Voices in Property - Victoria Garrett

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

In this edition, Victoria Garrett Executive Director, Head of Global Residential (Ex UK) at

Savills 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?

I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have built my career and raised a family across multiple continents, from EMEA to APAC, over the past 20 years — and to have come full circle into my current role back in the UK with Savills. Living and breathing those markets gives you a completely different perspective. I've learnt so much and grown enormously, both as a person and as a businesswoman, thanks to those experiences.  As a senior woman leading in business, I'm incredibly proud to be able and called upon to nurture the next generation and mentor up and coming talent in my industry, and more widely. 

Your first property job, and how you got it?

My first property job was at Foxtons, and I rather fell into it. I was searching online for graduate training programmes in London, and Foxtons was the very first result that came up — clearly they were investing in their SEO to attract talent! Within minutes of applying online I'd had a phone interview, within days I was at an in-person interview in London, and the rest is history.

What motivates you?

Delivering a brilliant customer experience, and watching my team develop and succeed. There's nothing quite like seeing someone you've nurtured come into their own.

Your best advice for preparing for an interview?

Make sure you really understand the culture, strategy and vision of the company you're interviewing with, and that you've researched the person interviewing you. Have a number of questions prepared so you can work out whether you're the right fit for them — and just as importantly, whether they're the right fit for you. Enjoying what you do and being passionate about it is key to being both successful and happy at work.

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

Enjoy the journey. Don't be afraid to take your time and sleep on things before you react or respond — the best decisions are rarely the rushed ones.

Which leader, entrepreneur, founder or CEO inspires you?

Mo Gawdat. I find him incredibly inspiring as both a leader and an entrepreneur. The way he responded to losing his son — reframing that life-changing moment and turning it into a force for good — is nothing short of remarkable.

Your best deal?

That's a hard one to pick, but one that springs to mind is a deal I did years ago, helping one of my team get it over the line. I was looking after the seller, and she brought the buyer. It was complex getting everyone aligned, and as it was the first deal of that size for her, it meant a great deal. After we closed, we went to a Michelin-starred restaurant to celebrate — and that started a bit of a tradition of marking the bigger deals in style.

What's your favourite restaurant?

For a special occasion, my current and recent favourite is Marle at Heckfield Place in Hampshire — I love their ingredient-led menu, sourced straight from their own biodynamic market gardens. For more relaxed family meals, though, Din Tai Fung remains a firm favourite, a happy hangover from my time living in Singapore.

Apple or Android?

Apple, every time, for me, and for business certainly.  I prefer the user experience, and it seems to be better rated for cyber security, which is always a factor when dealing with high value and high profile clients.  That said, my husband is a convinced Android user, and has convinced me to struggle along with an old Android for my personal phone, so I'm in both camps!

Find out more about Savills here and connect with Victoria Garrett here.

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Should you have any enquiries, email us at info@collinspropertyrecruitment.com or give us a call on 020 7435 0309.