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<h1>All devcast episodes</h1>

<h1>What happens when two forward-thinking entrepreneurs decide to shake things up?</h1>
<p>That&rsquo;s exactly what Jonathan Brandling-Harris and Richard Bryce, Co-founders of House Collective are doing.</p>
<p align="start">In the latest episode of devcast&hellip;, Ryan Doyle - Senior Business Development Manager at deverellsmith sat down with the pair to explore their fresh take on estate agency, their B-Corp status, and their commitment to putting people first.</p>
<p align="start">Read a snippet from the podcast below&hellip;</p>
<h3 align="start"><strong>From rugby fields to real estate</strong></h3>
<p align="start">Jonathan has had quite the journey - starting in professional rugby before transitioning into the corporate real estate world. Reflecting on his career shift, he acknowledges that the structured, high-pressure culture of traditional agencies didn&rsquo;t quite align with his vision. Instead, he and Richard sought to create a space where agents could thrive in an environment built on autonomy, collaboration, and ethical responsibility.</p>
<h3 align="start"><strong>What sets House Collective apart?</strong></h3>
<p align="start">Their philosophy is simple: slow down, focus on quality over quantity, and put clients&rsquo; needs first. House Collective prioritises a more curated approach. By ensuring that agents handle fewer properties at a time, they can provide a more personalised and attentive service to their clients.</p>
<p align="start">But what truly makes House Collective unique is its dual-discipline model. Unlike traditional firms that separate sales and lettings into two distinct roles, House Collective encourages its agents to be proficient in both. This not only provides agents with more career opportunities but also ensures that clients receive a seamless experience, whether they are buying, selling, or renting.</p>
<h3 align="start"><strong>A commitment to ethics: Achieving B-Corp status</strong></h3>
<p align="start">One of House Collectives' standout achievements is their B-Corp certification. Achieving this wasn't easy for Richard and Jonathan, it was a rigorous process that demanded transparency, sustainability, and ethical business practices. But, for House Collective, it wasn&rsquo;t about checking a box; it was about solidifying their values and setting a new standard for estate agencies.</p>

House Collective: A new era for estate agencies 

<h1>Our guest in this episode of devcast&hellip; is Parul Scampion, Principal and COO of Fruition Properties.</h1>
<p>For over 20 years, Parul has played a pivotal role in the success of Fruition Properties, taking on diverse responsibilities across the organisation. She has been instrumental in driving the company&rsquo;s growth, particularly overseeing its Finance and Planning functions, while shaping its strategic direction.</p>
<p>Before joining Fruition Properties, Parul worked as a financial analyst and management consultant at a leading Big Four professional services firm. She is a qualified chartered accountant and holds a BA from New College, Oxford, as well as an MSc from the London School of Economics.</p>
<p>Read a snippet from the podcast below!</p>
<h3><strong>A non-traditional route into property</strong></h3>
<p>Parul began her career studying politics and working in the public sector, where she qualified as an accountant. Seeking a faster-paced environment, she transitioned into management consultancy, spending six years tackling challenges for large organisations and travelling extensively.</p>
<p>After starting a family, Parul sought a better work-life balance. At that time, her brother had just launched Fruition Properties and completed its first construction project. He invited her to join the business to support its operations and systems. Two decades later, Parul remains vital to the company&rsquo;s success and growth.</p>
<h3><strong>Advice for starting your career in property</strong></h3>
<p>We asked Parul what advice she would give to someone considering taking a leap of faith into the property industry. Her response? &ldquo;Say yes.&rdquo; She encourages embracing opportunities, even if they seem daunting at first. Parul advises focusing on discovering what you excel at and using that as a foundation to build your career.</p>
<p>She believes that each job presents an opportunity to learn more about what you enjoy and what might not be the best fit for you. There&rsquo;s immense value in exploring diverse roles and experiences until you find an environment that feels like home&mdash;a place where you can truly grow and develop your skills. By remaining open to possibilities and trusting the process, you can carve out a fulfilling path in the property industry.</p>

Parul Scampion: Shaping the award-winning SME Developer Fruition Properties

<h1>Our guest in this episode of devcast&hellip; is Tom Venner - Chief Development Officer at the Canary Wharf Group.</h1>
<p align="start">Tom joined Canary Wharf Group (CWG) in July 2022 and oversees the delivery of the Group's development pipeline, which includes major projects at North Quay and Wood Wharf. These developments will bring new homes, hotels, retail, and commercial spaces to Canary Wharf, along with a life sciences campus for London. Additionally, Tom&rsquo;s team manages the final phase of the Shell Centre redevelopment in partnership with Qatari Diar.</p>
<p align="start">Read a snippet from the podcast below.</p>
<h3 align="start"><strong>Back to the beginning</strong></h3>
<p align="start">This podcast episode features the journey of Tom, a chartered surveyor who started his career right after earning his degree from Reading University. He began in consultancy with Montagu Evans, where he quickly honed his skills and gained diverse experience working with high-profile clients, including Landsec and British Land.</p>
<p align="start">A pivotal moment came when a client from Landsec invited him to join their team. Recognising a rare opportunity, Tom took the leap and joined Landsec in 2007. His early years there were filled with excitement, as he worked on designing and developing shopping centres during a vibrant period for retail. However, the global financial crisis soon transformed the landscape, presenting new challenges and shifting his focus. Landsec asked him to step into asset management, refilling and revitalising vacant shopping centres, and ultimately preparing them for sale. Tom embraced this unexpected role, which took him to places he hadn&rsquo;t yet explored and left him with lasting memories.</p>
<p align="start">A few years later, as the market stabilised, Tom returned to Landsec&rsquo;s London development team. This marked a transformative phase, as he contributed to the regeneration of Victoria, helping to open up spaces and modernise buildings from the 1950s. Reflecting on this time, Tom shares invaluable lessons learned and fond memories from working with talented people, who shaped both his career and his enduring passion for urban development.</p>
<h3 align="start">​</h3>
<h3 align="start"><strong>Why Tom joined the visionaries behind Canary Wharf&rsquo;s transformation</strong></h3>
<p align="start">Tom shares his long-standing admiration for Canary Wharf Group, noting how remarkable it is for a development to reach such maturity in just 30-35 years. For a property professional, witnessing Canary Wharf&rsquo;s transformation&mdash;from empty land to the vibrant, iconic hub it is today&mdash;is nothing short of extraordinary.</p>
<p align="start">What ultimately drew Tom to join the Canary Wharf Group was the people. He reflects on how every individual he met at the organisation left a lasting impression, inspiring him with their talent and vision. Working alongside such an impressive team has been a defining part of his journey, fueling his excitement and commitment to Canary Wharf&rsquo;s future.</p>
<p align="start">​</p>
<h3 align="start"><strong>Defining excellence and building a team inspired by CEO Shobi Khan</strong></h3>
<p align="start">Tom reflects on a piece of advice from CEO Shobi Khan that left a lasting impact:&nbsp;<em>"Only hire people you think are exceptional."</em>&nbsp;Khan emphasised the importance of not settling for quick hires, but rather holding out for those who truly stand out.</p>
<p align="start">This principle leads to a key question:&nbsp;<em>What defines &lsquo;exceptional&rsquo;?</em> Tom shares the qualities he seeks in top talent. First, he values natural enthusiasm&mdash;people who are genuinely passionate about their work tend to excel and thrive in their roles. Another vital quality is clear commercial acumen. In a field focused on both design and profitability, Tom looks for individuals who can balance creativity with a sharp business sense, envisioning solutions that ensure both aesthetic and financial success. This instinctive ability to navigate challenges while keeping a commercial lens is something he prizes highly in his team.</p>

Tom Venner: From the ground up at the Canary Wharf Group

<h1>Our guest in this episode of devcast&hellip; is David Young - an acclaimed sports psychologist with an impressive career working with England Cricket and a top Premier League club.</h1>
<p>Hosted by Andrew Deverell-Smith, Global CEO and founder of deverellsmith &amp; Hintel, David shares his journey into the world of sports psychology, revealing how he built his career and became a spotlight-accredited practitioner with Mindflick. Through his work, David has helped organisations, including Hintel and the deverellsmith group, enhance leadership and team dynamics by mapping leadership profiles and leveraging strengths for maximum performance.</p>
<h3>How can businesses within the property industry create high-performing teams?</h3>
<p>During the conversation, David delves into the critical elements of creating high-performance teams. He explores how understanding group dynamics, leveraging strengths, and balancing challenge and support can transform ordinary groups into exceptional teams.</p>

David Young: How to build high-performance

<h1 align="left">A new lease of life...</h1>
<p>Welcome to a new lease of life, a sub-series of the devcast&hellip; podcast, where you&rsquo;ll be learning how experts of the Build to Rent, PRS, student accommodation and retirement living sectors climbed the ladder of their professions.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="left">Hosted by Nick Hammond, Head of Build to Rent at deverellsmith, our guest in the studio this episode is Nicola Fleet-Milne, CEO of FleetMilne.</p>
<p align="left">Nicola is the owner of a renowned and award-winning estate agency nestled in the vibrant Colmore BID district. Since establishing the company in 2004, Nicola has steered the company to prominence, earning it a respected reputation as one of Birmingham's premier residential agencies.</p>
<p align="left">She shares her inspiring journey to success, her commitment to the Colmore BID and what plans she has for the upcoming year.</p>

Nicola Fleet-Milne: Pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality

<h2>Our guest in this episode of devcast&hellip; is Nick Cuff - Chief Commerical Officer at Pocket Living, an organisation working hard to get middle-earning Londoners onto the property ladder.</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Nick&rsquo;s vision and expertise have been pivotal in revolutionising the way we think about affordable housing and sustainable living in urban environments. He was one of the driving forces in one of the most innovative businesses within the industry Pocket Living. As the Chief Commerical Officer, he&rsquo;s been instrumental in crafting strategies that marry functionality, sustainability and community engagement.</p>
<p>Hosted by Andrew Deverell-Smith, Global CEO and founder of deverellsmith &amp; Hintel, listen as they dive into Nick&rsquo;s back-to-front way of getting into the property market, how he came to work at Pocket Living, his favourite parts of his career so far and the challenges he finds with regarding the politics of the property industry.</p>

Nick Cuff: The politics of UK housing

<h2>Our guest in this episode of devcast&hellip; is Anna Kear &ndash; CEO of Tonic Housing, a community-led, pioneering organisation, creating the first LGBTQ+ affirming retirement community in the UK.</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Hosted by Andrew Deverell-Smith, Global CEO and founder of deverellsmith &amp; Hintel, listen as they dive into Anna&rsquo;s experience beginning her career within homeless accommodations, the challenges she faced, and how this led to her to steering Tonic housing towards remarkable successes, pushing boundaries, breaking down barriers along the way.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read below a snippet of Anna&rsquo;s story or watch the full podcast below.&nbsp;</p>
<p>​</p>
<h3><strong>Home economics to housing communities</strong><strong>&hellip;</strong></h3>
<p>Anna discovered her passion for housing during her home economics studies. During her job search, she became inspired by a position focusing on homeless accommodation&mdash;a place designed to aid individuals in transitioning from the streets to more permanent housing, providing a supportive environment for up to a year. At a mere 21 years old, this position challenged her, reshaping her perspective on housing as more than just bricks and mortar; it became intricately tied to people&rsquo;s experiences. Many who sought refuge in the accommodation grappled with substance abuse, mental health struggles, and the trauma of homelessness. Understanding this holistic view became a crucial lesson for Anna.</p>
<h3>Prevention over reaction</h3>
<p>Subsequently, she transitioned into the role of a homelessness officer during the late 80&rsquo;s, a period rife with mortgage repossessions. Anna worked to expand temporary accommodation while maintaining a keen focus on the human aspect of this crisis. Within 2 years, she proposed a transformative paper aimed at restructuring the system. Her vision aimed to pivot from a reactive service to a homelessness prevention initiative, aiming to intervene earlier in the process to avert the anguish of homelessness.</p>
<p>​</p>
<h3><strong>Creating retirement communities for all</strong><strong>&hellip;</strong></h3>
<p>Having garnered extensive experience across almost every facet of the housing industry, Anna delved into the story behind Tonic Housing. The idea was a concept of Tonic&rsquo;s Founders and board members, sparked from their own life experiences and questions around the choices available to them regarding housing as an elderly member of the LGBTQ+ community. From this, they observed a notable absence of inclusive choices in the housing market, spurring them to offer secure alternatives. Their passion was driven by the aspiration to create a haven where individuals could not only embrace their LGBTQ+ identity but also find solace among like-minded individuals who truly understood their journey.</p>

Anna Kear: Creating the first LBTQ+ affirming retirement community 

<h2 align="left"><strong>Our guest in this episode of devcast... is Sotheby&rsquo;s giant, George Azar &ndash; Chairman &amp; CEO of Sotheby&rsquo;s International Realty (UK &amp; Dubai).</strong></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">Hosted by Andrew Deverell-Smith, Global CEO &amp; Founder of deverellsmith &amp; Hintel, listen as they delve into how George mastered banking and transitioned that success into running arguably one of the most lucrative estate agency businesses on the planet.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">George&rsquo;s unwavering belief in positivity fuels his success as a standout entrepreneur, pivotal in elevating Dubai&rsquo;s global status and his reputation as one of the top entrepreneurs in his market.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">Read below a snippet of what George shared or watch the full podcast below.&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">​</p>
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">How George Azar made his name in Dubai real estate&hellip;</h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">In Dubai, George gained prominence at Union BancairePriv&eacute;e, a major family-owned bank. Over 14 years, he astoundingly grew the business from $60 million to $5 billion. His success lay in securing capital from major sovereigns, banks, treasuries, and large family offices, solidifying his position in the Middle Eastern finance arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left"><em>How did he do it?&nbsp;</em></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">According to George, the key is building relationships, consistency, and hard work, day in and day out.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">George gave an example of how this strategy worked.&nbsp;</p>
<p>​George had visited a sovereign fund just 5 times in 4 years, and his colleagues advised him to give up because they believed they were never going to give him business.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>​Yet, after the 5th visit, a fax arrived, granting a $1.5 billion mandate, affirming the importance of consistency in building relationships. George saw value in understanding the culture and spending time on potentially sometimes inefficient businesses, which helped him navigate partnerships in the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p>​</p>
<h3>From banking to 'making bank' in the real estate industry&hellip;​</h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">George is now leading one of the most successful estate agency businesses on the planet, how did he get there?</p>
<p>​After George&rsquo;s banking days, he didn&rsquo;t see any further value in the market from an earning perspective. He shares how working in a private environment had always been beneficial to him, as he was able to get deals done faster, whereas if you work for the big banks, there are regulations and sometimes by the time you get to finalising a decision the deal is off the table.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">This empowered George to be agile and fast in decision-making. His main idea was to set up his own bank, but it was very costly and required a lot of funds.</p>
<p align="left">He asked his friend, &lsquo;What could I set up that looks like a bank, behaves like a bank but doesn&rsquo;t cost like a bank?&rsquo;, and the answer was real estate. So, he thought if he wanted to get into real estate, he needed a brand.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">He reeled through a list of names and that&rsquo;s when he came across the name: Sotheby&rsquo;s.</p>

George Azar: How to turn $60 million into $5 billion

<h2 align="left">The podcast series where property&nbsp;<em>meets</em>&nbsp;people.</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><strong>A podcast where we explore the latest trends in the real estate market and interview influential leaders, uncovering the strategies that drive success in this ever-evolving landscape.</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="left">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Our guest this episode is Dominic Agace, CEO of the renowned upmarket agency Winkworth.</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hosted by Andrew Deverell-Smith, Global CEO &amp; Founder of deverellsmith and Hintel, they explore Dominic&rsquo;s perspective on the future of the London property market, Winkworth&rsquo;s plans for growth and expansion, and the invaluable advice he has for aspiring professionals looking to make their mark in real estate.</p>
<h3><strong>Life before Winkworth</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the journey of Dominic&rsquo;s career, he shared his initial steps were taken as a politics student at Newcastle University. It was here that he questioned where his degree in politics could take him. With curiosity, he ventured into diverse fields such as financial public relations and risk analysis. However, it was only a matter of time before his path led him to a new and intriguing domain.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dominic&rsquo;s turning point came when he found himself drawn to the world of real estate with Winkworth. This was the place where he planted his feet and embarked on a journey that would shape his career. He found the passion within his career in this family business and believed it was somewhere he could make a real impact.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>What does the future hold for Winkworth?</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">It&rsquo;s clear that Dominic has a distinct vision for its future. His primary goal is to maintain a multifaceted approach to the business, constantly evolving and exploring new avenues.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Key objectives include not only generating new business areas but also nurturing a robust network, preserving market share, and positioning the company as one of the top three operators in its domain. Moreover, diversification remains a crucial aspect of their strategy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A significant move was their launch into the commercial sector last year and this year, they&rsquo;ve set their sights on venturing into the New Homes market. This expansion demonstrates their commitment to adapt and grow in an ever-changing business landscape.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>What advice would you give aspiring property leaders?</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dominic insights that in the realm of business, the most valuable piece of advice one can receive is also the simplest: work hard. The individual who puts in the most effort in any room often emerges as the most successful. While the business landscape may seem intricate, at its core, it&rsquo;s a straightforward principle &ndash; hard work pays off. The more you invest in it, the greater the rewards waiting at the other end of the journey.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He suggested to maintain the hard work, it&rsquo;s important to surround yourself with environments that keep you motivated. Remember in the world of business, hard work and the right motivating environments are you keys to unlocking exceptional results.</p>

Dominic Agace: Who's worth watching in property?

<h2 align="left">The podcast series where property&nbsp;<em>meets</em>&nbsp;people.</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><strong>A podcast where we explore the latest trends in the real estate market and interview influential leaders, uncovering the strategies that drive success in this ever-evolving landscape.</strong></p>
<h5 align="left"><strong>Our first guest is the visionary leader, Naomi Heaton - CEO at The Other House.</strong></h5>
<p class="p1" align="left">Naomi Heaton is a trailblazer in the realm of luxury hospitality and unique accommodations, consistently pushing the boundaries of what&rsquo;s possible in this dynamic industry.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1" align="left">Her remarkable journey has been defined by her relentless pursuit of excellence and deal-seated passion for creating exceptional living spaces.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1" align="left">Her work has left an indelible mark on the world of luxury accommodations, and as she continues to challenge the status quo, we can only anticipate even more awe-inspiring projects that redefine the very essence of luxury living.</p>

Naomi Heaton: Pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality

<p>Whether you’re looking to get hired, or looking to hire then we’ve got you covered. <br/> Reach out and speak to our expert team today.</p>

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