Simone Knopf

Meet Simone Knopf

What is your role at Avison Young?

Director, Investment Management. I am the Asset Manager for our German AuM, which entails oversight of property operations and entities as well as transaction management.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

My fascination with buildings, especially skyscrapers and high-rises, started in my teenage years. Even then, I was certain that real estate was going to be a big part of my future and my life. Right after high-school I set my path: I enrolled in a 3-year vocational training program with a residential property manager. Directly afterwards, I enrolled in a 4 year college program for BA - Real Estate Management. And to spice it up a little, I was given the opportunity of various internships - nationally and internationally.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

Throughout my life I have had the privilege and pleasure of meeting amazing and inspiring people. But one stong woman was my grandma. No matter how tough her life was, she never complained. She always made sure the family stands together. Even in critical times, she held her head up high and motivated others.

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

Your career is a marathon - not a sprint. Stay zealous, ambitious and keep moving, but one step after the other.

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?

I challenge myself to say "NO" when needed. So often in the past, I felt it is a sign of weakness to say "no, I can't work on this assignment." But actually it is a sign of strength. Of course it should be for good reasons.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I like to go on adventures to test my personal limits. Last year, I chose to go on 3 hikes in South-America, all within 10 days and each hike was a 10 hour tour. I felt I reached my personal limit after the frist hike already, but I completed all of them. Exhaustion turned into pride, strength and also some kind of relief.