The executive director and UK planning co-lead at CBRE on how he got started in the property industry, his favourite book and album picks, a shocking statistic and the superpower he wishes he had.
Jonathan Stoddart, executive director and UK planning co-lead at CBRE
How did you join the property industry?
A passion for geography and design at school led me to a town-planning degree. I then undertook a master’s degree in European planning in the Netherlands, which really fired the engines for shaping places and creating change through development. My first foray into planning was in the Midlands working in a small team, which acted as a superb apprenticeship and gateway into the industry.
What does your job entail?
I co-head the UK planning business at CBRE with a focus on London and the South East. This involves a combination of management and helping clients find property and land solutions.
What do you like most about the property industry?
There are many things, but I would have to say my clients – I have a very eclectic mix. I have worked with some clients for more than 20 years and am frequently inspired, educated and energised by them.
And what do you dislike most about it?
The funding of local planning authorities. The planning system is not broken; the funding model to resource it is. The public sector has some absolute rock stars, but they need to be supported.
What is your favourite building?
How do I choose? I’ll pick one I haven’t personally worked on but my Northern colleagues have done an extraordinary job on: the new Everton football stadium. Dan Meis, the project architect, sums it up better than I can:
“There has always been that mentality that we’re not building a Bentley; we’re building a Ferrari. It’s going to be new and have amenities, but it’s a performance building. It’s a proper football ground.”
I can’t wait to see the Toffees in that Ferrari of a building.
Who in property has inspired you?
Dr Andreas Faludi, [professor of spatial policy systems]. I studied under Andreas at Radboud University Nijmegen [in the Netherlands] and his passion for creating place and bringing planning theory to life was infectious and cemented my desire to shape my future environment.
If you had not gone into property, what would you be doing?
I suspect I may have been a politician. I am lucky enough to have worked with some of the politicians I grew up admiring and their duty to serve the public shines through. The cut and thrust of the political scene has always fascinated me.
What would you change about the industry?
We don’t collectively extol the virtues of development enough. The development industry can be perceived as greedy, so it is on us to demonstrate the benefits of new homes, jobs, green space and community facilities. We need to more accurately monitor how Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy money is invested and illustrate the dramatic improvements it can make for people.
What challenge have you overcome?
Imposter syndrome. I hope it is not that rare; I think it gives people humility if they have been through it.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Being appointed to run the London and South East CBRE planning team. It is an absolute privilege to work with my amazing colleagues in a brilliant team and across the business.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in the property industry?
Grow your network as quickly as you can and try to cultivate client relationships where there is a mutual respect and friendship. It is a long career, so best to do it with people you like.
Favourite book?
The Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy. I love a good western and it does not get much better than this. I am obsessed with Elmore Leonard books, so the late great Leonard can feel hard done by with my choice here, but The Border Trilogy is epic.
Favourite album?
Ill Communication by Beastie Boys. It is as fresh today as it was back then [in 1994]. I grew up in a small town in south Wales, so that album was like a spaceship landing. It also got me out of my grunge stupor.
Most ridiculous fact?
Not so much ridiculous as shocking: I was told recently that one in 30 schoolchildren across London live in temporary accommodation. It requires action – and fast.
Superpower to have?
Teleportation, please. My wife’s family are in Australia, my family are in Wales and I am keen to be at a test match in the West Indies. With my new superpower, I could shoehorn it all into a weekend.