Launching my property career at 18 as an estate agent, I quickly immersed myself in the complexities of the housing market and client needs. However, my personal experiences as a tenant, dealing with poor housing conditions and landlord neglect, motivated me to take matters into my own hands. In 2004, I founded my own property investment company, with a mission to offer affordable, quality housing while prioritising tenant concerns.From the outset, I oversaw full refurbishment projects, managing contractors to ensure projects were completed to high standards and on time. My project management skills were pivotal during the early stages, as I took responsibility for everything from budgeting and timelines to coordinating contractors and ensuring compliance with regulations. These experiences laid the foundation for the company’s hands-on approach to property management, which sets it apart from others in the market.As the company grew substantially, I transitioned from hands-on operations to a more strategic leadership role. I applied my expertise in business strategy, accounting, taxation, and finance to steer the company to its current successful position. Known for delivering high-quality, affordable housing for families, the company’s growth has been driven by its commitment to addressing property issues swiftly and effectively, which has solidified our reputation in the market.Today, while I have handed over day-to-day management responsibilities to a team that I manage remotely, I continue to oversee the accounting and strategic direction of the business as director. This allows me to ensure that the company remains aligned with its mission to provide accessible, quality housing, while driving forward long-term growth and innovation.

As a faculty member at the University of Sheffield Management School, specialising in Accounting, Real Estate, and Financial Management, I have developed a strong foundation in financial analysis, decision-making, and strategic thinking. My work involves simplifying complex financial concepts and frameworks, making them accessible to internationally diverse audiences. This requires both deep technical expertise and the ability to communicate effectively to individuals and large groups, bridging the gap between theory and practical application.In addition to teaching, I actively engage in research, exploring the interplay between finance and the property sector. This research extends beyond numerical analysis, focusing on how financial systems intersect with real-world challenges. My analytical skills are rooted in understanding not just the numbers, but the broader context in which decisions are made, whether related to real estate markets, financial systems, or organisational strategies.At the University of Sheffield I have been a key member redeveloping our teaching programme, ensuring alignment with current world issues. These projects required a high degree of project management, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory and financial frameworks.Moreover, my experience mentoring students and colleagues has honed my ability to assess individual needs and provide tailored guidance. Whether I’m breaking down financial models or advising on strategic decisions, I strive to empower others to make informed, confident choices.While my focus has been in academia, I consistently apply practical, real-world thinking to everything I do, whether it’s conducting in-depth market analysis or collaborating with students. This approach allows me to contribute value in environments that require both financial acumen and a human touch.

During my time as a lecturer in the Accounting and Finance Department at the University of Plymouth, I distinguished myself not only through my expertise in communication but also as an effective data analyst and leader. My skills were recognised through numerous awards for teaching excellence, a reflection of my ability to convey complex concepts clearly and foster student engagement.I was honoured to be selected by the Dean to lead the creation of a new degree programme. This role required me to apply my strong data analysis skills to identify trends in student admissions and performance, allowing me to develop a programme tailored to meet diverse educational needs. I utilised advanced analytical tools to develop, assess and monitor the success of the programme, ensuring its continuous improvement.In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I managed a team of staff, providing line management oversight to ensure the smooth operation of the degree programme. I worked closely with admissions, finance, and administrative teams, guiding them through the implementation of the programme and overseeing their professional development. I was the main source of handling student leads, and with my oversight, the degree exceeded expectations. In its first year, I successfully managed enrolment of 87 students, surpassing my target by nearly three times, and the following year, student numbers grew to over 115. This achievement not only underscored the programme’s academic and practical value but also contributed significantly to the financial sustainability of the Business School. My strategic management, combined with the effective use of data, was integral to the programme’s success and helped to secure its long-term future.Through this initiative, I demonstrated not only my academic and teaching expertise but also my leadership and data-driven decision-making skills, playing a key role in enhancing the university’s educational offerings and financial health.

Building on the foundation of my first-class undergraduate degree in Accounting and Finance, I pursued a role as an accounting auditor at KPMG to further refine my numerical and data analysis skills. This position allowed me to explore the complexities of financial systems and provided a platform to enhance my analytical expertise. I was responsible for conducting comprehensive financial audits, ensuring data accuracy, and working with clients to ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards.Beyond traditional auditing, I proactively identified inefficiencies, discrepancies, and risks in clients' financial operations, although these insights were generally presented in reports rather than through closer collaboration with clients. Such reports enabled us to offer strategic recommendations that improved both financial transparency and operational efficiency.This role provided me with deep insights into how diverse businesses operate, allowing me to interpret and analyse large datasets and utilise my advanced Excel skills. I also gained a comprehensive understanding of internal controls, corporate governance, and risk management, all critical for maintaining sustainable business practices.Although I found the technical rigour of auditing intellectually stimulating, the retrospective nature of the work, limited client interaction, and the demands of constant travel, often staying in hotels away from family, led me to reassess my career path. My strong communication skills were recognised at KPMG, and during my time there, I was invited to deliver guest lectures at universities. This experience reignited a passion for communication and led to my recruitment as a lecturer at the University of Plymouth, where I could continue developing my accounting expertise while helping others grow in the field.

Senior Negotiator and Property Specialist As a Senior Negotiator, I played a pivotal role in driving sales, lettings, and property management, consistently exceeding targets and delivering exceptional service. Over the course of three years, I was recognised as the Top Salesperson, demonstrating my ability to build strong client relationships, negotiate effectively, and close deals with precision. Key Responsibilities and Achievements:*Mortgage Advisor Assistant: Collaborated closely with mortgage advisors to guide clients through the mortgage application process. Provided personalised support to ensure smooth and timely approvals, helping clients secure the best financial solutions for their property needs. *Sales and Negotiations: Enhanced property sales by identifying client needs, matching them to suitable homes, and negotiating successful deals. Maintained a client-focused approach, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty. * Lettings Management: Arranged property lettings, from marketing vacant homes to selecting reliable tenants. Managed contracts and ensured compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, fostering smooth tenant-landlord relationships. * Property Maintenance Coordination: Oversaw property maintenance, liaising with contractors and vendors to resolve issues efficiently. Ensured properties were well-maintained to preserve their value and appeal. * Client Relationship Management: Built lasting relationships with buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants, offering tailored advice and support to meet their unique needs. My proactive approach, combined with excellent organisational and communication skills, enabled me to thrive in a fast-paced property environment. Whether facilitating a seamless sale, assisting with complex mortgage processes, or managing a portfolio of rental properties, I consistently delivered results that exceeded expectations.