It has been almost a decade since EG set out on its annual quest to identify the freshest crop of the most driven and inspirational young people in the real estate sector.
Our mission is not just to profile the EG Rising Stars as a means of introducing them to the wider sector – although we believe they are worth getting to know – but to learn from them. We want to hear their thoughts and ideas. We want to understand what they want to achieve and how they plan to change mindsets. We want to know what they stand for.
It seems each year, the collective voice of the next generation gets louder, more confident and more authoritative. Our 2022 stars are tackling and advising on some of the biggest issues real estate is currently facing – from ESG and diversity to digital innovation and the power of the pivot.
And, in case you needed any more persuading that these 10 young people are on track to become some of the most influential players in the sector, check out our EG All Stars. This veteran crew of Rising Stars reunite for the first time since we launched the programme in 2015. We find out how they have grown, what they have learnt and how they have changed in the years since they took up Rising Star status.
Lukky Ahmed, 35 Co-founder and chief executive, Climate X
How do you feel the role of young people in the industry has changed over the past five years? Younger people have switched on a much-needed layer of social consciousness across the global industry – suddenly, it is not all about profit at any costs; instead it is about making sure business is sustainable and is doing good. It is an exciting time and we are about to hit escape velocity.
Is there a quote or a saying that you try to live your life by? “To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – that is to have succeeded,” by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The book, song or film that changed your life? A little-known song called Refuge by John Legend, specifically from his Solo Sessions: Live at the Knitting Factory album. It was before he was famous but is the reason I took up playing piano and fell in love with music.
Emma Vogel, 29 Associate director, national development and planning team, Strutt & Parker
What do you think is the most common misconception about young people in real estate? That young people lack the experience to be able shape the future of our industry.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration? All working mothers who have a hugely successful career alongside being a parent.
Is there a quote or saying you try to live your life by? Always be kind.
WFH, office or hybrid? Definitely hybrid. I enjoy the flexibility and less commuting time. However, I still enjoy the buzz of the office and continuing to build relationships with my colleagues.
The book, song or film that changed your life? Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. The book centres on a social misfit with a traumatic past.
Akeel Malik, 27 Fund manager, Urban Splash Residential Fund and founder, Ark
What do you think is the most common misconception about young people in the real estate sector? There is no substitute for experience, but age and experience are not always the same thing.
What has been your greatest achievement since coming into the industry? Launching and growing a residential PRS fund from an idea to £150m in assets under management in four years.
The book, song or film that changed your life? The quote “Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage” is from a Matt Damon film called We Bought a Zoo. The idea that this can help you to achieve things that you wouldn’t have thought possible is definitely something that has helped me both personally and in my career.
Charlie Russell-Jones, 30 Senior leasing manager, HB Reavis
What do you think is the most common misconception about young people in real estate? I often hear the “L” word (lazy) when people describe the younger generation. From where I sit, I see the opposite.
If you could stand for one thing, what would it be? Openness. Open to new ways of thinking, to new ideas, to doing things differently, no matter how radical or crazy they might seem.
WFH, office or hybrid? I like the office. I thrive when I am around people.
The book, song or film that changed your life? I have the fondest childhood memories of Steal My Sunshine by Len – it signalled the start of the summer holidays.
Mark Capanda, 35 Senior associate director, BNP Paribas Real Estate
What has been your greatest achievement since coming into the industry? Coming out as a gay man. Since then, being an advocate for change and a founding member of the Next Generation Board at BNP Paribas Real Estate, a Pride ambassador, APC counsellor and mental health ambassador.
If you hadn’t gone into real estate what else might you have done? When growing up I was fascinated by planes – I still am – so maybe a pilot.
WFH, office or hybrid? Office. I like the separation of work and home environments but I am all for hybrid working. As long as you have your work tools, you can work anywhere.
Ella Walter-Pavlou, 29 Innovation manager, GPE
What do you think is the most common misconception about young people in real estate? That you need to play golf to do well in this industry. My experience has been that the industry is pretty welcoming to young people with different ways of doing things.
What has been your greatest achievement since coming into the industry? Changing people’s mindset around technology when people can be resistant to change.
If you could stand for one thing in the sector, what would it be? Implementing technology to help reach net zero.
WFH, office or hybrid? Hybrid. I love the social and collaborative aspect of being in the office but sometimes I need a day or two working from home.
Ellie Airey-Hoyland, 30 Legal director, Dominvs Group
What has been your greatest achievement since coming into the industry? Being promoted to legal director earlier this year at the age of 29.
And your greatest challenge? Helping the business through the uncertainties of the pandemic.
If you could stand for one thing in the sector, what would it be? Better representation of women.
Who, or what, is your biggest inspiration? My parents. My mum taught me to work hard and be fearless about ambition. My dad is one of the funniest people I know.
If you hadn’t gone into real estate/tech what else might you have done? Maybe the military. I was always tempted by the prospect of working in the Army Legal Services.
Hanna Afolabi, 32 Managing director, Mood And Space
What has been your greatest achievement since coming into the industry? Leaving my 9-5 job to set up my own development consultancy, Mood and Space. Also, founding Black Women in Real Estate.
And your greatest challenge? I like to see challenges as opportunities to grow. So where I used to see my diversity as an obstacle to success, I now believe it to be an opportunity to differentiate myself.
If you could stand for one thing in the sector, what would it be? Creating better spaces for people, It’s not OK that the way the world is shaped is from the perspective of a few but impacts everyone.
Is there a quote or a saying that you try to live your life by? “I am where I am meant to be.” It reminds me that all situations, even bad ones, are learning opportunities.
Rahul Parekh, 36 Principal, 2150 Venture Capital
What has been your greatest achievement since coming into the industry? Introducing the real estate tech industry to the term “gigacorns” – companies that can reduce carbon emissions by more than 1bn tons at scale while still being commercially successful.
Is there a quote or a saying that you try to live your life by? “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
Will Donnelly, 27 Co-founder, Lottie
What has been your greatest achievement since coming into the industry? Creating Lottie. We have grown from just me and an idea to an incredible mission-driven team of nearly 50 and have been backed by the world’s leading venture investors such as Accel and General Catalyst.
And your greatest challenge? I’m not sure if I will ever get over the APC experience. I am a huge admirer of the work that the RICS does but I think the APC is an archaic and long, drawn-out process which needs to be reviewed and revamped.
If you could stand for one thing in the sector, what would it be? To make care homes cool!
Thanks to Convene at 22 Bishopsgate for the use of their space to photograph our Rising Stars 2022.
