Name: Tarry Depledge
Job title: ESG manager, Moda Group
What I do: At Moda we launched our Next Generations Futures ESG strategy in 2022, so my days involve project monitoring and reporting, looking for new ways we can innovate, as well as stakeholder engagement both within and outside of the business. This helps us to remain aligned to our strategy while also ensuring the impact, cost effectiveness and feasibility of each ESG project across the business. Creating social value is a huge priority for us in 2024 and we have a lot of exciting projects in the works which will directly benefit the communities we operate in for the long-term.
Why I got into the property industry: While property has always run in my family, the honest answer to this is I got here by brilliant accident! My previous experience has mainly been in banking, but when this role at Moda landed in my life, there was no way I was going to turn it down.
My first proper job: Completing pre-employment screening for a small, family-run business straight after finishing university.
My inspiration(s): My personal inspiration was always my dad. He lived life to the full and was never afraid to change direction in his career decisions in order to be happy. My professional inspiration is Nigel Terrington, CEO of Paragon Bank, who taught me most of what I know about the importance of empathy, humour and options theory (!) in the workplace.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Juggling being a mom and having a career. While I have been incredibly lucky to always work for inclusive and understanding organisations, the struggle is real when it comes to having guilt for not working enough or guilt for not parenting enough. I have found the best way to get around this has been to be completely present in whatever moment I am in.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Passing my CFA exam while on maternity leave.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: A recent survey showed that MPs across all parties in the UK ranked build-to-rent (BTR) homes seventh out of eight listed housing options as priority, which shows the clear lack of understanding surrounding BTR and the benefits it brings, including good quality, safe and sustainable rented homes to suit a wide range of income levels.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: The scarcity of available properties and barriers to building, which is not only driving UK housing further into crisis but also has a direct impact on local communities of all generations due to overcrowding and the lack of good quality homes.
Why I’m so passionate about EDI: Working in ESG means I am lucky enough to see first-hand the importance of a diverse and inclusive work environment with everyone bringing unique skills and perspectives. We learn from each other, improve our problem-solving skills and become more empathetic – ultimately helping everyone become more successful in achieving our overall goals.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: We are lucky to live in a world where we have a lot more flexibility in terms of career choices than previous generations. Career paths are not set in stone like they used to be. So while I have no idea what five years’ time looks like, I hope to still part of the Moda family as its pipeline grows and more platforms come online, and making a genuine difference to the world and communities that we operate in as a business.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Love a good dinner party! Oscar Wilde, Alanis Morissette, Nelson Mandela, Elton John, Warren Buffett, Coco Channel and Louis Theroux. Oh, and I guess my best mates..!
What I do in my downtime: Long walks with my golden retriever and quality time with family and friends usually involving a bottle (or two) of great red wine.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I would be a private therapist to someone who travels the world ALL THE TIME and has to take me with them.
My advice for someone just starting out: Never be afraid to ask questions, even if you feel you should know the answer. Apart from being educational, questions also show you are interested and engaged, making everyone a winner.
My motto/mantra: One life!
