Melanie Leech: From Police Officer to Property Powerhouse

In the latest GSC Executives podcast, host Caitlin Tye sits down with Melanie Leech, the Chief Executive of the British Property Federation (BPF). 

Melanie's career kicked off in an unexpected place - the streets of Paddington Green as a Metropolitan Police officer. This early experience taught her valuable lessons in problem-solving and adaptability.

"As a female police officer, you often have to find alternative ways to handle situations," Melanie explains. "You can't always rely on physical presence."

After four years on the force, Melanie made the jump to the civil service. Her roles ranged from customs and excise to arts policy and rail regulation. This varied background in the public sector honed her skills in policy-making and stakeholder management - crucial for her current role at the BPF.

Tackling Industry Challenges Head-On

As CEO of the British Property Federation, Melanie is driving change in the industry. She's particularly proud of two key initiatives:

1. BPF Futures: A network for junior professionals, now 2,500 strong.
2. Merger with UK PropTech Association: A move to bridge the gap between property and technology.

"We're becoming much more focused on people, as our customers are increasingly viewing real estate as a service," Melanie notes.

This shift brings new challenges and opportunities, including:

• The need for more diverse skill sets
• A focus on managing assets efficiently
• Integrating sustainability into all aspects of property management

Building a More Inclusive Property Sector

While progress has been made in diversifying the property sector, Melanie acknowledges there's still work to do. She points to the "middle tier" of management as a particular challenge:

"We've got a generation of people in the middle who are sometimes disconnected from both senior leadership and the fresh ideas coming from below."

Her solution? Continuous reinforcement of diversity and inclusion principles, much like regular skills training.

Melanie's leadership philosophy is rooted in authenticity and self-awareness. She emphasises that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership:

"What I've learned is there's no blueprint for what a good leader looks like."

Instead, she advocates for understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, and building a team that complements your skills.

Looking Ahead: The Future of UK Property

As we look to the future, Melanie is excited about the potential for technology and sustainability to transform the property sector. She's keen to explore these areas further:

"I'm really interested in diving deeper into the sustainability issues we're tackling, as well as the tech innovations shaping our industry."

Melanie Leech's journey from police officer to property leader shows the value of adaptability and continuous learning. Her insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to make their mark in the property sector or any other industry.

Don't miss the chance to elevate your own leadership game by subscribing to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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