What first drew me to LaSalle was its global reputation as a successful real estate investor. I knew the Australian team was a tight knit group with a strong track record, and they were known as a practical, on the ground investor focused on real estate fundamentals.

Prior to joining LaSalle, I worked with the Real Assets team at a global bank. In this role, I provided coverage for various private equity groups in infrastructure and real estate, covering renewables, oil and gas, public private infrastructure, mining, and transport sectors. LaSalle was a client of the bank and well known to me. My first direct interaction with the Australian and Asia Pacific team at LaSalle occurred in 2021 when they were in the process of acquiring an industrial asset in Sydney.

My role primarily involves securing external debt for acquisition and refinancing purposes, as well as assisting with direct real estate acquisitions in Australia on behalf of clients and LaSalle funds. Over the past year, I have also been involved in the development of new products in the Australian market.

Since joining, I have progressed from Associate to Manager last year, and more recently this year to Vice President. I’ve seen a large shift in the macro environment, notably higher interest rates, declining valuations, and a challenging capital markets outlook. This has placed pressure on capital stacks and one of my main responsibilities has been to manage these positions within the existing portfolio, working closely alongside Australian and APAC teams.

On the acquisitions front, although more subdued, the team has been actively reviewing and pursing predominantly opportunistic transactions across all sectors, but with a particular focus on industrial and living strategies.

What first drew me to LaSalle was its global reputation as a successful real estate investor. I knew the Australian team was a tight knit group with a strong track record, and they were known as a practical, on the ground investor focused on real estate fundamentals.

My favorite aspect of the job is that at its heart, LaSalle is an entrepreneurial business, and it needs to be. We need think creatively and be smart, but be prudent in finding ways to generate performance. We also need to have ‘an ear to the ground’ and in a position to act quickly and with conviction. LaSalle is structured in a way that fosters this environment. You get access to senior decision makers, and you are encouraged to present and progress ideas. I like that real estate is a people business, driven by relationships, track records and experience. I feel lucky to be part of a company that values these qualities.  

I’ve also had the opportunity to represent LaSalle on the Property Council of Australia’s National Real Estate Capital Markets Committee, which has been a great experience.

I am grateful for the experience, responsibilities and exposure my role has given me so far. Regarding what’s next, it’s anyone’s guess, but I know LaSalle offers several exciting potential career paths. I see big opportunities for the business going forward and believe there is potential to make a real impact here.

I like all things outdoors. I’m a big sailor – it’s a fantastic tactical and competitive team sport that I enjoy on evenings and weekends when time permits! We are lucky in Australia, with natural beauty and Sydney Harbour on the doorstep.

Among the many fulfilling aspects of my work, the best moments come from witnessing the tangible impact of my analyses and the utility of the tools I create for my colleagues and the company at large.

Before I joined LaSalle, I was employed as a Research Associate at University College London (UCL), on a large project for international trade when the itch for a new professional challenge began. When I saw a LinkedIn posting for a position within LaSalle’s Research team, I researched the company and was very impressed. I decided to apply for the position. This marked the beginning of an enlightening decade-long journey with the company.

I began as an Associate armed with quantitative knowledge and the drive to learn, heading into an unfamiliar industry. The initial years were a steep climb, replete with new terms and immense learning. My role evolved from undertaking research assignments to contributing to company-wide projects. Today, I work with the North America Research, Asset Management, Portfolio Teams and IC, endeavoring to understand the blueprint of our investment performance, as well as supporting the deployment of existing and new investment strategies.

Among the many fulfilling aspects of my work, the best moments come from witnessing the tangible impact of my analyses and the utility of the tools I create for my colleagues and the company at large. The sense of contribution, collaboration and participation in the company’s success is immensely gratifying.

One defining moment that stands out has been my move to the US. It was a step that expanded my boundaries, placing me far from my comfort zone. It gave me the opportunity to connect with colleagues in crucial North American positions and contribute to significant business initiatives. The experience significantly heightened my confidence and reaffirmed my value as a professional.

Looking back, my career path has been marked by two transformative crossroads that significantly shaped my professional and personal trajectory. Initially, I worked as a Civil Environmental Engineer in an urban planning role in Italy. A desire for wider horizons led me to resign from that position and spend a few months in the US during my PhD studies, a move that eventually saw me relocating to the UK. There, I shifted gears into quantitative research in international trade at UCL. The final and most precipitous change came when I seized the opportunity to join LaSalle. This represented a new chapter in my career, diversifying my path yet retaining the same foundational elements. While these roles seem disparate, they all revolved around a common denominator – my passion for deciphering the complexities of the world through data and models, my desire for new knowledge, and the rewarding experiences I’ve gained from collaboration with innovative, talented individuals and industry-leading organizations.

I joined LaSalle in 2008 and I am celebrating my 16-year anniversary this month. Time flies!

Before LaSalle, I worked in global finance and for a non-profit called the Japan Council on the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. I was responsible for many financial tasks including accounting, payroll and financial administrative duties.

At that time, I worked three days per week, because I was raising two small children and wanted to spend time with them. I was introduced to LaSalle through a recruiting agency when my son was six years old. The Regional Finance team was looking for a person in Japan who would work part-time, and that matched with my wish to be at home with my children. I started with LaSalle in Corporate Finance in 2008 as an Associate, responsible for revenue recognition and general reporting.

When I joined, Asia Pacific Corporate Finance was small and new, there were two team members in Singapore, and only one in Japan. Even though we didn’t meet in person for some time, I appreciated the support I received my colleagues. We bonded with trust and friendship and worked well as a team.

Just after I started, the Global Financial Crisis affected our business and our assets under management (AUM) started to drop. Through those tough years, I remember our LaSalle Japan colleagues working hard to find new sources of investments. In 2013, though Japan AUM was still lower, we had more variety in our investments. I faced something new every year, taking on new challenges and opportunities. I worked with my manager to standardize policies for local finance, fee recognition, and cost recharges. On my five-year anniversary with LaSalle, I was promoted to Manager.

I did not expect that promotion because I was still working on a shorter schedule to balance my time with my children. However, I extended my work time in 2015, because our business grew, and Corporate Finance had more responsibility. LaSalle Logiport REIT was launched that year, and I covered our subsidiary company managing the REIT.

Shortly after, LaSalle internalized the financial activity, instead of outsourcing it. My manager asked me if I would like to be Head of Corporate Finance for Japan. I had enough experience; however, I declined the offer at that time. I was not confident I would be able to perform this job and have enough time with my family.

When I declined the offer, I worked with the local team and manager, and I sometimes dealt with challenges in my role. I did not always share my views openly and looking back I regretted not accepting the new position. This was a turning point for me. Four years later in 2019, I started to cover cash management and tax filing and was promoted to Vice President. In December, due to internal movements, I was again offered the role of Head of Corporate Finance. I was thrilled to get a second chance and accepted the offer.

I love working with my Corporate Finance team and our colleagues around the world. I have good colleagues in Japan and in Corporate Finance, and I see their perseverance even during tough times. It always encourages and motivates me to see how they take challenges with grace, and I am grateful to work with such people.

I joined JLL’s graduate scheme in 2019 at the London office. In the first rotation you do not have the opportunity to choose where you are placed, though in the subsequent rotations there is an element of choice, subject to business needs. I always had the aspiration to complete one of my rotations at LaSalle, so I completed a couple of courses in the industry during my first rotation to have a better chance to be selected for LaSalle in my second rotation. I was selected, and subsequently joined LaSalle in January 2021 for my second and final rotation, with the intention to rotate out in October.

As fate would have it, however, I started speaking to colleagues at LaSalle during my rotation and understanding their passion for the industry. I soon realized that this was what I wanted to do, and the part of the property industry that I am most passionate about. This month, I am starting full-time with LaSalle in Amsterdam, as a Senior Analyst and I couldn’t be happier.

When I joined JLL and LaSalle it was in part because, as global companies, we lean on so many professionals across the world who have a huge range of expertise, and both companies offer direct access to this expertise. How amazing is it that a company helps facilitate career movements across different countries to help employees learn more?

My favourite part or working at LaSalle has to be that there is always opportunity — to take on new work, learn about new sectors, and explore new ideas. I’ve had a lot of autonomy, but importantly if I or anyone else has new ideas, there’s respect and support from your managers to help you pursue them.

I’d like to have an opportunity to see the global headquarters in Chicago at some point in the future and how that differs from offices in Europe. Being able to see how the European experience differs from the American experience is something I’d love to learn.

Speaking of learning, I’m dyslexic, which is something I only learnt when I was 16. All my life before that, I just thought I wasn’t as intelligent as other people. I didn’t realize my brain worked in a different way to others, I would consistently receive low grades and was very disruptive. When I found out I was dyslexic, I realized there were different ways to learn that were suited to me, and suddenly I was achieving considerably higher results and went from the bottom to the top of my classes. That helped instill in me the view that we all learn differently, and I should be confident in myself and recognize my own abilities and the support I need to achieve my goals. I don’t think of dyslexia as a disability, but rather an opportunity to understand how my brain works to achieve what I want to achieve.

Being open out it has made a world of difference in life and at work. Realizing everybody works differently, for example, allows the team to accommodate different styles. Some people don’t speak up right away, or others don’t like to formulate their thoughts until they have a chance to reflect. It’s important to think outside of the status quo and create an environment where people can feel supported to work in ways that allow them to do their best. I always feel LaSalle works toward and values that perspective, and I feel comfortable and supported here, which I appreciate.

I think it’s going to be a great place to build my career.