Voices in Property - Sue Fisher

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

In this edition,Sue Fisher Head of Residential Development, Greater London and Country at Hamptons personal insights and experiences with anyone who may be currently working in or aspiring to join the London property industry.

First job was in property.

Fresh out of school and my father gave me one week to get a job. He meant it so I scoured the Evening Standard job section and took a position as receptionist in a London agency. In the first three weeks on the switch board I seemed to sell more houses then those on the sales floor so was rapidly promoted to sales and I have never looked back. In those days it was very rare for woman to put on the front line and I cleaned up against my colleagues. I had a wonderful boss and he coached, supported and championed me from Day 1 and set me on the path for my future career.

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

I was lucky I had wonderful mentors from the very early days of my career and I learned from them. Looking back I am so grateful to have learned from the bottom up something very lacking today and a great loss to younger people who need to learn the tricks of their trade whatever trade that is.

What are you most proud of in your career?

So many things but professionally for being part of a family business which was so respected and admired. We worked hard we maintained a wonderful reputation and our clients returned again and again. To have been part of building something to be proud of is so satisfying and then to sell that business and move into the Hamptons world has been a wonderful journey.

Nothing, however, compares to the pride I have in my two daughters. Two amazing woman one a teacher and one a doctor looking after the mental health of children. They have wonderful families and their children (my four grandchildren) fill my life with joy and happiness. 

What motivates me?

Everything – have been driven for as long as I can remember by my insecurities. I want to be the best I can be, I want to leave a lasting impression in the hope that Clients will return and I want to do the very best job that I can. I have tried over the years to tame this behaviour as it has not always been the best for my mental or physical help but I fail most of the time but life is a journey and I continue to work on myself to try and find a better balance which, I think, I am finally doing

Best advice for preparing for an interview?

Research the job you are applying for, talk to others in that field and gain some knowledge and understanding of the job role. My advice ultimately is to be yourself, be open and honest and if you do not know something say so. Ask questions, nobody expects someone coming to interview to know it all, so be curious and inquisitive and show a great interest in the process.

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

Samantha Jacobs, CEO of the wonderful Future Dreams breast cancer charity. I have supported this charity from its inception but have grown closer to it in the last few years in terms of my support and having had breast cancer for the second time last year. Samantha leads the most wonderful organisation, she is an inspiring and extraordinary leader and a joy to be around. 

Your best deal?

Wow am happy to report have been quite a lot of best deals and I remember every detail of every single one of them. So am going to say a deal that took me about 14 years to pull together on a site that is about to deliver 257 units on a site in Cricklewood, London. One of the best but most certainly one of the longest!!

What’s your favourite restaurant?

I am not a foody, I like restaurants with a warm atmosphere and delicious but not to fancy food. Michelin stars are not for me!! A regular haunt in London Fischers in Marylebone serve the best schnitzel and chips in town and my clients like it too.

Apple or Android?

Apple – still learning how to use it as my grandkids tell me I need to learn some more skills but I manage and all I really want to do is use the call button.

About Hamptons

Find out more about Hamptons here and connect with Sue Fisher 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.