#127 - Mortgage Mentors: Navigating Change, Inclusion & Opportunity with Nicola Alvarez
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
Release Date: 07/24/2025
#155 - How mortgage brokers can prepare their business for AI
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #155, Iain Cunningham, Strategic Partnerships & Propositions Manager at Accord Mortgages, speaks with Matt Coulson, Founder of Heron Financial, about the practical foundations firms should consider before introducing AI into their businesses. Drawing on Heron Financial's experience of investing in technology, automation and its own software, Matt discusses why data quality matters, the governance questions firms shouldn't overlook and how involving employees can help build confidence around AI. They also explore how AI could reduce repetitive work while allowing brokers to spend...
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#154 - Mortgage Mentors: 80 Years of Mortgage Wisdom with Kevin Purvey & Roland McCormack
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #154 of the Growth Series podcast, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, is joined by Kevin Purvey, Director of Mortgage Distribution at Coventry Building Society, and Roland McCormack, Head of Intermediary Mortgages at Barclays, for a conversation drawing on more than 80 years of combined mortgage industry experience. Reuniting three former Bank of Ireland colleagues, Kevin and Roland reflect on the opportunities and experiences that shaped their careers, what good mentoring looks like in practice and the importance of finding the right culture and people to...
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#153 - Mortgage Mentors: Performance, Purpose and People with Jason Berry
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #153 of the Growth Series podcast, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages is joined by Jason Berry, Group Sales Director at Crystal Specialist Finance, for a conversation about performance, leadership and the importance of putting people at the heart of business. Drawing on nearly 35 years in financial services, Jason reflects on the influence of his sporting background, what he has learnt about creating lasting industry partnerships and why specialist finance presents an important opportunity for brokers navigating a challenging market. They also explore the...
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#152 - Mortgage Mentors: Breaking Barriers & Inspiring the Next Generation with Emily Davidson
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #152 of the Growth Series podcast, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, welcomes his daughter Emily Davidson, Science Teacher, Physics Specialist and School Leader to talk about leadership, resilience and inspiring the next generation. Emily reflects on her unconventional career journey, discusses the importance of encouraging more girls into STEM subjects and shares the leadership principles that have shaped her approach both inside and outside the classroom. Together, they explore the value of role models, overcoming challenges, embracing opportunity and why...
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#151 - Navigating the Imposter Experience
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #151 of the Growth Series podcast, Angelika Christian is joined by Josie O’Hanlon, Learning Design Lead at Yorkshire Building Society, to explore the imposter experience and why it can affect people at every stage of their career. Together, they discuss where these feelings can come from, why they often emerge during periods of change and progression, and how they can influence confidence, performance and decision-making. Josie also shares practical perspectives on developing a healthier mindset, recognising unhelpful thought patterns and supporting others who may be experiencing...
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#150 - Mortgage Mentors: From Trainee to Trusted Leader with Greg Cunnington
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #150 of the Growth Series podcast’s Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, is joined by Greg Cunnington, Head of Strategic Partnerships (Lender) at L&G Mortgage Club, for a conversation about career progression, leadership and the importance of continuous development in the mortgage industry. Greg shares how he entered the sector during one of the most challenging periods in its history, what he learned from moving into leadership roles, and why stepping outside familiar environments has been critical to his growth. The...
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#149 - Broker Talks: Using Podcasts to Grow Your Business
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #149 of the Growth Series podcast, Mary Cloherty, Business Development Manager at Accord Mortgages, welcomes Patrick Glennon, Director at Patrick James Solutions, to discuss how podcasting has helped his business engage customers, challenge mortgage misconceptions and build stronger relationships. Patrick explains the thinking behind Mortgage MythBusters, why educational content matters and how authentic conversations can help brokers connect with audiences in a more meaningful way. The discussion also explores social media, compliance, customer trust and the realities of creating...
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#148 - Mortgage Mentors: From Banking to Broking with Jo Carrasco
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #148 of the Growth Series podcast’s Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, is joined by Jo Carrasco, Business Partnerships Director at Stonebridge Group to explore her move from investment banking into the mortgage industry and her long-standing career with Stonebridge Group. Jo shares key lessons on embracing opportunity, building resilience and navigating change, alongside her views on sustainable growth for broker firms. The episode also touches on the importance of collaboration within the intermediary sector, overcoming personal...
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#147 - Broker Talks: Using Social Media to Educate & Win Clients
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #147 of the Growth Series podcast, host Telephone Business Development Manager at Accord Mortgages is joined by Chris Days, Mortgage and Protection Broker at GoMortgage to discuss how social media, particularly TikTok, can be used to educate clients and build trust in the mortgage industry. Chris shares his experience of growing a social media presence through consistency, plain-language education and live engagement, as well as the compliance considerations brokers need to be aware of. The episode offers practical insight for brokers who are hesitant to get started and...
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#146 - Mortgage Mentors: Why Collaboration Powers the Mortgage Industry with Kate Davies
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #146 of the Growth Series podcast’s Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, speaks with Kate Davies about her extensive career across the mortgage industry and the pivotal role collaboration plays in its success. Kate shares how she entered the sector, the evolution of trade bodies and the importance of bringing lenders, intermediaries and policymakers together. The discussion covers key regulatory milestones, including the development of the mortgage code and how those early efforts to self-regulate shaped today’s framework. Kate also...
info_outlineIn episode #127 of the Growth Series podcast’s Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, welcomes Nicola Alvarez, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Propositions at Accord Mortgages, who shares her extraordinary journey in the mortgage industry, beginning with her start at Nationwide in 1995. Her story is one of resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Nicola discusses her passion for creating supportive work environments, inspired by her experiences as a mother and her advocacy for a son with autism and ADHD. She highlights the importance of trust, mentorship, and open communication in building resilience, drawing on lessons from her early career influences and her current role.
Nicola also provides insights into her visionary approach to product development and the evolving role of brokers within the industry. With nearly 30 years in the field, she offers valuable perspectives on broker-lender dynamics and the future of mortgage propositions.