The Shopping Centre industry is driven by people. It’s the skills and expertise of the people that manage, develop and evolve shopping centres for their communities that creates this great industry. Shopping Centre News profiles a range of interesting people from the industry each week. This week we speak to Sally Lewis, who has an exciting role leasing for Lendlease’s Western Australian assets.
What is your current role and main responsibilities?
I am a Senior Leasing Executive currently responsible for leasing at our Western Australian assets – Lakeside Joondalup, Armadale City, Southlands Boulevarde and Northgate Shopping Centre.
I look after all leasing functions, which includes but is not limited to the implementation of the leasing strategy for each asset, reviewing and negotiating leases and ensuring we meet our strategic and financial targets.
Lakeside Joondalup
How did you get in to this industry?
I completed a Masters in Property in Adelaide as a mature-age student. There were very few job opportunities in Adelaide for graduates when I finished my Masters, so I moved to Perth and started in the property industry as a Graduate Valuer. This then lead me to working for WA’s largest independently owned commercial agency, Lease Equity where I had exposure to all different types of commercial and retail property.
Tell us a little bit about your career
I started my career as a Registered Nurse and worked in that industry for over 10 years, across many different countries, but I always had a strong interest in the property market. I was working in London at the time and used to immerse myself in all things property-related, so I decided to go back to university and do my Masters in Property.
I worked as a Graduate Valuer for a while, but soon learnt this was mostly an autonomous job and I barely talked to anyone during the day. I missed the interaction of working with a team and building relationships, so applied for a Junior Leasing Executive role at Lease Equity. They took me under their wing and I was exposed to so many different facets of leasing. After several years working for this agency, I applied for a leasing role at Lendlease and have never looked back.
Armadale Shopping City
What has been your hardest career decision?
Making the move from Adelaide to Perth after I completed my Masters. I didn’t know many people at the start, so it was hard to adjust to not only a new job but also a new life and make new friends.
What do you love most about your job?
I enjoy coming to work each day knowing that no day will ever be the same, and the people at Lendlease continue to motivate me to learn and grow as a person. Building long lasting relationships with retailers is something that is at the heart of what I do every day, and I love being able to pick up the phone some days and just have a chat.
What motivates you?
I enjoy seeing a retailer finally open their doors for their first day of trade, as I know the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes. The collaboration between the retailer and the wider Lendlease team, delivering an amazing experience to our customers, is always something special.
Lakeside Joondalup
What makes a great Leasing Executive?
You need to genuinely like people, be a great communicator and always be willing to listen.
What is your most memorable moment of your career?
The most memorable moment of my career was being a part of the Project Team that delivered the Lakeside Joondalup redevelopment in 2014.
What do you think makes a successful shopping centre?
Consumers are seeking a shopping experience, and I believe there are several factors that make a successful shopping Centre; location, retail mix, convenience and entertainment.
What are some of the trends you are seeing in the industry?
We are really seeing the emergence of the Entertainment and Leisure Precinct. Customers are coming to our Centres not only to shop but to also be entertained and dine.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry?
Property is such a great industry to get into as there are many facets; Marketing, Centre Manager, Operations, Leasing etc. Be true to yourself, work hard, go above and beyond and build relationships, not only with retailers but with your peers in the industry and everything else will follow.
What do you do in your leisure time to de-stress?
I have a 20-month-old son, Max who keeps me very busy. I think I know every park in Perth as we spend most of our time outdoors.
What’s your favourite retailer and why?
This is an easy one for me. I have always loved Country Road, which is one of Australia’s largest specialty retailers. I know I can always walk into a store or go online and find something I like for either casual or work wear.
Do you like shopping?
I love to shop and what makes it even more tempting is that I work out of one of WA’s largest shopping Centres at Lakeside Joondalup, so every day I walk past so many beautiful shopfronts.
What is the single most important quality you need to possess to be in this industry?
Don’t take no for an answer, always be striving and asking why not?
Interested in being profiled, email belinda@shoppingcentrenews.com.au
