Voices in Property - Bambos Haralambous
60 Seconds with…
Welcome to our quick-fire spotlight on industry leaders and entrepreneurs in Property.
In this 60 Seconds With... they share personal insights and experiences with anyone who may be currently working in or aspiring to join the London property industry.
COO
Goldschmidt & Howland
What are you most proud of in your career?
I’ve built a 25+ year career in prime property leadership not through shortcuts or noise, but through consistency, loyalty and the kind of hard work that doesn’t shout for attention. Coming from a working-class background, I’ve risen to COO of Sales at one of London’s leading agencies by staying true to the values I was raised with, respect, humility, and trust.
That journey means a lot. But what means even more is seeing people I’ve mentored grow into leaders themselves, building teams with the same purpose and integrity I’ve always tried to live by. That’s the real legacy. That’s when I know I’ve made a difference.
First property job and how you got it?
Like many, I stumbled into property by chance. I was working in advertising sales when I spotted a Foxtons ad tucked into the back of Media Week. On a whim, I sent in my CV, not thinking much of it, until the phone rang with an interview offer.
What started as curiosity quickly became something deeper. I loved the pace, the people, and the fact that every deal had purpose, it wasn’t just about numbers; it was about life decisions. I became the first person in the company to be promoted during their probation. Not because I had industry experience, but because I was all in. I showed up early, stayed late and genuinely cared about getting it right. That’s when I knew I’d found something I could build a future in.
What motivates you?
What drives me isn’t just performance, it’s people. I’m motivated by the moments that matter, whether that be helping a client find the home that fits their next chapter, or seeing someone in my team step into their confidence and potential.
For me, growth only matters if it’s built on integrity. I was raised to believe that success should lift others, not just yourself and that belief has shaped every decision I’ve made in my career.
Achievement is measured in numbers. Impact is felt in people and that’s what drives me every day.
Best advice for preparing for an interview?
Know your story, not just your CV. Anyone can list job titles or skills, but what sets you apart is your journey: who you are, what shaped you, what you stand for. Be clear on your values and connect them to the role you’re applying for.
Don’t just memorise answers. Take time to reflect on real experiences, times you showed resilience, took initiative, handled setbacks or supported others. Those are the moments that reveal your character, not just your capability. That’s what people remember. Not buzzwords, not perfection, authenticity, presence and self-awareness.
And always, be on time. It might sound basic, but it speaks volumes about your discipline, respect and how seriously you take the opportunity. Before you’ve said a word, you’ve already said a lot.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Back yourself. You don’t need the perfect path, you need purpose, work ethic and patience. Keep your head down, your standards high and your ego low. The industry will try to rush you, compare you and distract you. It’s easy to get caught up chasing titles, money, or validation, but none of that builds real longevity. Focus on learning, earning trust and doing the hard things well. There’s value in starting from the ground up. That’s where you learn discipline, empathy and how to lead without a title. Don’t fear the slow build, that’s where the foundation is laid. And remember, character will take you further than charisma ever will.
Which leader, entrepreneur, founder, or CEO inspires you?
I’ve always respected leaders who operate with integrity and consistency rather than hype. Satya Nadella at Microsoft stands out to me, his empathetic, inclusive leadership and quiet strength are powerful. He transformed an entire culture by listening first, leading with humility, and staying people-focused throughout. That kind of grounded, visionary leadership really resonates with me.
Your best deal?
It wasn’t the biggest deal, but it was the one that meant the most. I helped a recently widowed client downsize from the family home she’d lived in for over 40 years. It was more than a sale, it was a deeply emotional transition. She told me, “You made something incredibly hard feel human.” That moment stayed with me. It reminded me that we’re not just selling bricks and mortar, we’re guiding people through life-changing chapters. At the core of this industry is trust, empathy and the ability to truly listen.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Hazéls in St Albans. It’s refined but low-key, with a seasonal menu, great wine list and vinyl-led atmosphere. It’s where detail, warmth and rhythm come together, much like what I value in the best teams.
Apple or Android?
Apple - clean design, efficient tools and it just works. Much like a good team.
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.
