Seven individuals from across the built environment have been selected to take place in this year’s EG Future Leaders project. They will undergo an intense training programme, led by programme partner Ginger Leadership Communications, to give them the tools to bring to life an important story about the impact the real estate sector has on the wider world.
The group will step on stage at EG’s Real Estate Futures event on 17 September to educate, inspire and enthuse us all on the unique power that property has to bring about change. This seventh cohort will join a growing list of alumni who are gradually moving the dial on the perception of real estate, helping to attract fresh talent into the sector and showcase the diversity of roles and people within the industry.
The programme is supported by Clyde & Co, CBRE, Knight Frank, Landsec and Nuveen, whose investment also helps open up the programme to a number of “wildcard” applicants who may otherwise never have the opportunity to take part in such a project.
Here, ahead of the their first training session, we meet this year’s EG Future Leaders and ask them what they are most looking forward to and what terrifies them most about standing on stage in front of hundreds of people and talking for 10 minutes with no notes.
EG will be following the Future Leaders on their training journey all the way until their finale at the EG Real Estate Futures event in September.
Make sure to subscribe to the EG Property Podcast – available on all good podcast players – so you don’t miss out on the ups and downs of learning to become a Future Leader and make sure you secure your free place at the event on 17 September.
Victoria Whiteley, project manager, Knight Frank
“I want to make the most of this incredible opportunity and look forward to sharing the experience with my cohort. I hope to gain inspiration from those around me and those with industry experience who have achieved their goals through hard work, drive and innovation, and have had a tremendous impact in the companies they work for. A key skill I hope to develop is the confidence to speak in public, which will in turn push me to take opportunities to promote and raise the profile of my team within Knight Frank and the wider industry.”
Avneeth Fernandes, head of financial accounting, Landsec
“I’m passionate about bringing my whole self to work and this programme offers an exciting opportunity to invest in myself alongside others who are passionate about shaping the communities and institutions they serve. I hope it will allow me to hone my traits as an empathetic leader and develop skills to increase my influence and impact, as I seek to be an exemplar to others those from diverse backgrounds.”
Will Game, asset manager, Nuveen
“I am excited to take part in the EG Future Leaders Programme because it offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers and engage deeply on topics that the industry needs to address head-on, such as the impact of artificial intelligence and topics brought forward by other members of the programme’s cohort. My biggest fear is the challenge of presenting on such a complex and evolving subject, especially when the future implications are still uncertain.”
Carolyn Morgan-Welker, senior associate, planning and environment, Clyde & Co
“I’m hoping to take away lifelong contacts from the programme, as well as the invaluable skill of being able to present to, and communicate with, an audience clearly and confidently – which I can employ throughout the rest of my professional career. My biggest fear is letting my nerves get the better of me and not being able to get my message across to the audience on the day.”
Manuela Apostol, Anaplan and BI solutions architect, Logicor
“I hope this programme will help me develop and discover the strength and authenticity to speak confidently in front of an audience. When addressing a wider audience, my biggest fear is failing to convey my intended message and getting lost in translation – I think and speak in three different languages daily. Also, I am afraid of stumbling on stage due to emotions during the EG summit in front of the public.”
Michael De Los Santos Samson, apprentice surveyor, CBRE
“I am hoping to become an ambassador for the minority, where access and awareness of this amazing industry can be incredibly difficult. My biggest fear is stuttering when I speak in front of hundreds of people. Let’s hope I don’t in September.”
Kitty Eyre, senior project manager, London Borough of Ealing
“I am hoping to gain more confidence speaking in front of an audience. I have a tendency to blush and it puts me off mid flow. My biggest fear is being teased for being ‘too passionate’. I spent many years being made fun of for raising my hand too often in class.”
Book your place now at www.eg.co.uk/eg-events/real-estate-futures-2024/
Headshots © Louise Haywood-Schiefer
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