Estate Agency Leaders Podcast with Ian Preston

Ian Preston

Estate Agency Leaders brings you honest conversations with the UK’s most forward-thinking owners, directors and innovators in property. Hosted by Ian Preston, each episode explores how great leaders build culture, drive performance and embrace technology to stay ahead. Real stories, practical insights and lessons from those shaping the future of estate agency. Whether you run an independent branch or a national network, this podcast is your seat at the table with the people moving the industry forward.

Episodes

  1. Joanna Knight: On Culture, Leaders.Inc, and How to Interrupt a Prime Minister

    JAN 28

    Joanna Knight: On Culture, Leaders.Inc, and How to Interrupt a Prime Minister

    In this episode of Estate Agency Leaders, Ian Preston interviews Joanna Knight on Culture, Leaders.Inc, Growth, and Future Business Models. Join us as we sit down with Joanna Knight, CEO of Leaders, Inc., to trace her unique career path from selling typewriter ribbons internationally to becoming a driving force behind Moneypenny for two decades. Jo, who was recognized with an OBE for her services, discusses how she helped two Prime Ministers on their business advisory council. She also reveals the foundational principles behind Moneypenny’s renowned culture, a business that fundamentally answers phone calls for companies. She emphasises that a positive work environment isn't created by "one big magic button" but by a "collection of... the hundred thousand tiny little things that matter". At Leaders.Inc., Jo’s strategy focuses on "incremental marginal gains, evolution rather than revolution," aiming for "more of the same but even better". Finally, the conversation tackles the integration of technology in people-focused businesses. Jo advises us against choosing "people or tech," urging leaders to instead ask, "what does my future business model look like?". She encourages entrepreneurs to trust their "gut feel" over a "solid business case". Her final advice for business owners for 2026 is to invest in their people, giving them "space to learn" and connect with "great people from other businesses".

    29 min
  2. 11/29/2025

    The Genesis of Preston Baker: Starting an Estate Agency in the 2008 Crash

    Host Ian Preston sits down with his cousin and business partner, James Baker, to discuss the founding of Preston Baker. This "unusual interview" explores the beginnings of the business, specifically what it was like opening an estate agency in October 2008.James shares his background in the industry, which started after Ian, his cousin, told him to move to Newcastle and become an estate agent. He recounts his time at Countrywide, moving to Yorkshire, and then the market crash that led to the opportunity to set up a franchise of Bairstow Eves on October 1, 2008.The discussion covers: The market conditions in 2008, when people thought they were "insane" for starting an estate agency.Why the market in the early days was actually "one of the better markets" they traded in because people had realistic expectations.Strategies for tough markets, including being more proactive and going out to "piece deals together".A comparison of the 2008 crash to the current market, suggesting today could be tougher due to unrealistic seller expectations.The growth and success of Preston Baker Financial Services, which won the best financial services business in estate agency in 2016 and why a good financial services partner is crucial.Working with family, which has been successful due to shared values, work ethic, and trust.Winning the Best Estate Agent Overall Winners award in 2017.The return to core values like "premium," "energy," and "attitude" in the new self-employed model.The future of estate agency, including the benefits of technology and the self-employed model.Flexible fees and why they are vital to the self-employed model to help new associates get up and running quickly and to ensure sellers are incentivized to move.The future of traditional high street branches.

    20 min

About

Estate Agency Leaders brings you honest conversations with the UK’s most forward-thinking owners, directors and innovators in property. Hosted by Ian Preston, each episode explores how great leaders build culture, drive performance and embrace technology to stay ahead. Real stories, practical insights and lessons from those shaping the future of estate agency. Whether you run an independent branch or a national network, this podcast is your seat at the table with the people moving the industry forward.

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