Episodes
Thursday May 24, 2018
Tomorrow’s Leaders: What is a brainery and can it fix property’s diversity problem?
Thursday May 24, 2018
Thursday May 24, 2018
“Some pretty disgraceful things have been normalised,” Nick Walkley, chief executive of Homes England, says, reflecting on diversity in property. But how do you change that?
Walkley and Tim Heatley, co-founder of regeneration specialist Capital & Centric, tell EG about Regeneration Brainery, a programme that connects 16-21 year-olds with mentors from across the industry. Consciously focusing on young people from diverse backgrounds who would not have family connections in property, Regeneration Brainery hopes to open up opportunities and give the next generation an "address book of contacts" to get ahead.
Listen to the latest Tomorrow’s Leaders podcast to find out why diversity matters to Heatley and Walkley and what the industry can do about it.
Tuesday Apr 17, 2018
Tomorrow's Leaders: I was born in a caravan - and they made my fortune
Tuesday Apr 17, 2018
Tuesday Apr 17, 2018
Alfie Best was born in a caravan in Leicester and has since made a fortune selling mobile homes. He joins EG to reflect on overcoming poverty and entering the property industry while grappling with his identity as a Romany gypsy.
Monday Mar 26, 2018
Monday Mar 26, 2018
Allan Lockhart is stepping out of the shadows. After years as property director at NewRiver REIT, he is taking over as chief executive from his father, David Lockhart, on 1 May. He joins EG to talk about his start in property, the opportunities and challenges of taking on a more visible role in the company and his advice to those just starting out.
Thursday Feb 08, 2018
Thursday Feb 08, 2018
John Forrester, global president of Cushman & Wakefield, reflects on more than three decades in real estate, lessons learnt from booms and busts, diversity and what he expects from the next generation.
In a conversation with EG, Forrester says: “I felt at home in this industry wherever it’s been in the world. It doesn’t matter where that door is – Shanghai or Tokyo or Newcastle – I always feel at home. I feel comfortable. I feel safe.”
But he says Cushman & Wakefield – and property more broadly – are on a journey to extend that to everyone. The industry needs more diversity, Forrester says, and it is up to today’s leaders to make it so.
“The leaders are responsible. We define the roadway within which the organisation has to operate. If we don’t set stretching targets, if we don’t ensure that our environment is welcoming and safe – that people are allowed to fail and be themselves – then that’s our fault.”
He goes on to reveal his advice for those, like his son, who have just started in property and gives us a glimpse into “John the person”: his love of authors named James or Elroy, his funeral playlist, thumbs up emojis and the teacher who made the biggest difference in his life.
Monday Dec 11, 2017
Monday Dec 11, 2017
John burns, chief executive of Derwent London is a popular figure among the property industry’s emerging leaders, but it is the “Ritblats and the Ronsons” and Lord Samuel, the founder of Land Securities whose work he admires the most.
“They were the real builders and just did things with a different style,” Burns said, before also heaping praise on contemporary rival Argent for “creating a destination (King’s Cross) from a place that people were afraid to go”.
Speaking on EG’s Tomorrow’s Leaders podcast, Burns made the strong assertion that Derwent would not be looking to venture too far out of London anytime soon.
“People have often said to us, why wouldn’t Derwent venture out of town, but the truth is we don’t know other markets well enough.
“To do New York for example, well that’s going into the jungle, isn’t it? That will be a tough crowd of real estate experts. I think some of these places are good for holidays but not to put money down.”
Speaking about the workplace culture at Derwent’s Saville Row headquarters, and how the company nurtures new recruits, Burns says he is committed to making himself available to all staff, and encourages younger colleagues to take part in business meetings.
“it’s interesting. A lot of companies don’t like presentations and meetings with investors, but we’re in the reverse. It’s a bit like giving out sweeties when deciding who going to go on this tour and that.”
When asked about any career regrets, he said: “I’d have worked a little harder. I didn’t wake up til I was in my late 30s. I may have been coasting for a time.”
Thursday Nov 02, 2017
Thursday Nov 02, 2017
She’s one of the property industry’s few female chief executives, and a self-confessed “miss clipboard” who spends her days negotiating with investors, raising capital and flying the flag for the company she has dedicated the past 23 years to.
But away from the office, Jo Allen from Frogmore loves nothing more than a spot of gardening, watching cartoons, and relishes the opportunity to “pootle around looking like something that’s been dragged through a haystack.”
“I try to bring some of that sense of family to Frogmore, as does Paul (White, Frogmore Chairman). But I’ve filtered my way up the company to chief executive and I’ve been a mate and a friend to many in the team. Not anymore now though, as I’m the person they have to to go to if they want something.”
Straight talking Allen spoke to EG for its latest Tomorrow’s Leaders podcast.
She considers her resilience as one of her finest traits, and takes immense pride in the professionalism, honesty and transparency of Forgmore and it’s 40-strong team.
A “can-do attitude” will get young graduates through the doors of Frogmore, she says. Indeed it has before. She described a young Steven Pollack, now director at Buchanan Bond, who sat in the reception at Frogmore and waited until White had five minutes to give him some property advice.
“I ended up having a chat with Steve and he had the right attitude, it shone through. I said come and work for me for six months and we’ll see how you get on.
“’But there’s one thing’, I said to him, ‘you need to change your haircut’, it looked like the hair of a Premiership footballer.”
If Allen could turn back time on her career, she said she would adjust her management style, realising there was “a lot of collateral damage” when she was making her way to the top.
Monday Oct 16, 2017
Monday Oct 16, 2017
The membership organisation Young Entrepreneurs in Property has a board in place and big plans for expansion that will bring young industry professionals together across the uk, and the globe.
Rebecca Kent speaks to board directors Johnny Clayton, Angelica Donati and Sophie Eastwood.
Read the story here: https://www.egi.co.uk/news/relationships-are-forged-over-memorable-experiences/
Friday Aug 25, 2017
Friday Aug 25, 2017
Network Rail begins its first property “returners” programme in September, which is aimed at bringing skilled surveyors who have had a career break, into its workforce.
Principal development manager Kirsten Durie explains more about the pilot programme and who it is suitable for.
Also hear from Marion Ellis, head of customer experience at Countrywide Surveyors, who explains her own ‘return to work’ experience from maternity leave, including collapsing on a train and being told by the passenger she spilt coffee all over that she looked “really tired”.
Thursday Aug 17, 2017
Tomorrow's Leaders: people don't even know what strategic land is
Thursday Aug 17, 2017
Thursday Aug 17, 2017
Strategic land accounts for 51% of Taylor Wimpey's overall housing development completions.
Despite this, most people - even industry professionals - don't really understand what strategic land is.
Regional director Ben Coles and assistant land manager James Malyon give the lowdown as the housebuilding giant rolls out its first ever strategic land graduate programme.
Thursday Jul 27, 2017
Thursday Jul 27, 2017
Listen to Garfield on the Tomorrow’s Leaders podcast, talking about starting his venture in a pub, career highlights and regrets, why he does not believe the internet is killing the high street, and why young people should take risks.