Aspire One Newsletter - Issue 84 March 2023

tThis issue of One magazine features the photos and thoughts of some of our Aspire members to mark International Women’s Day, which took place on 8 March. This year’s theme has been #EmbraceEquity

With one of Aspire’s core values being inclusive, we are a community dedicated to making everyone feel equally welcome and valued. We aim to give everyone equal opportunities and resources to enable them to thrive in their workplace and beyond.

One way in which we do this is through the Aspire Learning Library, where we provide resources to help develop the talent within the Aspire family. This issue of One magazine introduces the new, self-guided induction presentation that you can

find in the Aspire Learning Library

This e-training – narrated by our very own One magazine editor, Kelly Barlow – will be completed by everyone joining Landsec | Aspire

We had a fantastic evening recently at the annual Aspire Quiz. It was a great opportunity to meet new colleagues and build the Aspire spirit. As the event took place just as this issue was going to press, we will share the results and photos next month.

Also in this month’s edition, we spend 5 minutes with Robbie Kitson, Associate Director at Jaguar Building Services, to find out what makes him tick.

I hope you all enjoy the Easter break, with some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

David Wickens Head of Workplace Operations & Chair of Landsec | Aspire

Featuring Kelly Barlow Assistant Workplace Manager and One Magazine Editor

ASPIRE ACADEMY PRESENTS

Aspire Induction 2023

As part of the new Landsec | Aspire Learning Library, the AspireAcademy has launched a self-guided induction presentation for everyone joining the community.

Production of the e-training has been driven by Alison Currell, Senior Aspire Service Delivery Manager. “We wanted to provide an interactive introduction to Aspire,” says Alison, “that would be more engaging than simply reading a booklet. The fact that the training is completely selfguided means that it is really easy for managers to arrange its delivery and that it can be completed at the desired pace of the person being trained.”

The presentation begins by introducing Aspire members to Landsec and its ‘Build well, Live well, Act well’ sustainability strategy. Then the training explains what Aspire is and introduces both the Aspire and workplace teams. It talks about Aspire’s integrated service streams and the Service Partners that deliver them, as well as the core values of Aspire.

“The presentation also shows Aspire’s organisational structure,” says Kelly Barlow, Assistant Workplace Manager, who narrates the new induction, “as well as introducing people to the AspireAssist 24/7 HelpDesk. The e-training also talks about the calendar of Aspire events and challenges, and tells people how to get involved both in person and online.”

With the Aspire Learning Library

Dashboard due for launch this spring, members can also look forward to our Aspire Cyber Security session and many more to come in the future.

To mark International Women’s Day, we’re featuring some of the inspirational women working across the Landsec | Aspire community, along with their views on IWD and this year’s theme of #EmbraceEquity.

Office Space by Landsec

iInternational Women’s Day (IWD) is held on 8 March every year. This global event celebrates the achievements of women, promotes gender equality and raises funds for female-focused charities. The theme of this year’s IWD is #EmbraceEquity and has been communicated worldwide through images of women crossing their arms in an embrace.

Equality or equity?

The aim of the #EmbraceEquity campaign has been to get the world talking about why equal opportunities are not enough. Instead, we need to recognise that people start from different places, so they need equity rather than equality. These two words – equality and equity – are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly

different meanings. Equality means each individual or group is given exactly the same resources or opportunities. Equity, on the other hand, recognises that people have different circumstances, and so resources and opportunities should be allocated so that they can reach equal outcomes. The aim of equity is to break down the barriers that get in the way of someone’s ability to thrive. In other words, equity means giving everyone what they need to be successful, rather than giving everyone the same. A simple explanation of this was famously given by Susan K Gardner, Dean of the College of Education at Oregon State University, when she said: “Equality is giving everyone a shoe. Equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits.”

Aspire embraces IWD

IWD 2023 was celebrated at buildings across the London Portfolio. “Women make an incredible contribution to the success of Landsec | Aspire,” comments Alison Currell, Senior Aspire Service Delivery Manager, “so it’s really important that we mark International Women’s Day. We’re delighted to share the stories of some of our inspirational female colleagues and celebrate the many ways in which they demonstrate the Aspire values of being bold, inclusive, driven and united.”

Pauline McLean, who has been Main Receptionist with Rapport at 16 Palace Street for two and a half months, is very clear about the value of IWD: “It’s a day of celebration for women all over the world,” she says. “We embrace women who are fighting for equal rights. There are countries where they are not able to go to school and where they haven’t got a voice. So, women elsewhere have a voice for them and pray for them,” she continues, “to let other parts of the world

know the things that are happening to them in order to support them.”

At 80 Victoria Street, Nana Zeta, Security Officer with Bidvest Noonan, spent the morning of 8 March wishing customers and guests “Happy International Women’s Day” as they arrived. She has worked at 80 Victoria Street for almost five years. What does it take to succeed as a woman in a maledominated industry such as security? “Determination,” she says. Nana is the only woman in the security team at 80 Victoria Street but feels very comfortable in her role. “The team make me feel like one of them,” she says. “They are all men but they make me feel like I have a voice.” Nana believes that people often make assumptions about women in the workplace. “They sometimes think women can’t do what a man can do,” she says. “I feel it depends on the person. It’s about confidence and how you feel about yourself.” Asked if there is anything colleagues can do to help achieve equity in the workplace, she says: “It all comes

Rui Costa, Receptionist with Rapport at The Zig Zag Building.

Office

“Equality is giving everyone a shoe. Equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits.”

#EmbraceEquity

Susan K Gardner Dean of the College of Education at Oregon State University

Christina De Souza is Receptionist with Rapport at 80 Victoria Street.

Office Space by Landsec

down to not judging the person. It’s about being a team, learning from each other and showing respect.”

Rui Costa, Receptionist with Rapport at The Zig Zag Building, describes himself as a “massive supporter” of International Women’s Day. “I couldn’t be more supportive – women deserve recognition,” he says. Rui lived for a while in Japan. “The culture there is different,” he explains. “I found men would regularly ignore female colleagues and speak to me instead.”

At 62 Buckingham Gate, Claudia Nunes, Supervisor with Rapport, explains what she knows about IWD: “It’s a day to highlight what we’ve achieved so far,” she says. “We’ve been fighting so long for equal rights and equal pay. It’s about what we’ve done and what’s still to do. Women are strong and take on a lot,” she continues. “Some

of us are mums – at home, we’re the cook, nurse and counsellor – and still work. We learn to juggle different roles. We’re multi-taskers. Our minds are always working.” Claudia thinks some people make false assumptions about women in the workplace: “There are still companies that think a woman is not as reliable as a man, but actually we take our responsibilities seriously. We’ve been doing it for many years, and doing it very well!” She has no such worries in her current role, though. “Here, we are treated the same,” she says. “There are no barriers with Rapport or Landsec. They always try to work with everyone.”

According to Vera Kostova, Receptionist at 123 Victoria Street, “International Women’s Day is a day to recognise women and applaud what they are and what they achieve.” She says some people assume that women will be

Nova Victoria.

Elena Hangiuk of NJC has worked at 16 Palace Street for over a year.

Office Space by Landsec

Mercy Aderele, Dedicated Cover with Rapport, is currently based at 123 Victoria Street.

Receptionist Florencia Rola works at 80 Victoria Street.

Vera Kostova, Receptionist, has been working at 123 Victoria Street for 6 months.

Office Space by Landsec

“There are countries where women are not able to go to school and where they haven’t got a voice. So, women elsewhere have a voice for them and pray for them.”

Pauline McLean 16

Palace

Street

Inga Celcikaite has worked with Aspire for 12 years.

working as receptionists. “But it’s not just for women,” she says. “I don’t think any job has a gender.”

Her colleague on reception is Mercy Aderele, who is working as Dedicated Cover for a couple of months at 123 Victoria Street. “International Women’s Day is about acknowledging all women all over the world and appreciating them,” she says. “There are people who think women are not as capable as men,” says Mercy. “They don’t know that we are multi-talented and can do anything we set our mind to!” She thinks things have changed a lot in the world of business, however: “There’s better equality now,” she says. “In most companies, it’s a priority to make everyone feel equal. There is still progress to make but it’s good that we’re working towards it. We’re aware now and the future will be better for all of our kids.”

IWD at Landsec

The Landsec Women network hosted a special event in the evening on IWD itself at 100 Victoria Street. With the title ‘Allyship: Creating an Inclusive Workplace’, the event was attended by around 70 people – customers, guests from the property industry and Landsec staff, including Mark Allen, CEO.

Landsec Women exists to celebrate and promote gender diversity, to raise awareness of gender-related issues and to represent employees, customers and communities.

After wine and canapés – provided by the women-owned businesses, Lady of the Grapes and Suzanne James –there was a discussion on recognising the differences between equality and equity, the importance of allyship in the workplace and how to build supportive relationships to drive inclusion and create more effective teams.

The debate was hosted by entrepreneur and Sunday Times Bestselling Author, Bianca Miller-Cole. The distinguished panel comprised Ellie Reeves, MP for Lewisham West & Penge; Ellen Peters, Head of UK&I Property for LUSH; Yasmin Farah, Community Ideas Project Manager at Camden Giving and Co-Founder of Blckseed Labs; and Pablo Sueiras, Head of Retail Asset Management at Landsec.

“The evening was a great success,” says Louise Ody, Workplace Manager and Co-chair of Landsec Women. “We’ve had some lovely feedback, saying the event was enlightening and the panel were very interesting.”

Francesca Allen has been working on the reception desk at 100 Victoria Street since January.

We are inclusive

driven united

Wellness

with Jessica Pilakis

In this regular feature, we are sharing wellness tips from Jess Pilakis, Deputy Guest Services Manager for Rapport. A qualified beauty therapist with over a decade’s experience in spa and resort management, Jess loves everything to do with fitness, health and wellbeing.

Jess says...

Dealing with self-talk

We all have an ‘inner critic’ –that nagging voice inside that raises doubts about our behaviour, appearance and motives.

The language we use to describe our experience, becomes our experience. Self-talk – the doubts, negative thoughts and criticism we come across within ourselves – can hold us back in so many ways. It is important to recognise when these thoughts arise and to challenge them.

Are they coming from a place of fear? Why am I feeling like this? What might this be masking? How true are these thoughts?

We all have insecurities and can be critical of ourselves at times. However, don’t let this absorb you. Practise blocking these thoughts. One method is to give yourself a time limit – acknowledge the thought for 30 seconds, and then let it go out of your mind completely. Picture sunshine or something else that brings you joy.

The more time you give to your inner critic, the more control it will have over you. Try to acknowledge it without entertaining it.

Mind your mind!

There is so much to think about in our busy lives that our minds can become tired.

Recognise that your mind needs rest and relaxation. Think of it as being like your mobile phone, which needs regular charging to be useful. Make time for your mind to take a break, whether that’s through meditation, listening to music or breathing techniques with the help of an app.

YOU

WOULDN’T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOUR PHONE

SO WHY LET IT HAPPEN TO YOUR MIND?

Wellness

Ask JESS

If you have any questions or wellbeing topics that you would like us to cover, email aspire@landsec.com in confidence. Your privacy will be respected.

Just be kind

You can look out for the wellbeing of those around you as well as yourself –it will make you feel good too!

Many of us grew up with parents who said, “If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all.” It’s good advice. Often we have no idea what’s going on in our colleagues’ personal lives, so it pays to be kind and to be ready to be a listening ear if required.

Someone’s problem

What you know about it

Robbie Kitson at Nova Victoria.

5 minutes with…

Robbie Kitson

Associate Director, Jaguar Building Services.

What do you like to do outside of work?

My main hobby is golf. I would play every day of the week if I could. I’ve played for about 20 years but only joined my local golf club a couple of years ago. I play a four ball with three friends every Saturday. I also play with family and even on my own, as I find it relaxing.

What’s on your bucket list?

As a family, we’re keen skiers. I’d like to ski at Aspen, Colorado. I would also like to visit Japan, as I’m interested in what I’ve seen of the country and its culture.

Are you a fan of anything or anyone?

I’m a supporter of Southend United F.C. I was born in Wickford and now live in Billericay, so it’s my local club. I was a season ticket holder when I was younger and used to go to matches with my uncle. I still support them but golf is my passion now.

What would you say is your greatest achievement?

That I’m a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. I’d been a heavy smoker but gave up that day. After six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, I was in remission. Then in 2019, I got the all-clear.

Have you been inspired by anything you’ve seen, read or experienced lately?

I read Tiger Woods’ biography recently and it reminded me how awe-inspiring it was when he won the Masters in 2019 against the odds – in his forties and after personal problems and injuries.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were younger?

That it’s OK to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them. If you’re not making mistakes, you’re probably not taking enough risks!

Do you have any pets?

We have a springer-retriever cross. She’s called Messi – after Lionel Messi – and she’s absolutely bonkers. She’s 12 years old but bounces about like she’s a puppy. We’ve also got a goldfish called Dave that we won at a fair; he’s 16 years old!

Do you have any mantras in business or in life?

I try to put myself in the other person’s shoes and see things from their perspective. And I always sleep on big decisions, if there’s time.

What would you say is your best skill in business?

Communication – listening, getting to know people and building relationships. I also find it helps if you can keep things light-hearted.

What’s your all-time favourite movie?

The original Blade Runner

It was so cool and there was nothing else like it.

What was your first ever job?

From the age of 13, I worked one Saturday a month for a builder (called Bob!) who lived up the road. I didn’t do so well at school and by the time I was 14, I was working two days a week with him. I learned a bit about building and it got me interested in plumbing. I went on to study air conditioning and refrigeration. I joined Jaguar in 2001 as an AC Engineer. Back then we only had eight accounts and now we have over a hundred. I was employee number 36 and today we’re a team of over 500.

What’s your favourite part of your working day or week?

Problem solving. When I was an engineer, it was solving technical problems. Now they tend to be people-related but occasionally I get involved in technical issues. I love getting things going again.

And your least favourite?

Monday mornings – especially in the winter when it’s cold and dark. I’m OK once I’m up and out, though.

WE’RE LOVING THE

Great customer feedback

Landsec | Aspire is a cohesive team of Service Partners with the same goals, ideals and values. We work TogetherAsOne to provide customers with the best possible service within our properties. So when customers give us their positive comments, we love to share them.

Lewis saves the day

Well done to Lewis O’Brien at 80 Victoria Street for impressing a customer with his helpful manner recently.

When a water leak alarm went off and shut down the water supply, the cleaner was unable to do her job. As the customer had left the building, she called Lewis – who she describes as “the smiliest, friendliest and most helpful person” – to ask for his help. Not only did he go and turn off the alarm, he also asked one of the maintenance team to investigate the issue. “He saved me a huge amount of trouble,” commented the customer, “and made it possible for the cleaner to do her job. I’m really grateful for his help and didn’t want it to go unnoticed.”

Well done, Lewis!

Tania steps up

Congratulations to Tania Dias, Members Concierge at Myo 123 Victoria Street, for her swift and calm response to a suspected heart attack recently.

An executive for a Myo member e-mailed in praise of Tania’s actions. “I have witnessed how Tania dealt with a stressful situation,” she wrote, “helping a customer with a suspected heart attack. She reacted promptly, called the ambulance and was a helping hand until the ambulance arrived! I can say we are in a safe hands, knowing that the reception team is properly trained and quick to respond to any emergencies. Well done, Tania.”

Excellent work, Tania!

Tania Dias (right) enjoying Christmas Jumper Day at Myo.

Plaudits for Pauline

Well done to Pauline McLean, Receptionist with Rapport at 16 Palace Street, for receiving some excellent feedback.

Pauline only joined Aspire a few months ago but is already attracting compliments for her efforts and personality. A customer at 16 Palace Street recently emailed Pauline’s manager to shower her with praise.

“She has started off really well since she joined us in the building in December,” he wrote. “She seems very knowledgeable and competent, which is a great help to us, as we can get very busy with meetings on the second floor. She is also very personable and friendly and an asset to your company!”

Fantastic work, Pauline!

Pauline McLean is the Main Receptionist at 16 Palace Street.

Congratulations to Rita Franco, Quentin Meliz and Linda Aldersley for each winning one of Rapport’s WOW awards recently.

The quarterly WOW awards celebrate Rapport staff who go above and beyond to provide excellence in hospitality. At an evening ceremony held on 1 March, the trio of Aspire members were among the Rapport staff recognised with an award.

Rita Franco was nominated for her kindness in helping an elderly gentleman who was trying to pay a bill from a tenant at The Zig Zag Building in person. When he realised he was unable to do this, he wanted to talk with someone and Rita helped by calling the company’s head office from reception and passing him the phone. After struggling to explain his situation, the gentleman was rather stressed. When Rita offered to accompany him to the nearest bank, he was relieved and very grateful. Rita always goes the extra mile for guests and colleagues, so thoroughly deserves her WOW award.

Quentin Meliz was nominated for helping to reunite valuable items with their owners recently. When he noticed that a bag and some documents had been left on the street in front of One New Change, Quentin jumped into action. He found an ID within the bag and sent a message to the person via LinkedIn, advising the owner that he would keep the bag safe at reception for collection. He then realised that the

documents belonged to someone else and contacted them using an email address he found on them. There was also a credit card and he managed to reach out to the owner of that using LinkedIn. It turned out that there had been a theft at a nearby pub the night before. All three individuals collected their belongings from One New Change and were incredibly grateful. This is an outstanding example of going the extra mile, making Quentin very worthy of his award.

Linda Aldersley was nominated for her WOW award for offering fantastic service to a customer at New Street Square. The lady in question had arrived to sign in but was having a stressful morning, with her train delayed and having lost a button from the back of

her dress. Linda swiftly signed her in, located a safety pin to secure her dress and got her to her meeting on time. Despite being new to the team, Linda is a great ambassador for Rapport – she is welcoming, professional and always willing to go the extra mile.

Although Quentin and Linda were unfortunately unable to attend the awards event, Rita was there to receive her accolade from Rapport’s Emma Williams (Operations Director) and Dirk Talsma (Managing Director). She was supported on the night by Jessica Pilakis (Deputy Guest Services Manager), Melissa Harvey (Guest Services Manager) and Brad Cordrey (Workplace Manager).

Very well done to Rita, Quentin and Linda!

A hat trick of awards!

You heard it through the Grapevine

In this section of One magazine, we share snippets of news from across the Aspire family. It’s where we welcome new faces, bid fond farewells and celebrate promotions and other achievements. Please send your news to aspire@landsec.com

This month we welcome Isabel De Mello as Cleaner with Principle at Myo Liverpool Street, replacing Lourressa Dos Santos, who recently left.

We say ‘farewell’ to Mark Brown and Weldemariam Tesfaldet (Day Engineer/Plumber) of NG Bailey.

Nathan Bruen has joined the NG Bailey team to replace Weldemariam as Day Engineer/ Plumber, while Ryan Thurai will soon join as Shift leader. Papa McNab (Blue Shift Engineer) and Pearse Duffin (Yellow Shift Leader) have also recently joined the NG Bailey team. We also extend a warm welcome to Peter Joyce who joined NJC as Account Director for the Landsec Portfolio on 1 March. Look out for an article introducing Peter next month.

Bywaters help Caxton Youth

Many thanks to the team at Bywaters for helping our charity partner, Caxton Youth Organisation, to dispose of two unwanted fridges recently.

Andy Merritt, Senior Client Manager at Bywaters, arranged for Priority Waste – Bywaters’ subcontractor for all WEEE and hazardous waste – to collect the appliances free of charge.

Pictured with the fridges are Adrian from Priority Waste and Rose Swainston, CEO of Caxton Youth.

Cleaning workshops for Caxton Youth

Many thanks to the NJC team for delivering workshops to train the young people of Caxton Youth, our charity partner, in cleaning skills.

The workshops took place earlier this month at the charity’s club in Pimlico. Each young person received their own cleaning caddy, complete with essential cleaning equipment, and was presented with a certificate to confirm their attendance.

The workshops covered the basic skills required for cleaning washrooms and kitchen areas, explaining key health

and safety messages. The sessions were practical, giving the opportunity to test out the new skills in a supportive space and gain feedback.

“Many of the young people aspire to live independently when they’re older,” explains Anthea Besser, HR Director for NJC, “and will use essential life skills, such as cleaning skills, to fulfil this goal. We are next exploring how we can tailor the session to the 18-25 age group, who are looking to use the workshop to secure work experience and paid work opportunities.”

MyLondon calendar sales help the homeless

It has been great to host homeless vendors of the MyLondon calendar in properties across the London Portfolio recently.

The MyLondon calendar is a project set up by the social enterprise, Café Art, which aims to empower people affected by homelessness through art, photography and entrepreneurship.

In July each year, the Café Art team hands out single-use cameras to 100 people who have experienced homelessness and they have seven days to take photos of the London they love. Photos are selected for an exhibition,

with cash prizes being awarded. A calendar and greeting cards are then printed with the best images, which homeless vendors can earn money by selling. With the support of sponsors – including the Royal Photographic Society, Fujifilm and Jessops – the project is self-funding.

Three MyLondon vendors – Richard, David and Allan – have between them visited Nova North and South, 80-100 Victoria Street, Dashwood, 55 Old Broad Street, The ZigZag Building, 62 Buckingham Gate, 123 Victoria Street, 16 Palace Street, One New Change,

Eastbourne Terrace and 5 & 6 New Street Square. Across these properties, they have sold more than 400 calendars and 300 cards.

“All of the buildings have been so welcoming,” comments Paul Ryan, Managing Director of Café Art, “and it has really helped the vendors, who are all rough sleepers. The money they earn is really getting them off the streets directly and it’s a huge bonus to the selling they did before Christmas. The staff have been so welcoming and generous.”

Aspire Centre of Excellence

Your community

A CE sp

The Aspire Centre of Excellence (ACE) is designed to be a hub for collaboration between Landsec and Service Partners, with the aim of promoting excellence in customer service. The open facility offers hot-desking, a meeting room, personal booths and team-building events and, with every member welcome, aims to further streamline day-to-day interaction within the Aspire family.

We recognise & reward

Landsec | Aspire is always looking for your feedback to help us give praise where it’s due. Whether you’re a team member or a Landsec customer, let us have your Player of the Month votes and winners will be featured in One Magazine.

What are the Aspire Staff Recognition Awards?

Every month a ‘Player / Team of the Month’ is selected from nominations by you, other Aspire team members and Landsec customers. Winners receive a certificate and some well-deserved prizes. It is a credit to everyone that each month lots of nominations are received, illustrating just how good the Aspire team is and how team members are held in such high regard by the people they work with.

How do your workmates

excel in the Aspire values?

— Bold

— Inclusive

— Driven

— United

Aspire Recognition Awards 2022.

Aspire PLAYER OF THE MONTH February ‘23

Each month we salute the people recognised by you for exceptional performance or for simply being a great team member. Nominations can now be made by emailing aspire@landsec.com or directly via WhatsApp on 07834 431208

Customer service on tap

WWell done to the NG Bailey team at One New Change for winning a Team of the Month award.

Customers at One New Change lost water to their floors and common areas for several days a few weeks ago. With a clever bit of engineering, the NG Bailey team ensured that the water tank for offices had some water by taking it from the retail tank as a temporary measure.

The team were also persistent in their liaison with Thames Water, who were at fault, which allowed Landsec to send regular communications to customers,

enabling them to make informed decisions about occupying their floors.

“Special thanks to Joe King,” said Hiren Patel, Workplace Manager, “who carried out a full building inspection and flushed all the WCs after a temporary supply of water was in place in the very early hours.”

Thank you to the NG Bailey engineers.

All straight at Zig Zag

CCongratulations to the Aspire team at The Zig Zag Building for scooping our second Team of the Month award.

When a toilet was blocked in one of the empty units at The Zig Zag Building recently, Udenilson Pereira, Christian Gutierez and Diana Tupiza of NJC, together with Paul Robinson and Mark Rosemond of NG Bailey went to great lengths to remedy the issue so that contractors could use the facilities. Although the toilet was in rather a sorry state, they worked together as a team to unblock it. Kelly Barlow, Assistant Workplace Manager, commented: “I am very proud to say that I work with a great team. A huge thank you to every one of you for your time and effort in dealing with this horrible issue.”

Well done to the Zig Zag team!

united