In episode #153 of the Growth Series podcast, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages is joined by Jason Berry, Group Sales Director at Crystal Specialist Finance, for a conversation about performance, leadership and the importance of putting people at the heart of business.

Drawing on nearly 35 years in financial services, Jason reflects on the influence of his sporting background, what he has learnt about creating lasting industry partnerships and why specialist finance presents an important opportunity for brokers navigating a challenging market.

They also explore the relationship between commercial success and workplace wellbeing. As co-founder of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter, Jason shares his perspective on where the industry needs to go next and why meaningful action, rather than good intentions alone, matters.

Along the way, Jason discusses how his approach to leadership has evolved, the value of staying ambitious while remaining humble, and the career lesson he wishes he had learnt much earlier.

In episode #152 of the Growth Series podcast, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, welcomes his daughter Emily Davidson, Science Teacher, Physics Specialist and School Leader to talk about leadership, resilience and inspiring the next generation.

Emily reflects on her unconventional career journey, discusses the importance of encouraging more girls into STEM subjects and shares the leadership principles that have shaped her approach both inside and outside the classroom. Together, they explore the value of role models, overcoming challenges, embracing opportunity and why believing in people's potential can have a lasting impact.

Whether you're leading a business, supporting a team or simply looking for a fresh perspective, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories that extend far beyond the classroom.

In episode #151 of the Growth Series podcast, Angelika Christian is joined by Josie O'Hanlon, Learning Design Lead at Yorkshire Building Society, to explore the imposter experience and why it can affect people at every stage of their career.

Together, they discuss where these feelings can come from, why they often emerge during periods of change and progression, and how they can influence confidence, performance and decision-making. Josie also shares practical perspectives on developing a healthier mindset, recognising unhelpful thought patterns and supporting others who may be experiencing similar challenges.

An insightful conversation packed with relatable experiences, practical reflections and valuable takeaways for anyone looking to build confidence and continue growing professionally.

In episode #150 of the Growth Series podcast's Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, is joined by Greg Cunnington, Head of Strategic Partnerships (Lender) at L&G Mortgage Club, for a conversation about career progression, leadership and the importance of continuous development in the mortgage industry.

Greg shares how he entered the sector during one of the most challenging periods in its history, what he learned from moving into leadership roles, and why stepping outside familiar environments has been critical to his growth. The discussion also explores mentoring, talent development, industry culture and the balancing act between career ambitions and family life.

Packed with practical insights and honest reflections, this episode provides an inspiring look at the experiences that have helped shape one of the industry's most recognisable leaders.

In episode #149 of the Growth Series podcast, Mary Cloherty, Business Development Manager at Accord Mortgages, welcomes Patrick Glennon, Director at Patrick James Solutions, to discuss how podcasting has helped his business engage customers, challenge mortgage misconceptions and build stronger relationships.

Patrick explains the thinking behind Mortgage MythBusters, why educational content matters and how authentic conversations can help brokers connect with audiences in a more meaningful way. The discussion also explores social media, compliance, customer trust and the realities of creating content while running a busy brokerage.

An insightful episode for brokers interested in marketing, customer engagement and making mortgage conversations more accessible.

In episode #148 of the Growth Series podcast's Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, is joined by Jo Carrasco, Business Partnerships Director at Stonebridge Group to explore her move from investment banking into the mortgage industry and her long-standing career with Stonebridge Group. Jo shares key lessons on embracing opportunity, building resilience and navigating change, alongside her views on sustainable growth for broker firms.

The episode also touches on the importance of collaboration within the intermediary sector, overcoming personal challenges such as public speaking, and balancing professional ambition with family life. A concise but insightful conversation offering practical reflections for brokers looking to grow and adapt in a changing market.

In episode #147 of the Growth Series podcast, host Telephone Business Development Manager at Accord Mortgages is joined by Chris Days, Mortgage and Protection Broker at GoMortgage to discuss how social media, particularly TikTok, can be used to educate clients and build trust in the mortgage industry.

Chris shares his experience of growing a social media presence through consistency, plain-language education and live engagement, as well as the compliance considerations brokers need to be aware of. The episode offers practical insight for brokers who are hesitant to get started and explores how short-form video fits into the wider future of mortgage marketing.

In episode #146 of the Growth Series podcast's Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, speaks with Kate Davies about her extensive career across the mortgage industry and the pivotal role collaboration plays in its success. Kate shares how she entered the sector, the evolution of trade bodies and the importance of bringing lenders, intermediaries and policymakers together.

The discussion covers key regulatory milestones, including the development of the mortgage code and how those early efforts to self-regulate shaped today's framework. Kate also reflects on recurring market cycles, external pressures and why maintaining a steady, principles-led approach is critical for long-term resilience.

Looking to the future, the conversation explores the impact of AI and technology, with a focus on balancing innovation with the continued need for human interaction. Kate also offers practical advice for those starting out in the industry, emphasising the importance of networking, learning from others and building a meaningful career within a collaborative environment.

In episode #145 of the Growth Series podcast, host Angelika Christian hosts a panel discussion on mentorship and allyship in financial services.

Joined by Andrew Calder, Charlotte Pearce, Pete Gwilliam and Josie O'Hanlon, the panel shares real-life perspectives on how supportive relationships influence career progression, confidence and workplace culture. The discussion touches on the value of having advocates in your corner, the importance of creating inclusive environments, and the challenges many professionals face around flexibility and self-belief.

Listeners will come away with practical insights and relatable experiences that highlight why mentorship and allyship matter and how they can make a meaningful difference in the mortgage industry.

In episode #144 of the Growth Series podcast, host Angelika Christian introduces a live session from Accord's 2026 International Women's Day conference, featuring Kelly Beaumont, Founder of Olive Avocado.

The conversation explores the realities of women's health, from the impact of hormonal changes to the challenges of managing symptoms and seeking support. It touches on common conditions, key life stages, and why awareness in the workplace is still evolving.

Listeners will also hear practical insights on improving wellbeing through simple, sustainabl