Redefining Success in Property: Chris Webb on Mental Health, Marketing, and Meaningful Work
In the latest episode of the Viking Chat podcast, our very own Kristjan Byfield sat down with industry veteran and estate agency consultant Chris Webb to explore a conversation that goes far beyond bricks and mortar. While both men bring decades of insight into the UK property market, this was a discussion that ventured into the heart of what it means to succeed- not just as professionals, but as people.
For letting agents, property managers, and build-to-rent operators navigating today's complex market, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity, mental health, and purposeful business practices.
From Boardroom to Burnout: Chris Webb’s Journey
Chris Webb’s career in estate agency spans from junior negotiator through to national performance director. His experience across independent, franchise, and corporate models has given him a unique 360-degree perspective on the sector. But despite the professional accolades, Chris openly shared how this journey led him to a personal crisis- one that nearly cost him his life.
Having reached what he describes as the "pinnacle of unhappiness" despite material success, Chris made the courageous decision to walk away, reassess, and rebuild a life that actually made him happy.
The Value of Vulnerability in an Alpha Industry
The property industry, like many others, often celebrates relentless ambition, long hours, and the appearance of unshakeable confidence. But as Chris and Kristjan discussed, this image is not only outdated- it’s dangerous.
Chris’s raw and honest talk at PropX, and later within The Boys Club (an industry-led initiative for peer support), sparked an outpouring of stories from others who had faced similar struggles but never spoken out. It was a stark reminder that so many in our industry are carrying invisible burdens- and that vulnerability can be one of the most powerful tools for change.
Estate Agency Isn’t Just About Selling Homes- It’s About Building Brands
While mental health was a cornerstone of the episode, so too was the power of marketing and personal brand. Chris revealed that 80% of his consulting work focuses not on refining estate agency skills, but on helping agents become known, liked, and trusted in their local markets.
"If you’re a 9/10 estate agent, but a 2/10 in market recognition, your business is broken," Chris explained. The fix? Strategic marketing that tells your story, highlights your values, and builds lasting trust with the communities you serve.
Why Every Agent Needs to Define Their Success
One of the biggest takeaways from the episode was a call to reframe what success means. For some, it’s growth and expansion. For others, it’s stability and work-life balance. There is no universal metric.
Chris encourages agents to ask, “What do I want my business- and life- to actually look like?” Whether it’s running a high-performance team or selling two homes a month and picking up the kids from school, both are valid. At The Depositary, this echoes our own mantra: easier, faster, better- but always in the service of what you define as better.
How This Applies to Letting Agents and Property Managers
For those in the lettings space, particularly those managing high-volume portfolios or large-scale build-to-rent developments, the pressure can feel relentless. Chris’s story is a reminder that systems, support, and self-care aren't luxuries- they're necessities.
It’s also a call to embrace digital tools like The Depositary that reduce admin, standardise processes, and give teams time back to focus on what really matters: tenant satisfaction, client relationships, and personal wellbeing.
Creating Space to Talk- and Listen
One of the most powerful aspects of this episode is the sheer number of people who reached out to Chris afterward to say, “me too.” From those navigating grief, burnout, or anxiety, to those simply overwhelmed by the pressure of keeping up appearances, it’s clear: we need more spaces for honest conversations in our industry.
And that’s what we’re building- not just a tenancy conclusion platform, but a culture that values people over process, and wellbeing over appearances.
Want to transform how your agency works, while also redefining success on your own terms?
Discover how The Depositary is helping agents do just that, with tools designed to slash admin time, reduce friction, and deliver faster, fairer end-of-tenancy outcomes.
