10 QUESTIONS WITH...
In each issue we ask an FM professional the Tomorrow’s FM 10 Questions. This month we spoke to Francesca Laughier-Davies, Account Manager at Pareto FM.
10 QUESTIONS WITH…. Q4
Q5 Q6
Q1 Q2
Q3
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Saturday girl at a local fabric shop when I was 13.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY?
I applied for an FM apprenticeship with a charity I was volunteering for, although I wasn’t exactly clear on what FM was, I was intrigued by the role and felt that I had enough transferable skills to make the leap. FM was a conscious decision for me and after a year’s apprenticeship I discovered I really did enjoy the variety and challenge it offered.
HOW DID YOU PROGRESS THROUGH FM TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
I owe my early career to my mentor, boss and friend Chris, he exposed me to every facet of FM; hard and soft service contracts, end to end lease management, planning applications, project management, he even encouraged me to self-teach AutoCAD. On completion of my apprenticeship I remained with the charity as an FM, progressed to a regional manager and, while working full time, completed my MSc in Facility and Environmental Management at UCL.
Once I’d matriculated, I moved onto Vitality as their FM for the London and later Croydon offices. Despite enjoying my time there, I began to feel increasingly frustrated with the way services were delivered by FM companies; the limited involvement, lack of initiative and impersonal, overly formal relationships. I’d seen Andrew (Pareto FM Founding Director) lecture at UCL while doing my degree and when the opportunity to work for him came up, I jumped at the chance.
74 | TOMORROW’S FM
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SINCE YOU STARTED IN FM WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE THE
INDUSTRY HAS SEEN/YOU HAVE OBSERVED? The way we work has changed; our hours and locations are no longer as fixed as they once were, and this has significantly impacted the way we construct work space and use buildings; there’s an emphasis on space for collaboration and socialisation to meet the needs of a more diverse and fluid workforce. Employees have come to a holistic environment and companies recognise that if they want to attract and retain the best talent, they need to create innovative, multi-functional spaces that suit this changing workforce.
WHO, IN ANY OTHER INDUSTRY, DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
Stephen King, author. Not for the horror; for The Dark Tower, all seven novels, which I’ve read at least four times cover to cover. I wish I had half his imagination and creativity
IF YOU WERE TO OUTLINE THREE QUALITIES THAT ARE ESSENTIAL FOR
A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN FM, WHAT WOULD
THEY BE (AND WHY)? Flexibility is key- Being able to quickly adapt to change is crucial in an industry that is constantly evolving and as broad as FM; learning is part of the job. Client requirements are unpredictable; expectations change; new management is hired; businesses develop; as an FM provider we must meet and overcome these challenges while maintaining the same service standards.
Being an excellent communicator is tied to adaptability, the role of a facilities manager spans all levels; you need to be able to confidently present solutions, direct contractors, negotiate with suppliers, manage and inspire teams, collaborate with and support peers.
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