Looking forward, the biggest changes to our organisation
in the post Covid era will be ... learning from the
challenges we have faced over the last year and applying that to
our market. Adapting is key; well advised occupiers,
landlords and developers have been working towards a more flexible
working environment over the last 5 - 10 years, but the last 12
months has shone a brighter light on this.
There is no doubt we will see a stronger push from occupiers for
more sustainable, smarter buildings that offer a destination which
encourages staff to thrive in a safe, inspiring environment.
We'll likely see an increased focus on social needs and well-being
and those landlords or employers planning for those changes will
ultimately stand out.
The future vision for our organisation in Glasgow is
... always to provide our clients with insightful, market
leading advice in all aspects of commercial property. As a
multi-disciplinary firm, it's not just about what one department
can offer a client; it's using a collaborative approach to ensure
our clients are expertly advised in all areas.
The three best things about working in Glasgow are
... perhaps clichéd, but the people. It's superb to be
working in a city of professionals that are not only talented and
hard-working, but know how to have a good laugh and not take
themselves too seriously!
Access to the outdoors and green space is another big positive.
Glasgow has a greater proportion of urban green space than
virtually every other city in the UK. As awareness of social
and environmental impact becomes increasingly prevalent, I believe
this green space will become more and more important. We are
already witnessing this at some of the city's new office schemes,
where developers are trying to blur those lines.
Thirdly, how close we are to some of the best scenery in the
world.
My favourite part of Glasgow is ... the
nightlife and live music scene which was actually one of the
reasons I moved to Glasgow and I still love it. I try to get
to as many gigs as possible but, over the years one thing amazing
to witness has been the expansion of the independent restaurant
scene. The variety of options in Glasgow is excellent and I truly
hope all the local and independent places are able to weather the
storm. Michelin could give us some stars…
The most satisfying thing about my job is ...
knowing that no two days are ever the same. That is incredibly
satisfying and encouraging. I could be acquiring a 100,000
sq. ft. industrial unit one day and leasing Grade A office space or
sourcing development sites the next. It is that diversity that made
the job so attractive.
Obviously we are deal driven, therefore meeting and exceeding
your clients' expectations is great, but without a doubt the most
rewarding part of the job is going through a whole project with a
client, gaining trust and respect by providing insightful, valuable
advice. Unlocking that potential and turning it into
something tangible and beneficial for clients is incredibly
satisfying.
The biggest challenge I have faced in my career to date
was when .... I graduated in 2010 which wasn't a great
time to join the property market, but without a doubt Covid-19 and
the crisis of 2020 has been the most challenging year. In a
personal capacity, like everyone else, I have struggled with
adjusting to working from home. Our job relies so heavily on social
interaction which disappeared almost overnight.
I spend most of my working week on the phone to people and
there's an overwhelming feeling that as human beings we are
desperately missing that social interaction and sense of
routine. Don't get me wrong, the flexibility of working from
home is superb but many still want an environment that is separate
from home where we can collaborate, build relationships and learn
from others.
Outside of work, I am passionate about ...
music, sport….gin?! During lockdown I've started my own
vegetable garden and it's been a real sense of achievement seeing
those 'babies' grow. I am a proper foodie so to be able to cook
with my own ingredients is great. I am also a huge rugby fan, I've
lived in Glasgow for nearly 15 years but still can't make Glasgow
Warriors my first team…Ulster and Ireland always!
My approach to achieving work life balance is
... the nature of our sector is that one conversation can
lead to an opportunity somewhere, so I think it's about working
smart to ensure that you are alive to that. Some days, it
requires full focus on screens but one of the things I love about
property and agency in particular, is that it's about building
relationships - that doesn't always feel like work.
That being said, it's also about knowing when you should switch
off, especially in the current climate. I like to put the phone
down and turn the music up. For me personally, I know I am much
more productive when I make time to properly recharge, by spending
time outdoors and seeing family and friends.
First ever job? Shop Assistant at Superdrug
Favourite boxset? Friends - love a
life-relatable Friends quote
Favourite band? Ooffft tough to choose just one
- Fleetwood Mac
Sunshine or snow? Both - sunshine on the
slopes. Dreaming of having that again…one day
And, finally, what three words best sum you up?
Approachable, Determined, Positive