Ash Ajaz, aka The People's Broker and founder of Focus Finance Solutions, shares his remarkable journey from being pushed into entrepreneurship in 2020 to building a thriving brokerage with over 500 educational YouTube videos. We explore why he believes the toughest years for brokers created the best opportunities, how he uses education as his secret weapon for lead generation (with clients calling from Dubai after discovering his content), and why checking your credit score regularly isn't just smart – it's essential. Ash breaks down why the SME finance market is criminally underserved, reveals the pitfalls that kill developer profits (hello, building control nightmares), and explains his 'jab, jab, jab, right hook' approach to content creation. Plus, we discuss why AI is a tool not a threat, the importance of building a personal brand that means something, and why teaching his eight-year-old Excel might be the smartest investment he's making. If you're wondering how to stand out in a crowded market through authentic education and relentless consistency, this conversation is your blueprint.

Guest: Ash Ajaz, Founder & CEO of Focus Finance Solutions (The People's Broker)

Guest Socials: @thepeoplesbroker

https://www.instagram.com/thepeoplesbroker/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashajaz/

https://www.tiktok.com/@the.peoples.broker

https://www.youtube.com/@focusfinancechannel

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, Beth Fisher and Ellen Townsend from Medianett drop a bombshell announcement over Diddy vodka (yes, really): they're halving their client base to focus on premium partnerships. We explore the bold strategy behind cutting from 90 marketing clients to a select group, why being boutique beats being glorified admin, and how editorial independence remains sacred even as they become extensions of clients' teams. Beth and Ellen reveal their massive website rebrand launching April 2026 with AI-powered trend reporting, rotating banner ads that fight 'furniture syndrome,' and a complete shift towards AIO optimization over traditional SEO. We discuss the commercial mortgage surge dominating 2026 conversations, debate whether M&A consolidation will finally happen (Beth's been calling it for four years), and explore why the market might go full circle back to privately-funded niche lenders. Plus, insights on personal versus corporate branding challenges, and why trust and relationships remain the currency that actually matters in specialist finance.

Guests: Beth Fisher & Ellen Townsend, Medianett

Guest Socials:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-fisher-10243790/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-townsend-006110153/

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship

In this special retrospective episode, we're looking back at some of the standout moments from recent conversations. We revisit Markus from NRG Recruitment discussing what sets great recruiters apart and his brilliantly unconventional LinkedIn strategy involving gym sessions and terrible puns. We relive the unforgettable reveal of Matt's 'Yassinisms' – those wonderfully obscure sayings that baffled the entire Avamore office back in 2019. Plus, we hear again from the Avamore leadership team – Ed, Harry, and Adam – as they reflect on growth, the dangers of founder syndrome, why embracing expertise beats trying to know it all, and how partnerships have been the secret sauce to their success. It's a greatest hits compilation of wisdom, laughs, and genuine insights from the world of specialist finance.

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship

In this Q&A session, Property Funder host Michael Dean sits in the hot seat as Marketing Manager Davina Patel takes the reins to explore the remarkable journey of Avamore Capital. From its founding vision as a "three-year project" to becoming a billion-pound lender, Michael shares candid insights about building trust in volatile markets, revolutionizing property lending through technology, and why putting people first has been the secret to surviving Brexit, COVID, and everything in between. Discover how this specialist lender is using cutting-edge tech to transform the industry while never losing sight of the human element that drives real success.

Guest: Davina Patel, Marketing Manager, Avamore Capital

Guest Socials:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davina-patel-53b986253/

https://www.instagram.com/iamdavinaofficial/

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #PropTech #FinTech #Leadership #Innovation #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship #TechTransformation #LendingInnovation #SMEDevelopment #FinancialServices #StartupGrowth #CompanyCulture #TrustInBusiness #DigitalTransformation #PropertyFunder

In this lively catch-up episode, Michael Dean sits down with returning guests James McGregor (P10 Financial Group) and Jack Bristow (J3 Advisory) to talk all things property finance, insurance, and the realities of today’s development market. They dig into how businesses are adapting to tighter margins, shifting regulations, and changing talent dynamics—from managing cost bases to coping with the post-COVID work culture. Expect candid insights, laughs, and a few strong opinions on mergers, working from home, and why resilience (and communication) still make the best business strategy.

Guest Socials:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-mcgregor-p10

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackmbristow/

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship

In this lively episode, Michael reunites with previous guests Andrew Robinson and Matthew Yasin for an update on their businesses, the evolving property finance market, and plenty of laughs along the way. From "Yasin-isms" to discussions on AI, market consolidation, and building strong advisory brands, the conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in specialist finance.

Guests:

Andrew Robinson, CEO of Arc & Co.

https://www.arcandco.com/

Matthew Yassin, MD of Aquilae Capital

https://aquilae-capital.com/

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship

Host Michael Dean sits down with two leading figures in specialist finance recruitment: Stuart Hicks, founder and managing director of City and Capital, and Dan from Infintelligence. The conversation explores the evolution of the specialist lending market over the past decade, the challenges of founder syndrome in growing businesses, and how the talent pool has matured. They discuss the importance of embracing expertise, the impact of technology and AI on the industry, the potential for market consolidation, and share some dramatic placement stories from their recruitment careers. The episode offers valuable insights for both employers and candidates navigating the specialist finance sector.

Guests:

Dan Greenhalgh - Managing Director, Fintelligent

https://www.linkedin.com/in/realestatefinanceheadhunter/

Stuart Hicks - Founder and Managing Director, City and Capital Recruitment

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-hicks-fs1/

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, host Michael Dean sits down with three key leaders from Avamore Capital: Ed Blundell (Head of Underwriting), Harry Yates (Head of Transactions and Structuring), and Adam Butler (Director of Sales and Marketing). They discuss their roles, the impact of technology on operations, leadership styles, personal branding, work-life balance, and advice for their younger selves. The conversation highlights the company's growth, efficiency improvements, and focus on structured solutions in property finance.

Guests: Ed Blundell, Harry Yates, Adam Butler.

Sponsored by: Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Broker #MortgageBroker #Finance #PropertyDevelopment #PropertyDevelopers #Bridging #Development #Refurbishment #Business #InspirationalLeaders #Inspiring #Motivation