AD | This season of Golden Nuggets: Movers & Shakers is supported by Rightmove
Ben Madden never planned a career in property.
He started out in retail and hospitality, moved into estate agency almost by chance — and his first six months in sales were, in his own words, “a bit of a disaster”.
Then he moved into lettings.
That changed everything.
In this episode of Golden Nuggets: Movers & Shakers, Ben Madden, Principal Director of Fine & Country West London, joins Silvia Eldawi for a conversation that comes with a little history: Silvia was once Ben’s line manager.
More than two decades later, they look back at the people, decisions and market conditions that shaped his squiggly career path — from agency and business ownership to mentoring, recruitment and digital media.
🎙️ WHAT WE COVER
• Why moving into lettings changed Ben’s career
• The set of keys that unexpectedly led to a new job
• Launching his own company in 2008
• Why the right manager can affect someone’s career trajectory
• Recruiting for drive and determination
• Creating The Boys Club
• His work with Fine & Country
• Moving into digital media and video
• Coming full circle more than 20 years later
👀 WHO IS THIS FOR?
Estate agents building their careers, managers responsible for developing people and anyone wondering whether they’re in the wrong profession — when they may simply be in the wrong role, team or environment.
It’s also useful for agency owners thinking about recruitment, culture and how to spot potential beyond someone’s previous experience.
💡 GOLDEN NUGGET
“Who you’re setting up for that interview can determine someone’s entire life trajectory.”
Sometimes the right career move isn’t leaving the industry.
It’s finding the part of it — and the people — where you thrive.
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 Tough markets force businesses to adapt
00:23 Rightmove supports this season
00:56 Ben and Silvia go way back
04:09 Leaving to start Thorgills
06:39 Why Ben switched from sales to lettings
07:19 Recruiting for drive and determination
07:33 The interviews that changed Silvia’s career
10:38 Ben’s simple formula for keeping good people
11:35 What Ben does today
14:42 Full circle, 22 years later
🤝 MORE FROM RIGHTMOVE
Unlock more opportunities with Rightmove:
https://hub.rightmove.co.uk/maximising-your-opportunity
Discover more ways Rightmove are championing agents:
https://hub.rightmove.co.uk/share-your-expertise/
👤 ABOUT BEN MADDEN
Ben Madden is Principal Director of Fine & Country West London. His career spans estate agency, business ownership, industry leadership and property media.
After starting in agency in West London, he went on to establish Thorgills and later sold the business. Today, he combines his work with Fine & Country with mentoring, industry initiatives and digital media.
🔗 FOLLOW SILVIA ELDAWI
Website: https://propologi.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviaeldawi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silviaeldawi/
💬 VIEWS & OPINIONS
The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Rightmove.
This content is provided for general information and discussion purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional, legal, financial or property advice.
