Dit jaar zal er een interview worden gehouden onder elk van de 12 Business Friends van FRESH Professionals. In deze portretinterviews komt er per Business Friend iemand aan het woord, waarbij we een unieke inkijk krijgen in wat deze personen beweegt en hoe zich dat reflecteert in de bedrijven waar zij werkzaam zijn. Deze week is het de beurt aan Heather Robertson van Greystar. Dit interview is afgenomen in het Engels.

• Naam: Heather Robertson
• Leeftijd: 29 jaar
• Bedrijf: Greystar
• Werkzaam: >4 jaar
• LinkedIn: Greystar / Heather Robertson
• Website: Greystar

Who are you?
Hello, everyone! My name is Heather, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to introduce myself. Originally from South Africa, I had the opportunity to move to the Netherlands in 2017 and pursue my master’s degree in Stochastics and Financial Mathematics at the University of Amsterdam. I finished my studies by writing my thesis within a trading team at a development financial institution in Amsterdam, which specialized in emerging and frontier currency hedging. After completing my studies, I was offered a position to join the company in a full-time capacity and spent just over 3.5 years there. In 2022, I was presented with another great opportunity to join the portfolio management team at Greystar. I have been at Greystar for just over a year now and am thoroughly enjoying the opportunities and challenges of the job. There’s also more to me than just real estate and finance. In my free time, I am a competitive equestrian athlete and partake in both international  and national competitions within Europe. I hope this has given you an idea of who I am and I look forward to connecting with all of you.

Why did you choose to work at Greystar?
Greystar, a renowned leader in real estate development and management, boasts an impressive track record in both the USA and Europe. Prior to joining the company, my interactions with Greystar were consistently positive, and I was genuinely inspired by the individuals who are part of its workforce.

What makes your office a great place to work?
Our office is truly a remarkable place to work for several reasons. The company highly values its employees and fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture. Our office operates on a hybrid system, offering flexibility to ensure high-quality work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. My colleagues have been incredibly approachable, so building contacts within the organization is easy. The company promotes innovation and creativity, by encouraging employees to think outside the box and contribute their unique ideas, while also promoting personal development through workshops and external courses. Greystar also regularly organizes off-desk events, providing opportunities for team building and stronger connections among colleagues, promoting the already vibrant atmosphere within our office.

What is the best career advice you have ever had?
Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas. Innovation is key to team improvement. Be the catalyst for greatness and help your team reach its full potential.

To what extent does FRESH contribute to your career?
FRESH provides a platform to connect with knowledgeable and like-minded professionals in the industry. Attending networking events organized by FRESH has helped expand my professional network. I strongly recommend young professionals to join associations like FRESH and actively engage in networking opportunities to enhance their career prospects.