Q&A with Alice Smith - Rising Stars 2016

Who in the housing world really inspires you and why?

I’m constantly inspired by strong women in the sector that have worked their way up to executive level, especially those that are also raising a family. I honestly think that these women are incredible. Individual wise, John Bird, the founder of The Big Issue Foundation is a huge inspiration to me, after creating such a hugely successful social enterprise and tackling a very real problem. Equally, The Big Issue chief executive, Stephen Robertson, who is infectiously passionate about empowerment and equality, and inspired me to buy the Big Issue magazine through his LinkedIn posts! I would encourage everyone to buy it – it’s a really great read.  

What building would you like to visit worldwide and why?

I saw Wayne Hemingway speak at one of Spectrum Housing’s staff conferences, and I would love to visit the housing in Berlin that inspired him to set up Hemingway Design. It must be something special to have encouraged him to successfully turn his hand to affordable, people-led housing.

How did you get into housing?

Like a lot of people in the sector, I kind of fell into housing! I started my career as an admin assistant having applied for the job as it was close to home, and thought it would suit me – I had previously done some temporary work for the local authority. I honestly fell in love with it as it was so challenging and yet so rewarding. In a matter of months I was seconded into a housing officer role, which was subsequently made permanent. After over a decade in the sector, I’m still constantly learning and challenged, and think I always will be, which can only be a good thing.

Which five people would you invite to your dinner party and why?

• Germaine Greer – her books have had a huge impact on me.
• Stephen Robertson from The Big Issue Foundation, just because I’d love to meet him and have a chat about all the amazing work they’re doing.
• Naga Munchetty from BBC Breakfast as she seems like a lot of fun.
• JK Rowling for her incredible imagination and I would love to hear her personal ‘rags-to-riches’ story
• Samuel L Jackson, just because he is the coolest man on the planet.

Apart from being a Rising Star finalist, what has been the highlight of your career to date?

Most definitely the two secondments that I have completed over the last 10 months. The first was my first real experience of managing a team, and they were all tradesmen, which terrified me! Having had no trade experience and a being a first-time manager, it was pretty daunting. However, with some great support and a lovely team (who weren’t that scary after all), I did really well, exceeding my own expectations. My most recent secondment was as a neighbourhood team manager, managing a team of housing officers. It was such a great experience with some really good outcomes. It was a post that had been made redundant so was only for five months, but I had such positive feedback and enjoyed it immensely. Both have set me up for the next opportunity and stage in my career.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t lose sight of what you came for. My husband told me this when we first met and it’s become a bit of a mantra for me. I apply it to everything; my career, my day-to-day job and especially when shopping.

If you had three wishes, how would you use them?

Being a housing professional, I’d have to wish for a solution to the current housing crisis. As so many factors are involved, having a wish to ensure everyone is able to access affordable housing would be rather good. My second wish would be that no one would be discriminated against and have equal opportunities, regardless of what gender, race, age etc they are. My third would be that my husband would allow me to adopt more cats. It’s certainly less likely than the first two!

What piece of advice would you give somebody embarking on a career in housing?

Work hard, be approachable and be fair. Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. As we deal with people, there is never a standard solution to a problem. As long as you try to do something for the right reasons, it’s better that you have tried and failed than you not having tried at all.   

What’s the best thing about your current job?

I work for a really good company that has enabled me to progress and gain experience, and also trusted me to creatively deal with problems that has then made a difference to residents and communities. I have a fantastic manager who has consistently pushed me outside of my comfort zone and has encouraged me to challenge myself to achieve things that I didn’t believe possible. Another thing is the impact that my actions can have on people; and as clichéd as it sounds, the best thing about my job is that I truly feel that I am making a difference for the better.  

If you are our Rising Star for 2016, how might your life have changed in 12 months’ time?

Having such an accolade would certainly influence my career, and hopefully would mean that in 12 months, opportunities would have arisen. I’m certain that I would be a better professional for it, with more confidence to push myself and make more of a difference for our customers.