At base property specialists, we’ve always worn our Shoreditch hearts on our sleeve. We challenge convention, advocate for fairness, and put humanity at the heart of everything we do- whether that’s in lettings, property management or simply how we show up in the world. In the latest episode of The Viking Chat, our very own Kristjan Byfield sat down with industry stalwart Chris Webb for one of the most raw, honest and impactful conversations we’ve had to date.
This wasn’t your typical industry waffle. No endless debates about portal rankings or “the future of hybrid models.” This was a no-filter, deeply personal exploration of mental health, masculinity, success, and what it really means to be happy- not just in business, but in life.
The Estate Agency Ladder… and the Cliff That Comes With It
Chris Webb’s career path reads like the perfect LinkedIn CV: from junior negotiator to regional director, national performance director, and now founder of The Estate Agency Consultancy. But beneath the titles, there was turmoil.
Despite “having it all”- the car, the holidays, the corporate salary- Chris reached a point of such deep unhappiness that he was ready to take his own life. It’s a shocking and sobering reminder that success on the outside doesn’t always mean peace on the inside.
He made it to the edge… and then stepped back. Just.
And from that terrifying brink, a new journey began.
“I was the unhappiest I could be. I had everything- yet I felt nothing.” – Chris Webb
The Power of Talking: Why Vulnerability is the Real Strength
One of the most moving moments from the episode was the impact of Chris sharing his story for the first time publicly- on stage at PropX, in front of 500 estate agents.
Within minutes of stepping down from the podium, Chris was hugged by 10 men- each sharing their own stories of loss, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Since then, he’s been flooded with DMs, calls, and confessions from people who thought they were alone.
But they weren’t. And neither are you.
This is why initiatives like The Boys Club- a support space Kristjan and other industry figures help run- matter so much. It’s not a counselling service. It’s a place for people to show up as their whole selves, without judgement.
“Every story someone shares sparks five more. It’s always the same message: ‘I thought I was the only one.’” – Kristjan Byfield
Why Estate Agency Can Break You If You Let It
Anyone who’s worked in our industry knows the highs are euphoric- and the lows are brutal.
One minute you’re a hero for securing a listing. The next, you're losing sleep because a landlord's pulled their property or a sale’s fallen through. You wear every hat—therapist, negotiator, problem solver. You’re visible, vulnerable, and expected to be "on" all the time.
This isn't sustainable- unless we change the script.
Chris pointed out that estate agency often doesn’t give space for people to slow down and redefine their own version of success. That’s where many go wrong. They chase a dream someone else told them to want-until it turns into a nightmare.
Redefining Success: The Real Estate of the Mind
A big part of the conversation was about success. What is it? And who decides?
Too often, we inherit definitions: the six-figure salary, the flash car, the “big job”. But what if success is working four days a week so you can pick up your kids from school? Or ditching the corporate ladder to start a niche agency with purpose?
Chris’s new definition of success includes travel, joy, human connection and building a business on his own terms. From living in a motorhome to launching his consultancy, it’s a reminder that freedom often lives on the other side of fear.
“I sold the BMW, rented out the house, and f***ed off in a campervan. It was the best decision I ever made.” – Chris Webb
The Advice You’ve Heard Before- but Needed to Hear Again
Here’s what resonated most with us- and we hope it lands for you too:
- Find your joy at work. If you're spending 10+ hours a day somewhere, it shouldn’t drain you.
- Talk more. Vulnerability doesn’t make you weak. It makes you brave.
- Social media isn’t real life. You’re comparing someone’s highlight reel to your behind-the-scenes.
- You get one life. Make it yours. Not your boss’s, not your parents’, not Instagram’s.
- Success is whatever you say it is. A studio flat or a penthouse. A one-person agency or 50 branches. If it makes you happy, it counts.
“What does a good day look like for you? Do more of that.” – Chris Webb
Why This Matters to Us at Base
At base property specialists, we believe in bringing your whole self to work. We challenge outdated notions of professionalism. We believe your life should work with your work. That’s why our founders-Kristjan ‘The Viking’ Byfield and An ‘Big Red’ Deckers- set out to create abetter kind of agency. One where humanity matters.
Our clients aren’t just landlords and tenants- they’re people. And so are we.
So if you're reading this and feeling stuck, alone, or just unsure what’s next, we hope this conversation helps.
Take the risk. Have the chat. Redefine what success means for you.
You might just save your own life.
📣 Want to join the conversation?
🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Viking Chat podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
📩Need support or fancy a coffee with someone who gets it? Drop us a line. We’re here to talk.
🛠 Running an agency and want to do things differently? Check out The Estate Agency Tank and connect with Chris.
