Networking for success

The power of effective networking is something that alumnus Julius Gottlieb, new Head of Property at Hotbed, knows all about.

Property Finance Forum

Since setting up the Property Finance Forum (PFF) in January 2005, he has seen this networking resource go from strength to strength.

“We now have over 250 members and have between 80 and 120 people along to each of our quarterly events. It’s a great forum to be in, as it’s just about networking and knowledge-sharing. We don’t lobby at all and only property finance and tax professionals are invited to events – we don’t open it up to bankers or lawyers.”

The idea of getting people with similar roles in an industry together to share their experiences and expand their networks came to Julius while he Finance Director was at Morley Fund Management.

“It struck me that being a Finance Director in the world of property, I had my own network which involved meeting peers for coffee and it was really useful to me. Whenever there were a few of us together, we discussed a really broad range of topics and I thought it would be a good idea if everyone in the industry had access to this kind of network.”

The PFF focuses on fun events in unusual venues and has top quality speakers, like Norman Lamont and Boris Johnson.

“Other geographies are now interested in replicating the forum, which is great, so we are helping them with that.”

Commercial property

Following his role as CFO at Lendlease, Julius takes over as Head of Property in April 2009.

“Working in commercial property investment is really exciting as I basically have a blank page – we are open to investing in any sector and in any geography. Does working globally faze me? Not at all – just as long as I have the right clothes!”

Property bandwagon

Having followed his father’s footsteps into property, the integrity of the profession is something that means a great deal to Julius.

“There have been a lot of people during the property boom of the last 10 years who have just jumped on the bandwagon without knowing enough about what they are involved with. With the economy and property market now in a very different position, it means that we are left with just the real property professionals.

“It’s no good if you don’t understand the fundamentals; the key drivers of property. They are simple – location, occupier demand, tenant issues, things like that. But they need to be properly understood, as every property is unique.

“The distress in the property market gives great opportunities to those with capital to invest. Properties will come on the market now that might never have done before, so there could be chances of a lifetime.”

Different perspective

Since leaving KPMG in 1993, Julius’s career has involved him in a number of different businesses. “I’ve always kept in touch with KPMG since I’ve left and enjoy meeting up with people I used to work with.”

And what about the differences between KPMG and industry?

“In industry you meet people from different backgrounds, with different expertise and ambitions. KPMG trainees tend to be quite like-minded with a similar set of ambitions, so it’s great to broaden this aspect of my working life.

“Another big difference is perspective. The work I was doing at KPMG was mostly retrospective – looking back over what already happened. My work now is about the here and now and, importantly, planning for the future.”

Help a London Child

Despite the time that his work and PFF roles take up, Julius still finds the time to dedicate himself to raising money for charity.

“My most recent fundraiser involved running around every professional football club’s pitch in London. The real challenge was getting access to the pitches. Most of them I did over about four weeks, but I’ve only just finished, as getting access to the Chelsea pitch was difficult. It was worth it, though, as I’ve raised £11,000 for Help a London Child.”

Tip from the top

“I have three tips that have helped me:

1. Always treat people as you would wish them to deal with you.
2. Be expeditious, determined and patient; listen to experienced wise heads who’ve been there and seen it before and bought the proverbial T shirt; make sure you keep learning!
3. Never be afraid to make decisions and take responsibility for those decisions, but also be prepared to change things if circumstances dictate.”

If you would like to get in contact with Julius, please email him at julius.gottlieb@hotbed.uk.com.

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