Name: Becky Stormer
Job title: Head of UK sports sector, CBRE
What I do: I lead CBRE’s growing sports sector in the UK. We advise a variety of clients in football, rugby, horseracing, Formula 1 and other major sporting events, on their real estate strategies. Our services for clients in this space are wide-ranging, from site selection, to planning advice, to development funding, and project and cost management. We have the ability to partner with these clients at every step of their property lifecycle.
I am also a semi-professional footballer for Fulham Football Club (FFC), where I have played for over 10 years. FFC is a brilliant club to be part of that is committed to growing its women’s side and it’s been amazing to have been part of that growth over recent years.
Why I got into the property industry: I began my property career in France where I worked for BNP Paribas RE in Paris, and JLL in Lyon, and loved the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the industry. I have never found two days to be the same and I’ve had the privilege of working with great people and an exciting range of clients and projects. My work at CBRE, and experience as a football player, have brought me the unique opportunity where I’m now able to combine my work and passion. Sports and real estate are becoming increasingly intertwined and the opportunities this combination brings are growing.
How I did it: I joined CBRE six years ago, spending a year in the Central London valuations team, and then moving into the Central London investment team. I had the privilege of being exposed to large-scale, complex projects from the start of my career which meant a steep but rewarding learning curve. Following a great deal of industry landscaping from the sports group at CBRE came the opportunity to take on the position to lead the UK sports sector, which I felt was too perfect of an opportunity to miss!
My first proper job: I worked for a catering business between university terms – I loved the interactions with guests, but it was always tough not being able to eat any of the amazing food and standing for hours on end.
My inspiration(s): I would have to say my friend Harriet Burrows. She not only is a fiercely loyal friend, but a hugely impressive transformation lead and award-winning executive coach. She’s always known exactly what she wants from her career and will work tirelessly to get there. She’s given me fantastic advice over the years with how to approach situations at work, particularly the trickier ones.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Balancing my career at CBRE with my career at Fulham FC has proven challenging at times. I’ve become very good at time management, but both commitments leave very little time for anything else!
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Taking on this new role in the business is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I am excited to see where the sports sector at CBRE can take it. I am also hugely proud of what we’ve created for the women’s team at FFC. So many people have had a role in the growth and the players have been key in maintaining a unique atmosphere where it’s incredibly high performing and competitive, but you always feel amongst friends and family.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: Many people seem to think property is one thing, residential lettings, or facilities management, or investment, when there is so much more. Ultimately real estate can play an integral role in a client’s ability to achieve their business objectives, which is where CBRE excels in playing that strategic advisor role.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Ensuring property is an industry accessible to all is key to ensuring we have the diversity of thought necessary to push it forwards. The industry is moving in the right direction but there is a long way to go. Being a woman with careers in both football and real estate, two traditionally male-dominated industries, I can see the hurdles underrepresented people can face in progressing.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: A genuinely inclusive culture leads to a better environment for everyone at CBRE and to better outcomes for clients. We have some great DE&I programs here at CBRE like our apprenticeship scheme, Career Ready program and the Social Mobility Affinity Network and I’m proud to be part of a company committed to championing this.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: The property industry has a huge impact on society and the environment and, in the sports world, this is just as true. Together, sport and real estate can bring huge benefits from building communities, to promoting physical activity, community engagement and sustainability. There’s a huge role for us to play in this and we collaborate with hundreds of organisations to implement their ESG commitments.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: Continuing to work with intelligent and driven colleagues who seek out new areas of growth. CBRE is a brilliant place for supporting new opportunities and that innovative approach is something I feel privileged to be part of.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: I think Ella Toone from the England Lionesses would definitely bring a good time!
What I do in my downtime: There isn’t a huge amount of it with playing football, but I try and go to as many concerts and live sport as I can… nothing beats that atmosphere.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Being a teacher is something I think I’d have enjoyed. I’ve been a teacher volunteer in the past and loved it. I had some great teachers growing up who had a long-lasting impact on me and to be able to do the same for others would be rewarding.
My advice for someone just starting out: I have found that finding completely objective mentors is hugely beneficial – someone who doesn’t work with you directly, have preconceptions of your industry or team and who is able to give you impartial advice on your career.
My motto/mantra: If the team wins, no one loses!
