Name: Kirsty McKenna
Job title: Partner, Workman
What I do: I work within the property management team and lead on our work across the BlackRock and Legal & General property portfolios. There are 16 people in my team in London and I also work closely with property managers across our regional offices. My role as a property manager ranges from collecting rent to tenant liaison and helping set ESG strategies; no two days are ever the same.
Why I got into the property industry: I grew up with family in the construction industry so had an interest in property from a young age. I always enjoyed how fast paced and hands-on property development can be and my interest in real estate as a whole stemmed from that.
How I did it: I completed a degree in property investment and development at the University of Ulster followed by a masters in real estate.
My first proper job: My university course included a sandwich year where I worked at McConnell Chartered Surveyors in Belfast, one of Ireland’s oldest surveying firms, within their agency department. This was in peak recession times of 2009, so it’s safe to say I didn’t complete many deals in my short time with them. Perhaps that deterred me from a career in agency!
My first big break: My first graduate role at Strettons. I worked mainly in the property management team, but had the opportunity to work in all departments including auctions and valuation teams – it really opened my eyes to the breadth of the industry. My line manager there, James Bacon was influential in helping kick start my career. I’ve always found the best managers are those who throw you in at the deep end, but are there to step in and back you up if you make a mistake. I don’t think I’m alone in finding that someone else’s support and belief in me from very early days really helped me gain confidence in my own ability. It’s certainly front of my mind when I’ve line managed others in the early stage of their careers.
My inspiration(s): My father. I am very proud of everything he has achieved. His grit and determination as a self-made businessman inspires me to try and be the best I can. I have also been lucky to work with some amazing female leaders throughout my career who spur me on to improve and develop myself; Jenna Slade and Sarah Crockford during my time at CBRE and Fran Hardcastle-Brown and Vicky Cotton, who I work alongside here at Workman.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: The timing of my move to Workman, one month before lockdown, was testing to say the least. It certainly gave me a lesson in people skills and effective management, running a team of 15 who I’d barely met and building client relationships from home. I know many people found that period tough – engagement and contact are so important for good business relations. Also, I think it is fair to say I will happily never do an online quiz again!
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Being made partner was a real pinnacle moment for me as a young woman in our sector. I had not been at Workman for many years, but my efforts and ambition were recognised. Watching other hard-working and driven colleagues move up the career ladder is a highlight in of itself. Here at Workman, there’s definitely a real focus on career development and promoting from within. Just this week, I received a really complimentary email from a client acknowledging the hard work of some of the team members I manage. Very little makes me feel prouder. It served as a reminder of the value of a ‘thank you’.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: How much goes on behind the scenes! Property management certainly doesn’t have a reputation for being a juicy and fast-moving part of the market but it is full of swans – calmly gliding around while frantically paddling under the surface. There’s definitely an onus on property managers to know everything and with the sheer range of stakeholders we deal with, legislative shifts, and the ever-growing focus on ESG and community engagement, we are certainly never twiddling our thumbs. That’s part of the appeal for me though.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: I’d love to see leases and legislation simplified. It can feel like the box ticking and compliance needs restrain us from making improvements and advancements. The speed of property development is what attracted me to property in the first place, but the reality of the regulation and legislation within management can hamper us all somewhat.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: No one should ever feel out of place or uncomfortable, especially when they are at work. As an industry, we have definitely made strides in widening our outlook and not just accepting but embracing diversity, but much of our sector is still fairly early on in this journey. How can anyone learn and grow if we’re all the same?
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: For years, ESG was a buzz word you heard at meetings that had no cut through at a functional business level. Over the last few years ESG has become a huge part of my day-to-day job, and being able to measure meaningful change is something I get very excited about. We now have the skills and mechanisms in place to demonstrate to clients and tenants the changes that they and we have achieved and can show these through measurable data. The big emphasis recently has been on social value – it’s something I’ve championed and put in practice at various client assets for a good while.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: On a beach! No, seriously though, my focus for now is continuing to develop my team and my own career at Workman. In time I’d love to get more involved in the running of the business while maintaining a hands-on role in running client accounts that I feel so vested in.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Kevin Bridges, Dolly Parton and my Grandad Sean, as he was just the best company!
What I do in my downtime: Holidays with family and friends, hanging out with my dog, Chubbs and trying out every Italian restaurant London has to offer. I’ve managed quite a few so far, but it’s a lifetime’s work and I am always open to recommendations.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Probably something in construction or event planning.
My advice for someone just starting out: Get involved in as much as you can early on to broaden your experience and exposure. Be honest and be yourself; clients want to know the real you so they can trust your advice and take you at face value –it’s the best way to do business.
My motto/mantra: I’ve got two. “No problem is unsolvable” – in the world of PM, there’s always something that needs to be fixed or resolved and I like to keep a level head. The second is “You can’t be good at everything so surround yourself with people who bring something new”.
