ACCORD’S MORTGAGE MENTORS SERIES EXPLORES LESSONS FROM UNEXPECTED GUEST
30 July 2026
Latest podcast features interview with Jeremy Duncombe’s daughter, Emily
The latest episode of Accord’s innovative podcast series, launched today, sees an unexpected guest.
The Mortgage Mentors Series, which is part of the intermediary-only lender’s Growth Series to help brokers to grow their business, was designed to show the varied journeys that senior leaders in the industry have taken, and to dispel myths that business leaders need to come from the same backgrounds or educational paths.
Usually, the podcasts involve speaking to leaders from the mortgage world, but its latest guest shows that leadership, resilience and inspiring others are skills that matter in every profession, as Jeremy, who is managing director of Accord Mortgages, is joined by his daughter, Emily Davidson, science teacher, physics specialist and school leader, to talk about leadership, resilience and mentoring.
The episode offers a fresh perspective, as Emily reflects on an unexpected career journey that led her into education, sharing how she has gone on to inspire today’s young people, challenging long-standing stereotypes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) – traditionally subjects pursued by boys, by taking on a role as a physics specialist to inspire more girls into those areas.
During the conversation, Jeremy and Emily explore the importance of positive role models, the value of creating supportive environments where individuals can thrive, and the role leadership plays in helping others to realise their potential. She also reflects on how becoming a mother to Arthur, now four, fuelled her ambition, inspiring her to show her son that hard work and determination can provide opportunities and support for the people you love.
Emily goes on to talk about the mentors who have influenced her career, and the leadership qualities she believes apply across all professions. Her philosophy being that you should always train your people well enough to be able to leave, but treat them well enough to want to stay.
The conversation also examines themes of resilience, opportunity and personal growth, as Emily explains the tough times she had as a teenager, facing health challenges, and how it shaped her approach to life as well as teaching, and the strategy she uses to show her pupils that tough times happen – the trick is to respond to them in the right way.
Finally, the pair discuss Emily’s adventurous streak and what appeals to her about this – the excitement, driven by her long-held philosophy that if you can do something, you should – taking on as many new opportunities as possible.
Jeremy said: “This series is all about leaders sharing their stories and experiences, supporting their colleagues and contacts - who would perhaps like to follow in their footsteps.
“That’s why I’m especially thrilled to host my daughter Emily, who brings a brand-new spin on this topic, demonstrating that skills, leadership and resilience matter in every profession, and how they can make a real difference to the lives of those who follow.
“The Growth Series was launched to support brokers with their personal development as well as to help them to grow their business, and we’re really proud of all that it has achieved to date.”
Listen to the podcast here
