Name: Chris Donabie
Title: Partner (investment) at Naylors Gavin Black commercial property consultancy.
What I do: I buy and sell investment properties on behalf of investors and advise them on how to maximise their returns.
Why I got into the property industry: My first career started age 17 as a quality analyst at Glaxo Smithkline. I did seven years there – working and studying chemistry – but I realised that pharma work wasn’t for me because the laboratory environment was too isolating. I wanted something that was more social, people-orientated and offered scope to grow my career. Something that was more me.
How I did it: In my early 20’s, I dabbled in buying properties to let which sparked an interest in the property world. I went travelling at the age of 24, came back and went to university to study estate management. That degree got me a foot in the door of the commercial property industry.
My first proper job: Quality analyst at Glaxo Smithkline – I was checking the quality of pharmaceutical drugs from the raw materials, to the finished product, for the US and European markets.
My first big break: Getting a job in the property management team at DTZ in Newcastle (now Cushman and Wakefield). It was a great grounding in the ins and outs of owning commercial property.
My inspiration(s): Gavin Hastings. I’m a big rugby fan and he’s one of the best ever Scottish players and captains. A big memory when I was growing up was the 1990 Grand Slam.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: There are a few – the pandemic; Brexit; Liz Truss’ radical mini-budget that was anything but mini; the war in Ukraine and its effects; recent interest rates/inflation climbs; and the energy crisis (read: 2016 onwards…).
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: It’s the leap of faith I took when I left my stable, established career in pharma to start all over again in something totally different. I wanted more, and I didn’t settle. I’m proud of that.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it’s all glamourous and what we do is easy.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Red tape in the planning system which can hold back developments and make it more expensive.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: Because everyone should have a chance to succeed and make the best of their potential.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: Because we all have a responsibility to do our best for our communities (and I also want the world to continue for future generations and not boil to death).
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time, career-wise: Helping lead a business (Naylors Gavin Black) that is smashing its potential.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Alan Partridge, Freddy Mercury, Jacinda Ahern and Victoria Coren.
What I do in my downtime: Taxi my kids to clubs, watch rugby, gym, run (hobble), travel and socialise.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Something where you get to meet a wide range of people – maybe business development (or a pub landlord).
My advice for someone just starting out: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Concentrate on building strong and lasting relationships with clients and colleagues.
My motto/mantra: Work hard but don’t lose sight of what matters most – and keep hydrated!
