Podcast #116 - Mortgage Mentors: Innovating Housing and Championing Diversity with Esther Dijkstra

Added 10/02/25 - 1 min read

Episode #116 of The Growth Series podcast continues the Mortgage Mentors series as the next episode aired and hosted by Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages.

In this episode, Jeremy joins Esther Dijkstra, Managing Director for Lloyds Banking Group, to explore her career journey, leadership insights and perspectives on the evolving mortgage landscape. The result? A blend of personal anecdotes that underscore the unique challenges of leadership, alongside sound professional advice for those set on significant career growth.

Esther's career trajectory is both inspiring and instructive. Growing up in a small rural village in the Netherlands, she initially aspired to be a prima ballerina. However, thankfully for the sector, her path led her from Amsterdam to London, where she navigated cultural shifts and industry changes to become the outstanding manager and leader we know today.

So, how did Esther transition from ballet to banking?

Throughout the episode, Esther reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her professional life, including the challenges and opportunities she encountered while adapting to different cultures and markets. She discusses the importance of resilience, adaptability and continuous learning in achieving career growth.

The episode also delves into the current state of the mortgage industry, where Esther shares her insights on market dynamics, technological advancements and the critical role of strategic partnerships. She highlights the necessity for industry professionals to stay ahead of trends and embrace innovation to meet evolving client needs.

We recommend this episode to all aspiring leaders. There’s much conversation surrounding Esther’s approach to leading teams, fostering inclusive cultures and mentoring the next generation of industry professionals. Her advice centres on authenticity, empathy and the courage to challenge the status quo.

The Growth Series is a dedicated and FREE resource for mortgage brokers, containing blogs, guides and podcasts to help you scale and grow your business. For more hints and tips on how to grow your business, you can sign up to the Growth Series here.

02:04 to 36:21