Claire Paraskeva

Meet Claire Paraskeva

What is your role at Avison Young?

Regional Managing Director of the Leeds Office and Principal within the Business Rates Department.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I took a real estate course at University in Sheffield, fell in love with the breadth and relevance of the subject matter and the rest, as they say, is history!

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

A lady called Selma Carson who was my line manager when I first started my career at St Quintin Chartered Surveyors (now part of CBRE). She was an excellent mentor, always pushing to get more out of you and give you confidence. It didn't matter if you were a woman or a man; she just wanted the best performance.

What advice would you give women starting out in real estate?

Women in property have just as much opportunity as men. You just have to work hard, have your own unique selling point and always think what's best for your client. If you concentrate on these elements, you will do well.

This year's IWD theme is Choose to Challenge. What do you choose to challenge or celebrate to help create more inclusion in your community?

Women as a whole need to take charge of their own destiny and they will overcome any barrier. This is my challenge to my female colleagues. Life is a series of hurdles and nothing that is worth it comes easily. If you work hard you will create opportunities for yourself and others, which in turn will create more female mentors for the next generation.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am a big softie really and I care tremendously about the Leeds Team!