51乱伦

Beverley Kennard joined 51乱伦 as a coordinator in our Islington office on the day that it opened. 12 years on, she鈥檚 progressed in her career to Partner and Head of Lettings Operations.

She remembers clearly what it was like to work in a support role having been in the industry for almost 20 years. She makes time to talk to, and understand, those 鈥榰nsung heroes.鈥� 鈥淚 recognise the huge importance of what our support teams do,鈥� Beverley says. 鈥淔or me, sitting down with someone who wants to know how they can get to the next level, or how they can really be involved at the firm, is really important. I want to help them to get there and create those opportunities.鈥�

Beverley鈥檚 been advocating for people in support roles throughout her career, and has worked on projects to ensure there鈥檚 a clear career framework for them. These projects support people to have worthwhile and meaningful one-to-one meetings and appraisals, ensuring everyone鈥檚 clear on their accountabilities.

The power of coaching

Who鈥檚 given Beverley that support and encouragement along the way? Instantly, she cites Gary Hall, Partner and Head of Lettings, who she鈥檚 worked alongside throughout her career in the Lettings team at 51乱伦. 鈥淗e鈥檚 played a massive role, but really without me realising, which I think is a true example of a good coach.鈥�

Gary鈥檚 encouraged her to think about what she wants, and what she needs to do to get there. With his coaching support, she鈥檚 been prepared for the next role when she鈥檚 achieved that step up. She values him always holding their one-to-one meetings monthly, along with having meaningful appraisals and mid-year reviews. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e always really good conversations, and I leave them feeling empowered.鈥�

The importance of diverse thinking and conversations

鈥淔or us to move forward and make a difference, we have to educate ourselves. We need to listen and learn,鈥� Beverley says. That鈥檚 why she takes the time to hear about other people鈥檚 experiences and thoughts as they differ from her own. Having an insight into someone else鈥檚 experience helps her to help them.

Beverley encourages people to learn from our . By attending their events, reading the important updates and hearing about what鈥檚 important to others, you educate yourself and grow your understanding.

鈥淲e鈥檝e all got a role to play to educate ourselves on what gender equality means. It鈥檚 so important that we鈥檙e all talking about it and recognise it. If we鈥檙e to create a really diverse business with diverse thoughts, we must have diversity.鈥�

Beverley relishes being a leader in our business and intends to be here for the long term. But she鈥檇 like to see other women in leadership roles. 鈥淭here are some fantastic women in great roles, but just not enough.鈥�

Listening to others and understanding their experiences is clearly important to Beverley. Her favourite thing to do outside of work is to spend time with her family and friends, particularly her two nephews, and see the world through their young eyes. A different perspective is always welcome.

鈥淔or us to be a strong business, we must be diverse in our thoughts. Our clients and customers are diverse and we need to represent them.鈥�