We're super excited to welcome Lauren, our newest team member, to the crew! She's joining us as an administrator and front of house for base. Lauren’s been in the property game for almost five years, getting her start during the Covid era and falling in love with helping people find their perfect homes. With a background in events coordination and being a personal assistant, she’s got a knack for bringing people together and keeping things running smoothly. We knew Lauren was the right fit for base when she agreed to have her final interview at our 20th anniversary event back in May and got truly stuck in to the party vibe for a good few hours - in addition to recognizing her skills and experience, of course. We're so stoked to have her on board, so you best get to know her with some fun Q&As below:
How long have you been working in the property industry, and what’s your background?
I've been working in property for almost five years. I started during Covid and instantly fell in love with interacting with people, finding them forever homes to buy and perfect fits for renters. Before this, I was an Events Coordinator since I was 16 and, more recently, a personal assistant.
How did you get into the industry?
Through a family friend who managed a Shoreditch agency. They said they could see I had a strong moral and work ethic.
What’s something about the industry that you really appreciate or engage well with in your line of work?
I like connecting the dots, finding homes for people, and creating good experiences. Breaking the stereotypes of an estate agency is something I really engage with.
How did you first hear about base, and what was your first impression?
I heard about base through a recruitment company. I had spoken to so many recruiters and wanted to move away from the 'politics' I had seen in other more corporate agencies. When they told me about base and I saw the reviews from tenants and landlords, as well as the moral work ethos, I thought it was a perfect fit.
Tell us a little about the hiring process and how you felt that went!
Anything but typical! My first interview was relaxed, and I found myself talking freely without any judgment. For once, I had questions because I just wanted to know more! I love how they take it personally for the whole team and want to make sure we would all fit. The second interview consisted of me meeting the team in a less formal setting, celebrating the 20th anniversary. Again, it reinforced that I wanted to work for base. Meeting landlords, old employees, and supporters of base showed me how valued they are, and I wanted to be part of a team that makes a change. A few glasses of wine and a recommendation from landlords and other guests helped as well!
If you could invite any three people, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would they be and why?
- George Michael – Free and amazing entertainment, the fact he's Greek, a philanthropist, and an icon would be the main reason!
- Paul O'Grady – Again, an absolute ICON, great sense of humour, and he loved dogs!
- The late Queen – Amazing stories, a bit of gossip, and I would love to see how they all interacted.
What is your favourite book or movie, and why does it resonate with you?
I studied films at university, so I am obsessed with TV and films. I love a good thriller or anything that makes my brain work, so it's hard to pinpoint any in particular. My favourite growing up was Hannibal.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
‘Treat things as an opportunity, not an expectation.’ If you’re expecting a certain outcome, then you’ll generally be disappointed. But if you look at it as an opportunity for things to go one way or another, you’ll usually be happier with the outcome and not stress over it if it’s negative.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?
Power of persuasion. It sounds like the ultimate villain power, but I could get anything I needed without doing all this hard work!
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a long day?
Music – any genre, I'm not fussy, just loud. I don’t tend to think too much when I’m listening to music, and it makes me much more productive and focused.
What’s your favourite childhood memory?
Going to my great-grandparents and playing restaurants. Taking their order and ‘cooking’ it, and they would leave a tip of a mini milky bar. They used to own a Greek restaurant, so I had the waitress notebook and the service bell as props.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
I moved from a small village at 19 to London on my own with no help, and now have a nice flat in central that I can call home.
And finally… If you were a kitchen appliance, which one would you be and why?
That little sharp knife that you use for everything. When you can’t find it, cooking just isn’t the same.
