Episode 97

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Published on:

7th Jan 2026

EP97 Specialist Finance Evolution

In this episode, Beth Fisher and Ellen Townsend from Medianett drop a bombshell announcement over Diddy vodka (yes, really): they're halving their client base to focus on premium partnerships. We explore the bold strategy behind cutting from 90 marketing clients to a select group, why being boutique beats being glorified admin, and how editorial independence remains sacred even as they become extensions of clients' teams. Beth and Ellen reveal their massive website rebrand launching April 2026 with AI-powered trend reporting, rotating banner ads that fight 'furniture syndrome,' and a complete shift towards AIO optimization over traditional SEO. We discuss the commercial mortgage surge dominating 2026 conversations, debate whether M&A consolidation will finally happen (Beth's been calling it for four years), and explore why the market might go full circle back to privately-funded niche lenders. Plus, insights on personal versus corporate branding challenges, and why trust and relationships remain the currency that actually matters in specialist finance.

Guests: Beth Fisher & Ellen Townsend, Medianett

Guest Socials:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-fisher-10243790/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-townsend-006110153/


Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship

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About the Podcast

The Property Funder Podcast
Michael Dean, Co-Founder and Non Executive of Avamore Capital speaks to prolific figures both inside and outside of the specialist finance sector and delve into their backgrounds and the steps they took to get to the point they are at today.

About your host

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Michael Dean

Entrepreneur and experienced CEO/Managing Director. Expertise or experience in sales, marketing, fundraising, hiring, HR, deal execution, M&A, investment, deal structuring, financial management, change management, technological implementation, cross border transactions and international tax.

I am currently a co-founder and Principal of Avamore Capital, an award-winning specialist real estate development and bridging lender. I also co-founded Chartfield Homes, a strategic land investment business and future house builder.

I'm also an experienced specialist real estate financier, developer and asset manager running a single family office.

Very interested in NED roles and angel investment in technology or impactful startups where I can add value through my experience or my network

I have interests in clean energy, technology businesses and the strategic land sector and I am interested to finance planning plays with experienced property professionals skilled in securing planning consents.