Just A Minute with Sasha Lees

Just A Minute with Sasha Lees

Sasha Lees (Photo: Tom Bird)

Sasha Lees, partner at Workman, is next in the Just A Minute hot seat.

How did you get started in the property industry?

At 16 I wasn’t sure what to do when I left school. I enjoyed Geography, Graphics, and Art. I looked through some University courses and found the MA in Property course at Aberdeen Uni and it sounded interesting. My Dad was also a Chartered Surveyor, so genes must have also played a part in it. It was an outstanding course, and I’m lucky to have made some friends for life.



What has been your biggest professional achievement so far?

I won a client Partner of Year Award when I’d only been with Workman for a short time, and this was really important to me. I think currently, running a great team is an important accomplishment, and one I’m grateful for. Having a brilliant team makes the job more enjoyable. I also get a big sense of achievement from being a Mental Health First Aider, and helping to run social and wellbeing initiatives for the office.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

It’s all about building relationships and getting on with people. You can’t beat face time with people you work with. Getting to know people personally makes the job a lot easier.



What do you like most about your job?

Not being tied to my desk every day. It’s good to travel to different properties across Scotland, and catch up with colleagues and clients in London. I am also lucky to work for a very supportive company with a positive culture.

And the least? 

Every role has parts that are more enjoyable than others, but I try to focus on what I’m learning and how I can contribute. I still feel like I’m learning every day.

What would you most like to change in the property sector?

I think there’s an opportunity for the sector to continue modernising through technology and more streamlined systems. 

What – or who – tends to be your main inspiration when it comes to your role?

I have too many people to mention, however, a lot of my colleagues have inspired me. As a busy working Mum, others in the same situation have been a great support and have offered me very helpful advice. I am lucky to have brilliant colleagues. Being part of The Circle Academy mentoring programme has also been a huge help.

What has been your favourite project you’ve worked on, and why?

Taking on the management of a shopping centre where the previous owners were in receivership. There were easy small wins we could make to get the occupiers on board and make improvements for the local community who shopped there.

Tell us something about yourself that makes you stand out in this industry.

I’m a member of the REVO PM Committee, which has been very effective for industry networking, and a terrific opportunity to contribute ideas. Having worked in both London and Glasgow has also been a big benefit in terms of building contacts.

How do you stay up to date with industry news?

Daily news alerts, as well as meeting up with contacts regularly.

Which social media sites do you use, and which do you find the most useful? 

LinkedIn is the most useful for industry updates, and Facebook for family events and local news.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I have a five-year-old daughter, so my spare time is spent with family and friends, and keeping her entertained. I also go to the gym as often as I can, and enjoy family holidays.

Favourite holiday destination?

I do love Disney in Florida, but I’m also happy to be touring Scottish islands. If you get the weather for it, there’s no better place to be.

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