Voices in Property - Charles Leigh

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

In this edition, Charles Leigh Sales Director at Valouran 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? 

So many possible answers here…20 Grosvenor Square, The Whiteley, speaking to 850 people at launch events, the sales successes, the big awards last year, the design quality…I’m incredibly proud of all of these and more, but most of all I’m proud of my sales teams. We somehow manage to create an energy, a positivity, an aura, of personable professionalism. I get calls and emails from clients saying they loved dealing with the team. It makes me smile. 

First property job and how you got it? 

I was in my early 20’s. I'd always loved architecture and design, and I needed a car. A friend said I should go into property - they’d give me a car in estate agency. I met the manager then the owner at Lawsons & Daughters on Shepherd’s Bush Road and started the following Monday. I loved it immediately. 

What motivates you? 

I’m lucky that I have a job that I love, and that loves me back. I’m from the (ironic) Steve Jobs school of motivation: do things well and with passion, and create great product and experiences…don’t do it for the money. But ultimately, I am motivated to the best version of myself for my wife and children. 

Best advice for preparing for an interview? 

Smile, be professional, be authentic, know about the company and its ethos and culture. And let everyone know that this is a stars-aligning moment for everyone. 

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? 

I’m a sensitive soul! Most good salespeople are! It’s our superpower. But I would definitely tell my 18-year-old self not to sweat the small stuff! 

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

I've been lucky enough to have worked with and for some amazing leaders, and met many more. As part of some leadership coaching several years ago, we were encouraged to think about this, so I have list of about 20 incredible leaders, mostly from the worlds of sport, business (particularly property) and media. But right now, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I am genuinely inspired by my CEO and CFO and business partners Alex and Matt. 

Your best deal? 

I’m so lucky to have been in a role to do some of the most exciting deals in the whole market over the last few years. But we had one particularly forensic negotiator on an off-plan deal who wanted to reduce the price for every single sqft below the quoted area. We agreed, but only on the proviso the price could go up too. The area ended up being bigger and the price went up. 

What’s your favourite restaurant? 

The River Café on the river in Hammersmith. And Illa d’Or on the sea in Mallorca. 

Apple or Android? 

Apple. Everything Apple. 

About Valouran

Find out more about Valouran here and connect with Charles Leigh 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.