John D Wood & Co. Managing Director Polly Ogden Duffy Reveals How Progressive Leadership Transformed 150-Year-Old Estate Agency

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John D Wood & Co. Managing Director Polly Ogden Duffy Reveals How Progressive Leadership Transformed 150-Year-Old Estate Agency

Industry veteran shares insights on modernising traditional property business whilst maintaining market leadership in prime London locations

LONDON, UK – Polly Ogden Duffy, Managing Director of prestigious estate agency John D Wood & Co, has detailed her remarkable transformation of one of London's oldest property brands in a candid interview for the latest devcast podcast episode. Speaking with deverellsmith's Ryan Doyle, Polly revealed how her people-first leadership philosophy has revolutionised workplace culture whilst positioning the company for continued growth in an evolving market.

Over her 20-year career in estate agency, Polly has risen from an 18-year-old trainee to leading a business with 37 branches and 350 employees across London and southern England. Her tenure as Managing Director has been marked by bold policy changes that challenge traditional industry norms, including comprehensive fertility and menopause support, flexible working arrangements, and merit-based promotion structures.

"If you look after your people, the results look after themselves," explains Polly, whose leadership has seen John D Wood & Co. achieve record-breaking performance whilst maintaining its position in London's prime property markets. "I believe in work-life balance and supporting people. Just because agency has always been one way doesn't mean it's right."

The transformation has been particularly significant given the company's heritage. When Polly joined the business following the merger with Faron Sutaria, John D Wood & Co. had only one female manager across the entire organisation. Today, the company champions diversity and progression based purely on talent and performance.

"When I'm recruiting, I want the best person for the job. I don't care what your background is, what you look like, or where you've come from," she states. "If you've been sitting there for 15 years, that doesn't give you the edge. The world's evolving, and having an archaic approach is the fastest route to failure."

This progressive approach extends to the company's strategic planning. Rather than waiting for the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill implementation, John D Wood & Co. proactively restructured their lettings pay systems months in advance, eliminating staff uncertainty whilst creating potential competitive advantages.

The company has also demonstrated its commitment to growth through the recent acquisition of Aspire estate agency, adding five branches to strengthen their presence in key London markets including Fulham and RBKC. However, Polly emphasises that expansion remains strategic rather than opportunistic.

"We do not want to be a national brand. We want to be highly profitable," she clarifies. "We are here to be as profitable as we can be, and if that means opening branches in certain locations, that's what we'll do."

Operating within Connells Group since 2021, John D Wood & Co. maintains autonomous decision-making that allows rapid response to market conditions and client needs. This agility, combined with rigorous compliance standards, positions the company strongly against competitors in London's complex regulatory environment.

Polly’s personal journey, including losing her mother at age 10 and starting her career in Southeast London's competitive market, has shaped her resilient leadership style and commitment to supporting others through challenging circumstances.

"I've experienced delayed grief, channelled pain into work, and learned that having people around you who genuinely want to see you succeed is crucial," she reflects. "Great leaders are happy to see others thrive, even if that ultimately means they move on to opportunities elsewhere."

The full interview with Polly Ogden Duffy is available on devcast, deverellsmith's property podcast series exploring trends and strategies with industry leaders.

Contact Information: deverellsmith Email: info@deverellsmith.com Website: www.deverellsmith.com Podcast: Available anywhere you listen to your podcasts.

About deverellsmith: deverellsmith is a leading property recruitment and talent solutions consultancy specialising in residential and commercial real estate across London and the UK.

About John D Wood & Co. : Established in 1872, John D Wood & Co. is one of London's most prestigious estate agencies, operating 37 branches across prime markets in London and southern England as part of Connells Group.