Name: Jessie Leung
Job title: Estates surveyor, South Gloucestershire Council
What I do: I am part of the property strategy team, working on an estates review exercise aimed at evaluating the current and alternative uses of council assets. This is to manage property more efficiently and potentially identify opportunities for cost-cutting and capital receipts. My role involves communicating with colleagues from other teams to understand their service requirements or property-related projects. For instance, I have recently supported projects related to the climate emergency, nature recovery, and the use of renewable energy.
Why I decided to apply for MIPIM Challengers: I am always keen to take on new opportunities! The prospect of attending an international event and being given a platform to introduce new ideas to the property industry motivated me to apply. I strive to spread messages about ESG and DEI causes through personal actions in everyday life, but having a voice at MIPIM is exciting on a whole new level.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Settling in a new country and restarting my career in property is my proudest achievement. It was a difficult decision to leave my hometown in Hong Kong especially when my career has just taken off. However, the challenges of moving to a new country has been an invaluable experience that improved my resilience and adaptation skillset.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: Some people’s first impression of property involves residential developments, sales, and profit-driven projects. However, the built environment encompasses the spaces where we live, work, and play every day. Professionals in the property sector play a vital role in placemaking and shaping our society through various means, including land use planning.
Why I got into the property industry: I don’t have anyone in the family working in property sector, but I’ve always wanted to develop a professional career. After attending information sessions offered by universities, I found the multidisciplinary surveying degree interesting because it encompasses building technology, property law, land economics, and project management. Even though I wasn’t sure I would end up working as a surveyor, I thought it would be a valuable course for knowledge development. When I started my first full-time job as a graduate surveyor, I really enjoyed the flexibility and diverse range of work, which convinced me to stay.
What I do in my downtime: I love nature! If the weather is good, I take a walk in the countryside or engage in gardening. Otherwise, my activities can range from going to the gym and cooking new cuisines to reading books or watching a good movie. I also try to travel at least twice a year.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: If I weren’t in my current profession, I might have been a civil engineer, as that’s the second most popular choice for someone with my university degree. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that being good at maths in school doesn’t necessarily mean I have a talent for working with numbers. I’ve always wanted to open a flower shop, so perhaps I could have been doing that instead.
My advice for someone just starting out: Beyond all the professional and technical knowledge, working in property ultimately focuses on the users and requires collaboration with all stakeholders, making it a people-oriented job. There’s a vast range of roles within the property sector, so seize every opportunity to explore different paths. Don’t worry about taking your time to find what you’re passionate about and trust your instincts. A fulfilling career can only be built by working on something you truly enjoy.
My motto/mantra: Love many, trust few, and always paddle your own canoe.
My inspiration: I remember being very young when I read about Marie Curie, who inspired me to believe that girls can also excel in STEM fields. Additionally, all the strong and kind women I’ve met have fuelled my motivation to pursue my career.
Why I’m passionate about ESG: I believe the essence of ESG lies in accountability and justice. Businesses should take responsibility for their actions and create value beyond financial terms, contributing to the community and environment. I’m particularly enthusiastic about how my current role incorporates ESG considerations into asset management and working with people who share these values, which is incredibly refreshing.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: Leading a small team of my own and becoming a visible role model for young talents. I’m eager to increase diversity in the real estate industry, so I’ve started engaging in career talks at schools and participating in outreach events. If I can inspire people to join the property sector based on my experiences, that would give me a tremendous sense of satisfaction and achievement.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Chow Yun-Fat, my parents’ favourite movie star from Hong Kong who has also appeared in a few Hollywood movies. He is such a humble person and full of humour, so I think he’d have a great time with my family.
Jessie Leung is part of the first cohort of MIPIM Challengers – a new initiative that will see 16 young built environment professionals from around the world invited to MIPIM 2024 to challenge the real estate industry.
