Claire

I left school at 16, and that’s something I’m genuinely proud of. For me, the academic path wasn’t the right one, so I chose to do something different. I got a job as an office junior for the tissue manufacturer Kimberly Clark. I was on the ground, running the photocopier, and doing all those admin tasks that really gave me a good understanding of what it’s like to manage and execute different tasks and priorities. And a little claim to fame – I wore a full Andrex puppy suit (yes, like Mickey Mouse at Disneyland!) at one point for a few charity days!

Working at Kimberly Clark, I found myself at a bit of a crossroads, where the funding in my department ran out. My boss told me he thought I’d be good in FM. I didn’t know anything about it at the time, but he explained it was an up-and-coming career area where my strengths, like coordinating activities and prioritising tasks, would apply well. He really pointed me in that direction, and, 20 years on, it’s proven to be a good fit. I’ve had the opportunity to work for some amazing organisations, including the BBC, Broadgate Estates, and JLL, and now I’m managing a portfolio of 256 LGIM properties at Bellrock.

For men, women, and non-binary individuals alike, there needs to be a greater consciousness of the challenges that people may be dealing with, both in and outside of the workplace. I’m comfortable to say that I’m in the perimenopause right now – it’s a hormonal change that I cannot control. But I’m experiencing the challenges that quite often become harder to manage in an office environment. I think the important thing is to have greater openness, transparency, and understanding of the fact that everyone has their own stuff going on. I’m pleased that Bellrock has been taking steps in this direction, recently launching a new menopause policy. But across the industry, more initiatives like this would go a long way in supporting people of all ages and identities.

I’ve come across so many amazing leaders in my career that have really helped me to become who I am today. One example was my Chief Executive during my time working at Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work and Broadgate Estates. She was, in essence, my client, but she had a psychology background, and really helped me to understand how to get the best out of people. I found that so, so interesting. She put us through an Insights Discovery personality test. And, from a psychology perspective, it really helped me think about my approach to work and people. I’m personally very go go go – driven and focused on getting to the result as fast as possible. But I haven’t always brought my team with me. So, she taught me to really take the time to involve my team on those important journeys, and has reminded me that I can’t do everything on my own. I think that’s really shaped me into the leader that I am today. And it’s also shown me the value of having diverse personalities and skill sets in teams more generally.

More needs to be done to attract women into our sector, without question. But for those that do see it as a viable career, the opportunities are evolving all the time. Facilities management wasn’t where it is today when I first started out in the industry 20 years ago. Today, you can get qualifications in facilities management. And if the academic route isn’t right for you, as it wasn’t for me, then there are plenty of other fantastic routes to take into FM. There are some great apprenticeships out there now, for example. Be willing to listen, learn, and understand. If you’re in soft skills, be curious about the hard skills, and vice versa. Apply yourself and take every opportunity that comes your way and doors will open for you.