The partner and co-head of I&L at Forsters on hard work, Aston Villa and her fight against the clock.
How did you join the property industry?
My dad is an architect and I always had an interest in the built environment, so I guess it’s in the blood. I knew from an early age that I wanted a career in law and real estate and have always had that focus.
What does your job entail now?
In addition to leading the firm’s commercial real estate practice, I co-head the industrial and logistics (I&L) team. I lead all aspects of development transactions, including forward funding, while also acting on investment acquisitions and disposals, asset management, restructuring work and corporate-driven transactions. My clients include institutions, pension funds, property companies, charities and private developers.
What do you like most about the property industry?
Where to begin? First, property is intrinsic to all our lives: it’s where we wake up each morning, spend our days at work and eat, shop and play in our leisure time. Second, it’s a pleasure working with talented, inspiring people. The variety and range of work also energise me – there are so many topics, issues, challenges and opportunities.
And what do you dislike most about it?
While we’ve come a long way in improving diversity and equality since I started my career, the industry still has a long way to go to truly create a welcoming and inclusive environment with fair opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background.
What barriers or challenges do you feel you have overcome?
I think bumps in the road are part and parcel of any aspiring career, but it’s how you deal with and learn from them. Resilience, perseverance and empathy are important attributes for us all.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Being appointed as head of commercial real estate last September. We have a wonderful team of more than 120 lawyers and it is both an enormous responsibility and a privilege to hold this position.
What is your biggest career mistake or regret?
It is not so much a regret, but getting a 2:2 at university certainly made me more determined to reach my goal of being a lawyer.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in the property industry?
Work hard, be curious and never be afraid to ask questions. Be true to yourself and enjoy it!
What’s your favourite film?
The Lost Boys. It’s an eighties classic that combines a new genre of vampire movie with a sense of family, belonging and being true to yourself. It also has a brilliant soundtrack, so ticks all the boxes for an all-round fantastic film.
What book would you recommend reading?
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is an emotional rollercoaster that features a strong female protagonist. It’s very funny and incredibly moving. I couldn’t put it down. It’s the perfect book to get stuck into over the holidays.
Which celebrity would you most like to spend an hour with and why?
I’m an Aston Villa fan and it has been brilliant to see the growth of women’s football in recent years. So I would say former England footballer Jill Scott. She’s a team player, respected, resilient, driven and would be great fun to hang out with.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Juggling work and family life is a constant challenge. I’m always fighting against the clock. It is not so much a superpower in a cape-wearing sense, but having more hours in the day would be the dream!
