In this deeply personal and brilliantly insightful episode of The Viking Chats, Kristjan Byfield sits down with Wendy Peterman—Managing Director of Petermans estate agents—for a conversation that reaches far beyond floorplans, fee structures and portals.

Wendy is one of the most authentic and quietly powerful voices in our industry today. As the second generation to take the reins at her family-run agency, and one of the few women to lead a long-standing independent estate agency, Wendy offers a refreshingly honest perspective on leadership, legacy, equality and the human side of property.

This isn’t a story about breaking glass ceilings with flashy headlines. It’s about consistently showing up, earning your place, and creating space for others to rise alongside you.

🏡 From Family Business to Female Leadership

Wendy didn’t inherit her role—she earned it. Starting with no knowledge of the industry and no fast-track because of her surname, she worked her way up at Petermans, proving herself not just to her family, but to colleagues, clients and competitors alike.

She and Kristjan unpack what it’s really like working in a family business—navigating generational expectations, establishing your own voice, and finding purpose beyond the family name.

And for those in similar positions (or considering handing the reins to the next generation), her reflections on structure, succession and personal growth are a masterclass in thoughtful leadership.

👩‍💼 Gender Bias, Confidence & Culture

As a woman in property, Wendy shares powerful and honest insights into the implicit and explicit bias she’s experienced over the years—and how she’s learned to face it with grace, assertiveness and resilience.

She opens up about:

• Being underestimated in the boardroom
• The challenge of being heard in a male-dominated space
• The tension between confidence and “likeability”
• Why women still face invisible tests their male counterparts often don’t

But this isn’t a doom-and-gloom narrative. It’s a rallying cry for creating space, listening better, and leading differently.

🤝 Flat Structures & Empowered Teams

Wendy and Kristjan dive into the operational DNA of Petermans—a business where hierarchy takes a back seat to collaboration, autonomy and mutual respect.

They explore:

• How flat structures can drive retention and engagement
• The difference between delegation and abdication
• Why a “brain dump” culture (as Wendy puts it!) can unlock hidden leadership
• How legacy businesses can adapt without losing their soul

It’s a fascinating look at how culture shapes service—and why empowered teams deliver better outcomes for both landlords and tenants.

🎯 Lessons for the Property Sector (and Beyond)

Whether you're a letting or estate agency leader, a property investor, part of an institutional landlord operation, or simply passionate about people-first business, this episode offers takeaways on:

• Leadership without ego
• Cultural evolution in family firms
• Making space for women, new voices and new ideas
• Balancing commercial success with community values

Wendy reminds us that the future of property isn't about chasing volume, awards, or tech trends. It's about consistency, care and creating impact at every level of the business.

This is more than a podcast about property. It’s a reflection on how we work, lead, and live—with integrity, curiosity, and courage.

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