s most respected interiors firms, Michael shares the unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship — the maths, the mindset, and the pain that fuels long-term success.
💥 In This Episode You’ll Learn:
💡 The “away-from-pain” motivation that drives real entrepreneurs
📊 Why every business is just maths — capacity, conversion, and repeat custom
🤝 How to hire for character, not just skill — and build a culture that admits mistakes
🚫 Why saying no to bad clients protects your profit and your sanity
🧠 How to handle stress, lead sober, and stay resilient when the pressure never stops
This isn’t a motivational soundbite — it’s a masterclass in grounded, no-fluff business thinking from someone who’s lived every side of the journey.
💬 Which lesson hit you hardest — the numbers, the mindset, or the people side? Share your thoughts below.
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📢 The views expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of Aleksandra or the producers. This podcast is for entertainment only.