Name: Trish Watson
Job title: Managing director of Thirdway Interiors
What I do: I manage a talented team who deliver outstanding work places.
Why I got into the property industry: I was encouraged by my boss and mentor Gordon Bloor.
How I did it: I enrolled in a post grad MA in property law and valuation and worked hard in a competitive, male-dominated environment.
My first proper job: It was at Fiscal Properties as an EA to the CEO/founder.
My first big break: Working at Fiscal Properties. I was employee number one and fully involved in the growth of the business and successful flotation and subsequent sale.
My inspiration(s): Margaret Thatcher: living through the 1980s was a very inspirational decade – the atmosphere was anything was possible.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: The changed working environment since Covid-19 and the societal pressures and expectations which have followed.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: My children.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: It’s easy.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Talking specifically about the design and build industry – the lack of professionalism which does not showcase the industry in its best light.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: It levels the playing field and delivers greater innovation.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: We are in a climate crisis and we all need to be passionate about it.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: Developing new talent.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Alan Carr, Lucy Worsley, Michael Portillo, Clive Myrie, Michael Bublé, Hannah Waddingham and Sam Stock – this would be my perfect table of eight (including myself).
What I do in my downtime: Hiking – I climbed three mountains in 2024. I also design houses and gardens for friends and family.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Renovating historic houses.
My advice for someone just starting out: There are no disasters, only opportunities.
My motto/mantra: Look up, look out, say less, do more – get on with the job – borrowed from the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
