Voices in Property - Catherine Westerling
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.
Executive Head of Residential Lettings UK
Hamptons
What are you most proud of in your career?
Winning Woman of the Year, Residential at the Inspirating Women in Property Awards last year. So humbling, and a credit to all those whose positive leadership influence has helped shape me along the way.
First property job and how you got it?
Foxtons Negotiator. Went to the gym in Devon one day after graduating and picked up a paper while having a coffee (which says everything you need to know about my dedication to exercise!)… saw a Foxtons ad asking if I fancied earning £35k a year and driving a BMW… I’d never heard of them, and had no idea what was involved, but the rest’s history and 25 years later here I am!
What motivates you?
Making a difference with what I do; impact is everything, for me. Couldn’t happily work somewhere where I didn’t impact culture, performance and future growth.
Best advice for preparing for an interview?
Get ready to (respectfully) interview your interviewer!... the company, the role and the culture needs to be the right fit for you, as much as you need to be the right fit for them. Let them see who you are and what’s important to you through the questions you ask and, of course, research the company first so your questions are relevant and gratifying for the interviewer to answer.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Feel the fear and do it anyway! (One of the best pieces of advice I ever received).
Which leader, entrepreneur, founder, or CEO inspires you?
Every single one who builds something from the ground up. I love the employed world (!) so am completely in awe of those fierce entrepreneurs who see gaps and back themselves to go and fill them – they are awe inspiring!
Your best deal?
The first one I ever did – such a buzz! It was a mansion flat in Battersea, and the tenant was famous… except I had no idea who he was. He was very sweet about it, his PA; not so much!
What’s your favourite restaurant?
I’m a gastro-pub kinda gal – nothing too formal for me, but I love good food and great wine in relaxed surroundings. My local (The Shurlock Inn) is great… lovely food, heaps of different gins, a sunny garden for the summer and roaring log fire in winter. Perfect!
Apple or Android?
Definitely Apple!
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