Voices in Property - Alisa Zotimova

Welcome to our quick-fire spotlight on industry leaders and entrepreneurs in Property.

In this edition, Alisa Zotimova Founder & CEO of AZ Real Estate & AZ Alliance shares personal insights and experiences with anyone who may be currently working in or aspiring to join the London property industry.

What are you most proud of in your career?

I’m most proud of building AZ Real Estate from scratch in London without external funding – just determination, savings, and a belief that excellent service matters above all else. I moved to England from Russia, so starting it in what was a relatively new country to me then was a daunting step, before surviving through Brexit, Covid, and countless market twists. Publishing my book “From Moscow to London. Notes on happiness and business” was also a major highlight.

First property job and how you got it?

My first job in property came thanks to my long term restaurant customers from JLL – I worked in a restaurant and they were in the office above. I got to know them well as I grasped the art of customer service, and eventually they offered me a junior role. That chance encounter set off a 23 year career across Moscow and London.

What motivates you?

I’m driven by helping people build better lives – whether clients finding a home or agents building their own businesses through our new platform AZ Alliance. London energises me endlessly, as do my family and the resilient women who carve out new paths. I’m also motivated by integrity and the belief that long term relationships matter.

Best advice for preparing for an interview?

Know your story and be able to explain it clearly, as people hire confidence and clarity. Do your homework on the company, and come prepared with thoughtful questions. And above all, be kind and genuine; relationships are everything in this industry.

What advice would you give your 18 year old self?

Stay open minded, work hard, and trust that the unconventional path often leads to the best places. Afterall, a journalist once described my story as ‘a happy ending for a failed Russian actress’, which was a bit of a stretch but I suppose true at its core! Don’t be afraid to start from scratch – it will become your superpower. And enjoy the ride more; it goes fast.

Which leader, entrepreneur, founder, or CEO inspires you?

Recently I got to know in more detail how incredible Richard Branson really is. He’s my CEO and all-round great human crush of the moment. 

Your best deal?

Prior to starting AZ Real Estate, one of my standout moments was becoming Cushman & Wakefield’s top producer in Europe at just 26, after closing several major office leasing deals in Moscow. It was a mix of timing, hard work, and seizing the momentum of a booming market. 

More recently, I’ll say the off-market find for a client on Victoria road right off Hyde Park for £11 mln and how quickly we exchanged right before Covid… 

What’s your favourite restaurant?

There’s a great Japanese place right across from my house that I almost don’t want to share. It’s so good, but I will anyway, Takagiya. Also Scott’s is a classic happy place for me.  

Apple or Android?

Apple – for a good few years now. But up until pretty much its very end I was devotedly using BlackBerry. Used to just love it back in the day!

About  AZ Real Estate & AZ Alliance

Find out more about AZ Real Estate & AZ Alliance here and connect with Alisa Zotimova here.

Collins Property Recruitment is a business with a purpose: to enable talent and businesses to meet and do great things together. We make this happen through an unrivalled network, a values-led, consultative approach and a hard-earned reputation as the go-to recruiter in property.

Should you have any enquiries, email us at info@collinspropertyrecruitment.com or give us a call on 020 7435 0309.