Voices in Property - Chelsea Whelan
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.
Regional Partner – North, City & East London Sales
Knight Frank
What are you most proud of in your career?
Last year’s promotion to regional partner, it felt like a real milestone in my career, an accumulation of all the hard work and results throughout my time at Knight Frank and earlier.
First property job and how you got it?
I had just turned 21 and was sat in an empty university house in Worcester wondering what to do next, a friend from university had just started working for Foxtons in London so referred me for an interview. I’d never heard of Foxtons or considered a career in property but after various customer facing school and university jobs I was confident, and sales suited me, so two or so weeks later I was in a flat share in Acton and starting my first job as a move consultant in Chiswick Park.
What motivates you?
I’ve always been intrinsically motivated, I did and do just want to keep on improving, learning and ultimately being the best at what I do. It’s never been about chasing external rewards such as money, praise, social status etc. I’ve always lived by the mantra that if you work hard and are successful at what you do, the rewards follow. I’ve also got to feel good about what I’m doing, and believe in it. I think that’s why I’ve always found success when working in sales and with people, I can’t look someone in the eye and tell them something I don’t believe in - and most people value straight talking advice. I haven’t seen this motivation wane as I get older, but it has become less about me and more and more about the impact I can have helping others achieve success.
Best advice for preparing for an interview?
Especially for the younger generation now – the first thing is to lose chat GPT on CV’s. I read a cover page of a CV recently that was clearly written by AI, it was blindly obvious and it told me nothing about the person I was due to meet. It’s so important to be authentic, there is only one of you, so don’t be afraid to display your personality – it’s what makes you unique. I remember interviewing for my first role at Knight Frank, woefully underqualified for the role but I demonstrated some raw passion and hunger, the rest I could be taught. Then, additional tips would be to always prepare a number of questions you’d like to ask at your interview, make sure you have researched the market that you are applying for and even if you haven’t worked that specific role before, you can always link some of your historic experience and successes to the requirements of the role.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Probably the same advice I’d give to my 33 year-old self, go a bit easier on yourself at times.
Which leader, entrepreneur, founder, or CEO inspires you?
I recently listened to a podcast featuring Emme Grede (CEO of SKIMS) and was really impressed, she has a great social mobility journey coming from a single parent family in East London to becoming one of the world’s richest self-made women. Importantly, she didn’t sugarcoat anything when discussing what it takes to succeed. It was a relief hearing Emma articulate that it’s not possible to be incredibly successful without making sacrifices on your time and lifestyle. And she’s right in my opinion, you can’t have it all and nor should we pretend you can. It worries me looking at social media that certain influencers show you the ‘highlight reel’ of a perfect world, I think that’s ultimately more harmful than telling or showing people the reality.
Your best deal?
Too many to mention but given I like a fairytale ending. A recent deal I did was selling the most expensive home in E9 (£6m) to feature in the Omaze property draw, then a couple of months later being instructed to sell it for the winners, a newly married couple from Nottingham – with the proceeds they have set themselves up for life, it was such a joy to be able to help them with that.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
My husband and I had our first date then latterly our London Wedding reception in Parlour (Kensal Rise), it’s very local to us positioned at the end of our road, so I think for sentimental reasons I would have to choose there – they do an excellent Sunday Roast sharer too.
Apple or Android?
Apple. I’m sure Androids are really cool and technical but when it comes to technology I’m a creature of habit…
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