Issue 51 - STEM & Beyond - Carly Melling

Welcome to Issue 51 of the STEM & Beyond newsletter. Your newsletter shining a spotlight on those working within STEM careers and Beyond.

Interview with Carly Melling ...

When you were a child, what did you dream you would be when you grew up??

I distinctly recall this question being asked of us in primary school and in all my wisdom at the age of 6, my answer was lollypop lady!? Luckily my ambitions grew and from there I wanted to be a musician,? a vet and finally landed on hairdresser at the age of 15. It was only once I had qualified and realised that ￡800 a month wouldn’t keep me alive and get me a mortgage, that I decided to move into a more stable “office job”.?

Who or what inspired you to pursue your career??

As a teenager, I was moved from house to house (almost once a year!) and became really interested in property then, particularly when a huge renovation became our home. When I decided to leave hairdressing, a fluke encounter at a recruitment agents office landed me a role at Countrywide, and the rest is history! Like most, I didn’t even know what Leasehold was when I entered the world of property, let alone what a property manger was.??

What does a typical day look like for you??

The one thing I love about my job is that no 2 days are the same. A typical day could be out on site meeting contractors or residents,? being a slave to the inbox, re-designing amenities and fit outs, delivering training, client meetings, budgeting, legal reviews, staff management and a million things in between. It really is the most challenging and rewarding industry to be in.???

What is one quote or mantra that you like, and why??

Anyone that knows me, knows I love a mantra so its tough to pick a favourite. Instead, the most recent one I have used a couple of times this week – “ If you want something done, give it to a busy person”.? It really captures my experience of colleagues and peers self-motivation and focus; everyone who’s genuinely working hard is busy because they are conscientious, driven, and proud. Those are the people who I want on my team!

You are passionate about delivering high-quality services and solutions to your clients. Why do you think it is important to learn, grow, and take on new challenges??

Its so important to make sure that you are up to speed with the changes in legislation, case law and operational best practice so that you stay relevant in a fast paced environment. Leasehold law particularly is changing a lot right now and its essential to be up to speed with the consultations so that you are bringing knowledge and value to your work, and your clients. We have a duty to make sure our residents are safe and sound in their homes and there is no bigger responsibility than that! Once you can show you know your stuff, you build trust with clients and residents alike – and it allows you to evolve and adapt to changes with their support.??

Taking on new challenges always makes us learn new skills, take different approaches(dare I say even take calculated risks) that can shape how we deal with similar changes moving forward. Experience cant be taught! (oh there’s another mantra!)??

What has been your most memorable career highlight??

Mobilising South Quay Plaza with Berkeley Homes is right up there in my memories. It was my first scheme that was delivered in my client side role as Head of Operations.? What an incredible scheme it was -? a stunning design, beautifully finished, and a real proud moment for me and my team when the first residents moved in? - during a pandemic no less!?

Are there any particular challenges to the work that you do? How do you overcome these??

It can be frustrating when we are limited by external influences such as legislation, finance, stakeholder relationships and other factors out of our control – but ultimately it will make you think? of an alternative way around the issue and foster a growth environment - where you create solutions, not problems. Sometimes I’ll bounce ideas off others if I’m not feeling so inspired or need some feedback on my thoughts, and other times I’ll lock myself away or even sleep on a problem to allow processing time…it all depends on the urgency and nature of the challenge.??

How do you stay up to date with industry developments and advancements? Are there any resources that you find particularly useful??

I am always tapping into the resources offered by the industry including The Property Institute (TPI) , RICS and other industry leading experts whether its legal, H&S, CX or other areas. Attending seminars and webinars also keeps me up to speed with industry updates, and even serves as a good refresher for things I we don’t utilise so often.??

What one thing could you not get through the day without??

Definitely a coffee subscription.??

What excites you most about the work that you do??

The unpredictability? - as no 2 days are the same, there is zero chance of anything remotely close to boredom setting in!

What is the most unexpected thing about your work??

How resourceful you need to be, how much empathy you learn,? and the relationships you build with your peers. I have met some of the most amazing people working in Leasehold and lifelong friends have come of it.??

What challenges do you think lie ahead for the Property Management industry??

The Government! Commonhold, Leasehold & Ground rent reforms are a real political hot potato at the moment and could change the way we all work in the future – we are just waiting for the next papers to be issued by our new labour government, advising how they plan to implement such huge and impactful change to the existing system. We are all waiting with bated breath!??

What can we do to encourage younger generations to consider careers in Property Management??

Awareness is key – if I speak to anyone outside of the industry, they really don’t have a clue what Leasehold is, how a service charge works, what a property manager does and quite how diverse the world of Leasehold could be. I’m making it my mission to share insight on LinkedIn and beyond to show people including the younger generations, how rewarding it can be working in property management.

Outside of your day job, do you have a hobby or passion? Why is this important to you??

I am an avid gym goer and love a long walk or hike in picturesque spots – here or overseas! The gym keeps me fit physically and mentally, and also gives me an outlet after a manic day in the office! I’m also known to love a holiday or 10 a year, Its all about balance isn’t it!?

What advice would you give to your younger self??

Be confident in what you say and how you act – you wont realise it until your older, but almost everyone is blagging it!

What would you like to see from ‘STEM & Beyond’ to continue to inspire and empower future generations??

A roadshow would be a great idea – take the careers on the road and show the kids in schools how many other options there are… doctor, nurse, accountant, banker, tradie, youtuber -they aren’t the only options!

Thank you Carly.

"We hope you enjoyed today's issue of the 'STEM & Beyond' newsletter.

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Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to bringing you more inspiring and empowering content in our next issue!"