_Inclusion Week spotlight: Chelsea Whelan

Chelsea Whelan, recently promoted to Regional Partner for North, City, and East London Sales at Knight Frank, has spent nine years rising through the ranks. She started as a negotiator in Mayfair and now serves as Co-Chair of the RISE Employee Resource Group, committed to promoting social mobility across the business.

Early life and drive

Chelsea’s journey began in Wolverhampton, where she was raised on a council estate. With both parents working long hours, Chelsea and her brother took on significant responsibilities from an early age. A turning point came at age 12 when her family moved to a small town outside Wolverhampton, giving Chelsea a glimpse of the wider world and the possibilities beyond her immediate surroundings.

Due to her humble beginnings, Chelsea’s strong work ethic was instilled early. At 13, she secured her first job in a local fish and chip shop, working evenings and weekends until university. “My mother always said, ‘if you want something, you go out and earn it,’ and that’s a lesson that’s never left me,” she recalls.

University and early entrepreneurial spirit

Chelsea became the first in her family to attend university, studying Business Management at Worcester University, where she earned a first-class degree. During her year in industry, she didn’t follow the conventional path. Instead of working for an established firm, Chelsea launched her own business, selling furniture online. Partnering with a local logistics company, she was ahead of the curve on drop-shipping long before it became a trend.

Journey to Knight Frank

Chelsea’s move to London after university was a strategic one, as she set her sights on the competitive world of real estate. Joining a prestigious Client Services team, she quickly made her mark, leading the department in instructions for 18 consecutive months. However, the experience came with its challenges. Early on, she was told she would need to change her accent to fit in and succeed. “I wanted to fit in, but over time it became uncomfortable. Authenticity is key, and I realised I didn’t need to hide parts of who I was.”

After excelling in her role, Chelsea sought new challenges and joined Knight Frank as a negotiator in their prestigious Mayfair office. Over the next eight years, she rose through the ranks, driving significant revenue growth in key offices like Notting Hill and Islington, ultimately earning her promotion to Regional Partner.

Overcoming obstacles and embracing social mobility

Chelsea’s rise to leadership hasn’t been without its hurdles. Coming from a working-class background, she sometimes struggled with feelings of imposter syndrome and questioned whether she truly belonged in such an elite environment. However, through mentorship from colleagues like Andrew Groocock and James Clarke, she gained confidence and began to see that her unique background was a strength, not a limitation.

“There were people along the way who saw not just how hard I was working, but the results I was delivering. They helped me break through my self-imposed limitations and supported my growth.” Chelsea now brings this same mentality into her own leadership style, mentoring others and promoting a culture of self-belief and resilience.

A leader’s message

As Co-Chair of the RISE Employee Resource Group, Chelsea is passionate about driving change, particularly in the realm of social mobility. She understands first-hand the importance of creating environments where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive.

“Be yourself. Don’t try to alter who you are to fit in. It’s uncomfortable to pretend to be someone you aren’t, and it’s your authenticity that will connect you with others. Individuality matters. At Knight Frank, different perspectives and voices are not just valued — they’re essential to our success.”