Name: Sabrina Boudali
Job title: Associate director, Distrkt
What I do: I help landlords across curate the right mix of restaurants, bars and leisure operators for their spaces. We’re more than just property agents. We love working with interesting people who have interesting ideas and helping bring them to life.
Why I got into the property industry: Completely by accident. I needed experience after graduating and stumbled into an industry I knew next to nothing about. I stayed for the people, the amazing operators I meet, and the food! It’s a shame property isn’t talked about more in schools and universities.
How I did it: There was no grand plan. I learnt on the job. My first role was at a small consultancy where the pace was high and no two days were the same, so I soaked up everything I could. My managers were more mentors than bosses and we’re still in contact today. They taught me about asset management of a mixed-use scheme, development and why placemaking matters so much.
My first proper job: I worked as an assistant commercial asset manager at AMM for just under three and a half years. It was the best grounding I could have asked for. I supported tenants, from national brands to small independents, through relocations, lease regears and rent reviews. That meant plenty of tough conversations and learning how to take people with you. On top of that, I curated and ran events, festivals and learnt how to bring public space to life commercially.
My first big break: Joining Distrkt felt like the culmination of all my hard work and experience. Everything I’d learnt along the way, from managing tenants to curating spaces, led me here, and it’s exciting to be doing work that brings it all together.
My inspiration(s): My mum, without a doubt. She’s the most resilient, determined and hard-working person I know, and she’s shaped so much of who I am. Everything I do, I do with her example in mind. She pushes me to want more out of life. Shout out mum!
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Coming into the industry with no background or knowledge. I had to learn everything on the job, often in a high-pressure, ever-changing environment, but it taught me to ask questions, back myself and learn fast. It’s also what pushed me to start my APC, so I can build on that hands-on experience with formal qualifications.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment: Completing my first deal. You never forget your first! It was a real milestone, and I have Stephen to thank for pushing me and teaching me so much during my time at Borough Market.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: It’s so much more social than people think. As an agent you’re constantly meeting new people and no two days look the same.
My biggest bugbear/the one thing I’d change: That it’s still quite closed off. Too often people either fall into it by chance, like I did, or already have family in the industry. It needs to be talked about far more as a career option for young people, with more outreach to diverse communities to open doors.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I think it’s important for young people, especially young women, to see women from all backgrounds succeeding in this industry. I’d love to help change that and show the next generation there’s a place for them here.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time: In a senior role, having a real influence on London’s food scene and perhaps beyond. That said, I’m open-minded and a bit of an opportunist, so who knows where I’ll end up.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Jennifer Coolidge, Anthony Bourdain, Ina Garten and 50 Cent.
What I do in my downtime: I’m a big host, so you’ll usually find me cooking for friends and family. Otherwise, I’m in a hot Pilates studio or curled up on the sofa with a mint tea.
The job I’d be doing if I wasn’t doing this: Something creative or in food, ideally with my own business. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of building something of my own.
My advice for someone just starting out: Don’t fear mistakes or starting over. They teach you what works and what you really want. Step outside your comfort zone, network as much as you can, ask lots of questions, and what will be, will be.
