In this episode of devcast..., host Ryan Doyle chats with Bertie Russell, Managing Director of Russell Simpson, about how he ended up in the family estate agency business. 

From art student to estate agent

Bertie originally studied History of Arts at Leeds and wanted to work in the art world, but his dad's clients convinced him to learn the ropes at Russell Simpson first. He joined at 21 just before the 2008 crash and didn't do a single deal for his first year - not exactly the smoothest start! Despite being naturally shy and reserved, he stuck with it and eventually found his groove working alongside five of his six siblings.

Working with Family and Leading Teams

Bertie talks about what it's like being the eldest of six kids and how that shaped his approach to running the business. He's had to prove himself beyond just being "Alan's son" and has developed his leadership style through lots of reading business books and working with a therapist-coach. His philosophy is pretty straightforward - understand what people are good at, get out of their way, and let them do their thing without friction. 

Market Insights and Future Plans

When it comes to the current property market, Bertie shares his thoughts on everything, including political uncertainty affecting buyers. Russell Simpson is expanding into Mayfair and has partnered with a similar family business in Manhattan to help with US buyers. He's realistic about the challenges but optimistic about London's appeal. The conversation wraps up with some fun, quick-fire questions where Bertie reveals his obsession with real tennis (an obscure sport with only 40 courts worldwide) and his dream of creating a family commune in Oxfordshire complete with chickens and a vegetable patch.