Our newsletter offers a peek behind the professional curtain—because there’s more to leaders than what you see on LinkedIn. In this Q&A, industry heavyweights open up about their real likes, dislikes, opinions, and goals. It’s business with a personal twist. Here Maryia Karvat interviews Michael Day, of Integra Property Services.
Michael Day is a lifelong music fan, guitarist, and die-hard Watford FC supporter who stumbled into the property industry 50 years ago — and never left!
Along the way, he’s enjoyed a highly successful career and is recognised as a leading authority in the sector, blending his deep knowledge, sharp wit, and passion for mentoring to help property professionals thrive. As Managing Director of Integra Property Services, Michael has guided countless businesses while earning a reputation as a go-to consultant, trainer, and industry judge.
Michael’s influence extends across the industry, where he serves on several advisory boards and mentors future leaders. He also lends his expertise and “gives back” via industry charities, The Propertymark Trust and Agents Together. In 2023 he was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Negotiator Awards.
Despite his impressive credentials (including holding an MBA and being a Fellow of RICS and Propertymark NAEA and ARLA), Michael remains refreshingly down-to-earth, always ready to share his insights—often with a dash of humour.
Maryia: When you were a child, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?
Michael: Three possible careers – a professional footballer, musician or gigolo! I obviously didn’t make the grade in any of these but estate agency was still a good choice!
Maryia: How would your close friends describe your personality?
Michael: Outgoing, irreverent, assertive, generous, fun, strong and very resilient.
Maryia: What tends to frustrate or annoy you the most?
Michael: Dishonesty and a lack of basic courtesy. Over the years there has been an increase in the amount of “ghosting” from those initially seeking assistance who then “disappear” and avoid communication. I’m known as Rhino as I have a thick skin and charge a lot so I can take rejection but to be left hanging is, to me, unacceptable.
Maryia: Who or what do you find most motivating or inspiring?
Michael: There are lots of individual stories of compassion, resilience and the achievement of success, often “against the odds”. I am always inspired by the ability of people to pick themselves up, dust themselves down and go again. I’d like to think some of these qualities have rubbed off on me over the years.
Maryia: How would you describe an ideal day for you?
Michael: Twenty-four hours where I feel I have achieved something, however small. The sands of time are moving ever quicker through the hour-glass. Don’t put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.
Maryia: What do you typically see when looking out of your home window?
Michael: Dirt! The question is a timely reminder to clean those windows!
Maryia: What do you enjoy spending your money on?
Michael: Travel, guitars, gigs and sport, usually in the company of friends and family.
Maryia: What is your favourite place to visit for a holiday?
Michael: I take the view that I’d rather visit everywhere in the world once, rather than half the places twice (so much to see and experience) but my favourite places so far have been Egypt, China and Tuscany in Italy.
Maryia: What book has had the most impact on you?
Michael: Lots of great novels and autobiographies but Ken Blanchard’s One Minute Manager series of books has had a huge impact, particularly Leadership and the One Minute Manager and the concept of Situational Leadership.
Maryia: What film do you enjoy the most?
Michael: I’m not an avid viewer of films – last time I went to the cinema was in 1986 for the Care Bears Movie! I can’t however resist watching reruns of the Blues Brothers or its sequel but that’s more about the music. Cinematically I love epics such as Ben Hur, Cleopatra, The Robe, The Ten Commandments, Spartacus and El Cid. In fact, my first bands at school were called the Charlton Heston Band and Barabbas!
Maryia: What would be your first action if you were appointed prime minister?
Michael: Create a fully elected second revising chamber (House of Lords)
Maryia: If you were stranded on a desert island, which public figure would you choose to be with, and why?
Michael: Nigella Lawson, Beautiful, intelligent and who can, no doubt, rustle up a good meal!
Maryia: What is the best advice you’ve ever received, and what’s the worst?
Michael: Best – Don’t smoke or do drugs – and I haven’t.
Worst – Take an endowment based mortgage – the savings plan will grow to both pay off your mortgage and leave you with a large tax-free sum of money. Oh well!
Maryia: How do you envision your life five years from now?
Michael: Retired, hopefully healthy and happy. After my successful triple heart by-pass in 2021, I recognise that time is precious and I look to live it to the max every day.
Maryia: Looking back, what’s something you wish you had done differently?
Michael: No regrets. Of course, I’ve made mistakes but every day is a school day and, like most people, I’ve learned more from errors and setbacks than I have from easy wins and successes.
Maryia: Do you have a favourite quote that resonates with you?
Michael: Zig Ziglar: “You can have anything you want in life, if you just help enough other people achieve what they want in life.” A maxim that I have always tried to live my life by.
Maryia: What concept or idea do you believe has the potential to make a positive global impact?
Michael: Controversially, the end of organised religion.. Not the end of people’s belief structures and values but the indoctrination, apartheid and control seemingly exercised in the name of a God by us mortals.
Maryia: How do you see artificial intelligence’s role in shaping our world’s future?
Michael: It’s already shaping it, rapidly, both as a power for good and, sadly, for evil. The potential for rapid advancement in areas such as medical science is incredible.
Maryia: What’s your mission as the leader of your business?
Michael: To help people realise their potential and be the best they can be.
