I'm Aleksandra King, your host on Beyond The Boardroom, and in this full episode, I sit down with Mark Wright, the man who charmed Lord Sugar to win The Apprentice in 2014 and went on to build and sell a business for millions. He claims winning was 'almost easy', but I wasn't buying it. How did he really navigate those boardroom battles and overcome the 'snakes'?

Mark shares the unfiltered story, starting long before the cameras rolled. From overcoming dyslexia and poor vision by honing his communication skills, to hitting rock bottom after a failed football career, he reveals the grit forged in adversity. Discover how a chance encounter led him to digital marketing and eventually, almost accidentally, to the intense audition process for The Apprentice – a process he entered with an unshakeable, almost 'mental' conviction he would win, despite never having seen the show.

As your guide, I push past the surface confidence. We explore the real dynamics in the house – how Mark identified leaders, his controversial take on needing to be 'vicious' to impress Lord Sugar, and the moments of genuine fear and nervousness he faced. Hear the full story behind the disastrous Tesco pitch: the stage fright that left him speechless and the critical decision to take full accountability, a moment of vulnerability that, paradoxically, became a turning point. It’s a masterclass in resilience and owning your mistakes – key ingredients for massive 'Marketing Wins'.

Mark and I delve deep into the power of mindset, the significance of timing ('three trips to the pie counter'), and how perspective shifts with life experience, including his insights on becoming a father. Is he just 'happy go lucky', or is there a 'fanatical' drive for perfection beneath the surface? And what does he really think about ruthlessness in business?

This is more than just a reality TV story; it's a raw look at the entrepreneurial journey, packed with actionable insights on leadership, strategy, and personal growth. Essential listening for anyone serious about building their own success story. Catch the complete conversation on the Beyond The Boardroom podcast – brought to you by Aleksandra King, your expert YouTuber and Podcast Host guide through the realities of business. Find more resources and insights from your expert Podcast Producer at aleksandraking.com. #BeyondTheBoardroom #MarkWright #TheApprentice #BusinessMindset #Entrepreneurship #PodcastHost #YouTuber #PodcastProducer #MarketingWins #Accountability #LordSugar #DigitalMarketing