Name: Claudine Tracey
Title: Associate director, commercial development, at Godwin Developments
What I do: I have a broad role where I identify, analyse, and secure development sites suitable for a variety of consumer brands. I focus particularly on the fast-growing roadside retail sector working with the likes of Costa Coffee, Wendy’s, Starbucks and McDonald’s to help them reach new markets. I have also formed close relationships with EV charging providers to support the UK’s low-carbon transport transition. By working closely with our in-house planning and technical team we deliver best-in-class commercial destinations. I cover the full development cycle all the way to exit, working with institutional investors for investment sales of our sites.
Why I got into the property industry: I got into the industry by chance. I was working as a PA for a residential developer which piqued my interest in the sector. Personal assistants wear many hats, so I had a wide range of duties beyond the general office administrative role, such as minuting design team meetings, site visits, working on design and quality reports for housing associations, and assisting with section 106 negotiations with councils. Someone pointed out to me that I wasn’t just any ‘PA’ – I was a surveyor without the qualifications, concealed in a PA’s role.
How I did it: Once I decided I wanted to become a surveyor, I went back to university to obtain a master’s in real estate management whilst working part-time and juggling motherhood. It’s tricky to be present for your child, whilst working on some serious projects at work, and attending university. It was hard, but I’m proud that I achieved a distinction.
My first proper job: I worked part-time in a call centre, whilst studying as an undergrad. My job was sales cold calls. Although this job isn’t mentioned on my CV or LinkedIn, it was my first ‘proper’ job – and it taught me so many skills. How to close a deal, how to keep people engaged on the phone by asking open questions, and ultimately how to make a sale. I owe this position so much of the strengths and skillset I have today. Then, after graduating, I also worked full time in recruitment.
My first big break: My big break happened when I got promoted to development manager at Godwin Developments. I had applied and started with the business as a development assistant – a role which I held for a year. I very quickly realised that I was capable of so much more; more importantly, it was recognised by the senior management team as well. I have now learnt it’s important to apply for roles that appear to be outside of your comfort zone to enable you to grow and develop professionally.
My inspiration(s): I’ve been fortunate to be around so many supportive people, at all levels who have inspired me in different ways – so I couldn’t possibly pick one person. I have also been inspired by all the bosses I have had to date. It’s easy to look at business owners and say ‘its alright for you, you’ve done so well’ but I know for sure it’s taken so much graft to get there. In the development world, there is a lot of hard work which goes into each project and many hurdles to overcome. It seems everyone thinks they can be a developer nowadays, but it’s so much more difficult than it looks.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: It would have to be getting a comfortable work-life balance. I have days where I wake up and want to concentrate on being a stay-at-home mum because my daughter’s having a bad week and wants me around more. Other days I am determined to totally boss the development world. Then I take a step back and remind myself of how hard it is to balance everything and to be kinder to myself. This had lead me to reframe my thinking about what success looks like and remind myself I am well and truly there.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: I am proud of successfully changing my career later in life. It was a big decision which felt scary at the time. Going back to university as an older student and taking out a loan for my fees was daunting. It also felt like a ‘step back’ financially, I went from a ‘top PA’ salary to a freshly graduated surveyor. But I’m proud of myself for sticking with it! When you choose a new profession, you’re essentially building your career again, working with people younger than you, with more experience and some in higher positions. It’s about maintaining the focus on your own journey, staying the path, not comparing yourself to others and having the determination to learn and better yourself each day.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: It’s a man’s world and any woman in the industry must behave like a man too. Not true – I love being a ‘girly girl’. I can be totally myself whilst building drive-thrus and EV charging stations – why not!?
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Diversity. My aim is to have the most diverse team of people around me. From all different backgrounds, both socially and in terms of gender and ethnicity. I am certain if we all focused on it, we can build a much better property industry.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: A meaningful shift in the industry and who has a seat at the table will improve outcomes in real estate so much, for both communities and in terms of the bottom line. This is not just about individuals and being the ‘first’ it is making sure that person is not the last.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I work in a rapidly evolving industry with so much potential for growth – and so many opportunities that arise all the time. Whilst ideally I would love to continue expanding the team, my main focus is on accumulating knowledge, experience and relationships across the board.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: I absolutely love [presenter] Stacey Dooley – she would have so many exciting stories from all her travels. Fern Brady and comedian Munya Chawawa would bring the greatest atmosphere and be hilarious. Nigella Lawson to cook something tasty for us, Dwayne Johnson so he can fill in those awkward silences that may crop up. Tiesto to get some cool tunes on. Oh and Chris Hemsworth – for the view. That sounds like such a fun dinner party, I want to host one now.
What I do in my downtime: I try to spend as much time as I can with my daughter – we like to visit all the best brunch spots around Birmingham. When I’m not with her, I might be at the gym or catching up with friends.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I’d be a make-up artist. There is something about making other women feel confident that I enjoy. I also like the concept of ‘ethical hacking’ because it’s not something I was told about at school (and sounds super cool).
My advice for someone just starting out: To go for something that feels authentic to you, not what everyone expects you to do. Remember, we all face challenges, have gaps in our knowledge, and moments of self-doubt throughout our career – these are all perfectly normal.
My motto/mantra: Believe in yourself and try, if you fail, try and try again.
