In the week of International Women’s Day we are sharing the stories of just some of our colleagues who inspire us. Emma Spendlove explains how passion, commitment and support are key criteria for being at your best at work and at home.
Over the last 30 years I have worked primarily in retail property management.
To be honest, it’s probably taken me until now to realise I am actually quite good at what I do. I think if I could change anything about myself it would be to have more confidence in my abilities and to be less self critical.
Ten years ago my husband and I reversed the role of stay-at-home parent to our three girls Bethany (18), Keira (16), and Grace (13). It was clear we couldn’t both go out to work and we decided I would focus on bringing in a full-time salary and he would concentrate on the children. I couldn’t do what I do without him.
Bethany has a very rare genetic disorder (there are fewer than 40 girls in the world with the same condition) which means she needs round-the-clock care. She cannot walk, talk or feed herself. She brings immense pleasure to our lives and has definitely made us much more tolerant and patient individuals.
Her health has deteriorated and she has been receiving palliative care for a while now. Life is hard and keeping things on an even keel very challenging – when Beth is well everything ticks along okay but when she’s ill everything is turned upside down.
To help ease the pressure, I work flexibly over four days so that Friday can be our day ‘off’ to go shopping, to the gym or just chill at home. It is difficult to switch off in property management – if I want to log on for a couple of hours that’s up to me. When Beth is poorly and we have to drop everything, my marvellous work colleagues jump in to save the day.
A supportive and motivated team is so important.
I was honoured to be involved in the re-tender for one of our most prestigious mandates – the management of the King's Cross estate. There was a lot riding on it. The client specifically wanted to hear from the people involved in the instruction on a day-to-day basis and the last question was addressed to me. I had under three minutes to sum up why we should be selected. As it was the final question of the day I knew it would be the one that everyone would remember and my response had to be good – you always remember the last thing, don’t you?
It was clear as day what the answer should be – our people. Their passion, commitment and how invested we all are to deliver a first-class service. I meant every word and knew I had nailed it.
If I could pass on any advice to someone in a similar position to me it would be: don’t set yourself up to fail – be realistic about what you can do and when, and if you need to say no to meetings that don’t benefit you or you have to delegate, then just do it.
And remember, every day is a learning day and none of us knows it all. So if you need advice, just ask. No matter what level or age you are it should never be seen as a weakness to use your colleagues as sounding boards – I am sure they will appreciate it when the favour is returned.
Read more in our series of blogs for International Women's Day:
- You have to speak up to be heard
- How an International Women’s Day blog changed my working life
- Cancer treatment is hardly the career break anyone envisages
- Maternity leave, lockdown and a little miracle
- Creating space for the women who come next
- Take ownership and never give up
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