The Viking Chats: navigating the choppy waters of property, technology and business

Welcome aboard The Viking Chats—the podcast where property, tech, and business collide in candid, no-fluff conversations. Hosted by Kristjan Byfield—lettings veteran, proptech pioneer, and co-founder of Base Property Specialists and The Depositary—this show dives deep into the real-world challenges and bold innovations shaping the future of the housing sector and beyond.

Each episode, Kristjan drops anchor with industry leaders, disruptors, and entrepreneurs to unpack the messy, inspiring, and often chaotic reality of running a modern business in a rapidly evolving landscape. Expect sharp insights, honest stories, and the occasional Viking metaphor—all served with Kristjan’s trademark wit and big-hearted honesty.

Whether you’re in lettings, launching a startup, or just love a good story about navigating change—this podcast is your compass in the storm.

Guest

Mal McCallion

Mal McCallion is one of the UK’s original PropTech pioneers, with over two decades of experience shaping the property industry through innovation, strategy, and digital transformation. From rolling out PrimeLocation and Zoopla to senior roles at The Guild, GetAgent, and numerous scale-ups, Mal has been at the heart of property’s evolution since the early 2000s. Today, he leads ModelProp—a consultancy focused on demystifying AI and helping agents build future-fit businesses. Known for his razor-sharp insight, warmth and clarity, Mal is passionate about empowering agents to embrace emerging technologies, improve customer experience, and stay ahead of the curve. A sought-after speaker and strategist, he’s dedicated to ensuring estate and letting agents don’t just survive the AI era—but thrive in it.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/malmccallion/

Guest appearance on:

AI: Get onboard or get left behind with Mal McCallion of ModelProp