As Partnership Director of NPS London, Amy Dalton Leader is responsible for the delivery of property services for Norse’s joint venture partnership with London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF).
She leads a multi-disciplinary professional team on a wide range of diverse projects.
In recent months, she has also been working with Norse and LBWF to agree a new joint venture agreement to meet the ambitious strategies set by the borough.
“I grew up believing the world was my oyster, but as an adult, I would be lying if I said that has been easy to achieve, as there are a number of barriers to break through due to unconscious bias,” she admits.
“I used to be reluctant to raise my head above the parapet, but I now recognise that I need to be visible so that the next generation of inspiring women know that they can put themselves forward for what they want – and achieve it.”
Amy is a huge advocate of ensuring a team is made up of people of all different backgrounds; she believes the more perspectives there are, then the better the team is.
“Women still tend to be the main caregivers at home, whether that is for their children or their parents, and it is great that hybrid or flexible working is now far more acceptable than ever before,” she continues.
“There are more opportunities to have a fulfilling career, as well as to manage a home life – and this counts for men too.
“I have found that men are far more reluctant to ask for flexibility to support childcare than women, but if they recognised more that this is acceptable and encouraged, then there would be more opportunities for everyone to achieve a fulfilling career.”
Q: Is there a woman you particularly admire?
A: Many women have supported me through my career, including Marina Robertson, Senior Director, Norse Consulting, who believed in me enough to offer me my current role. I have also been an active member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and as a result met many inspirational women that I am now lucky enough to call friends. These include Amanda Clack (ex-RICS President), Dayle Bayliss, Samantha Organ and Adrienne Yarwood to name a few.
Q: What advice would you give to a young woman just starting out on her career?
A: Don’t stop chasing your dreams, reach out for advice and be cheeky. Even you don’t think you have all the skills needed for the job you want, still apply. After all, what is the worst that can happen?
