Some might say that now has never been a better time to be young and ambitious in real estate.
From the innovators and entrepreneurs to those making waves in large, established property companies, opportunities for the next generation to make their mark on the property industry of the future are there for the taking. But only for those who want them enough.
Nothing worth having in life comes easy and no matter how good the timing might be, there are few ways to forge ahead without hard work, talent and tenacity by the bucketload.
This year’s 16 rising stars, all aged 35 and under, boast all three, and more. Meet the latest crop of bright young things changing the face of real estate.
Becki Selby, senior development manager, U+I
What does it mean to be young in the property industry?
It is changing. Seven years ago it was more male dominated. I think there is more of a mix now and more female role models.
Who are your role models?
Arlene Van Bosch – one of our company directors.
What three things were most instrumental in getting you where you are today?
Company support, determination and hard work.
What is your favourite type of music?
The Beatles, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones.
Kimberly Hepburn, quantity surveyor, TfL
What does it mean to be young in the property industry?
I have had such a positive experience of my company’s apprenticeship scheme. I also would encourage other young women to enter the property industry.
Who are your role models?
Amanda Clack, former RICS president. She always has time to inspire others and she is really visible. She is a powerful female leader.
What is your favourite type of music?
Neo-soul.
Priya Shah, founder of BAME in Property
What does it mean to be young in the property industry?
For me it is a double whammy because I am young and a woman of colour. There can sometime be barriers in conversations. You can feel shy about raising your voice.
Who are your role models?
Bola Abisogun [founding member of the ACCM advisory committee, a select panel of industry subject matter experts].
He is really inspiring. He has faced a lot of racism and he became one of the best chartered surveyors.
What is your favourite type of music?
Latin American salsa, anything with a good beat.
Kat Hanna, associate director, urban change, Cushman & Wakefield
How does it feel to be young in property at the moment?
For a start it feels strange to be in a sector where 30 is considered young! I don’t have what most would consider a property background, but it feels good to be an environment that values new thinking and ways of working, alongside experience and expertise.
What is the most overused term or phrase in relation to young people in the sector and why?
Pretty much anything said about millennials tends to be either overused or inaccurate – not least the fact that many of us aren’t exactly that young anymore.
How would you describe how you have got to where you are in a sentence?
Powered by people – countless coffees, introductions, chance encounters, coupled with quite a bit of hard work
Who inspires you?
People who get things done and aren’t afraid to make hard decisions. Great urban places aren’t built on theory.
Beth Hampson, commercial director, LEO
What advice would you give to anyone looking to forge a successful career in real estate today?
You have to be the junior employee that challenges and questions to become the leader who drives the company.
What is your long-term career goal?
To be an industry leader, perhaps a chief executive.
Who are your role models?
I look to a number of different leaders; my old bosses all had an influence.
Laura Acklandiene, head of business development – global expansion, Equiem
What does it mean to be young in the property industry?
I used to think it was stale and pale. Then when I came to Equiem it was different. That is very motivational and inspiring.
What motivates you?
Creating an impact and making people happier in the environment they are working in.
Who is your favourite artist or band?
Adele.
Tripty Arya, founder of Travtus
What does it mean to be young in the property industry?
It is not challenging but you have to be confident.
Who are your role models?
My dad because he has achieved things in tougher circumstances. He gave me the freedom to be brave. If you don’t surround yourself with loved ones, it is more difficult to take risks.
What quality do you think you need to make it as a start-up or an innovator in real estate?
A lot of perseverance. Don’t stop, keep the music going.
Speaking of which, who is your favourite band or artist?
Freddy Mercury.
Oli Farago, chief executive of Coyote Software
What does it mean to be young in the property industry?
I think the industry has struggled to attract new people but I think that is changing.
Who are your role models?
Richard Croft, chief executive of M7 Real Estate. He never takes no for an answer. He will approach every situation assuming it could work.
What has been the most instrumental thing to get you where you are today?
Timing. The industry I am in now is a growth story.
What is your favourite genre of music?
’90s Britpop. Blur and Green Day.
Jack Sibley, innovation and technology strategist, TH Real Estate
What does it mean to be young in the property industry?
In my experience, people have been receptive to good ideas.
Who are your role models?
I don’t really do role models. But I respect people who are trying to invent new things, like Elon Musk.
How do you think you have got to where you are today?
Through a combination of my interests and skills, the rise of technology and innovation in real estate and support from the business.
What is your favourite type of music?
Vulfpeck, Rhye, The Clash and Palace.
Cal Lee, global head of WorkThere
What does it mean to be young in the property industry?
It’s exciting at the moment because I think the industry is going through a great transition, and that brings an opportunity for any young person to read that and make the change.
What has got you to where you are today?
Seeing things slightly differently at a big business and opening their eyes to trends changing in the office sector, in combination with hard work.
Who is your role model?
Steven Gerrard, because he always led by example.
What motivates you?
Creating something and seeing the impact that it has on others.
Richard Brazier, associate director of development & sector specialist lead, AXA Investment Managers – Real Assets
What motivates you?
Developing 22 Bishopsgate, London’s most exciting skyscraper. It is an amazing chance to work hand in hand with people who are the best in the world at what they do, which is hugely motivating for me when I get out of bed every morning.
Who is your role model?
My dad. He has really instilled in me that you make your own opportunities and that with hard work and application, you can do anything.
What is your favourite type of music?
I like a little bit of everything, which I would say fits with my personality, but an English electronic soul duo called Honne is currently on repeat at home.
Robert Godwin, managing director, room2
How have you got to where you are today?
Through working long hours, being self-motivated and having a vision.
Who are your role models?
A lot of athletes and in particularly Olympians, because to be the best you have to work extremely hard and there are no shortcuts to the top.
What motivates you?
Making an impact, creating places where I’d like to go and in turn hope others will like. Also, enjoying my buildings operating well and getting positive feedback from people about them.
What is your favourite type of music?
House music, because it gets me in a rhythm while I’m working and gets me going in the morning.
James Morris-Manuel, managing director and vice president of EMEA, Matterport
In one sentence, sum up how you got to the position you’re in today.
By working harder and being more industrious and tenacious than anybody else.
Who is your role model?
I’d have to say Richard Branson because he’s successful with multiple enterprises and I’m impressed by serial entrepreneurs.
What motivates you?
Learning, problem solving and, in my role as manager, helping nurture those around me.
Jack Sallabank, founder, Future Places Studios
What does it mean to be young in the property industry?
It’s very exciting, as there’s the opportunity to change the sector that is dominated by the older generations. With young people being a great benefit to have, bringing new perspectives and a fresh approach to the industry.
Who is your role model?
I would have to say my dad.
What motivates you?
The need to succeed, with a personal ambition to be successful and provide for my family.
What is your favourite type of music?
Indie music is my favourite genre; the band Blossoms is a particular favourite of mine at the moment.
Alex Storey, UK country director, Disruptive Technologies
What does it mean to be young in the property industry?
Coming from a tech background, it’s very interesting looking at the opportunities for digitalisation, and understanding the challenges of adopting technology in the industry.
Who are your role models?
Anyone who is trying to make a significant change with a long-term outlook inspires me.
What motivates you?
Being able to see a difference the work I am doing is making, and being involved in anything that uses technology.
Tom Morris, managing director South West, CBRE
What does it mean to be young in the property industry?
It means you have the chance to shape the work and life balance for future generations. It also gives you the opportunity to be more dynamic in a traditional market sector, in particular how using tech can change the dynamics of the industry for young people.
What motivates you?
Helping others achieve their goals and hopefully being a role model for the next generation of property surveyors
What is your favourite type of music?
R&B and rap are my favourite types of music. I’d personally say Eminem is the greatest artist of all time.
This year’s EG Rising Stars will be vying for glory at the EG Awards 2018 on 19 September – click here to find out more about property’s most prestigious awards event and how to book your place.
Many thanks to British Land and Printworks London for the use of the space for this year’s Rising Stars photoshoot. A prime example of raw talent in its own right and the positive impact of thinking differently and innovation. For more on this multipurpose venue visit Printworks London.
All photos: Will Bremridge
To send feedback, e-mail anna.ward@egi.co.uk or tweet @annaroxelana or @estatesgazette
