Welcome to The School of Hard Knocks, a new six-part series brought to you by EG Property Podcasts that will off up a bounty of lessons from those who have experienced a rough time or two that will enable us to better navigate the tough times ahead.

Over the course of this series, we’ll meet people who have lived through some of the highs and lows of this wonderful business of real estate and through our conversations we will dig deep into the skills, the mindsets and the structures you need in place to successfully navigate tricky times.

Joining EG editor Samantha McClary for our fourth lesson in the School of Hard Knocks curriculum is Jane Hollinshead, chief people officer at Canary Wharf Group, who shares vital advice around the power of diversity of skills, the value of your network, and finding balance.

Hollinshead isn’t afraid of hard knocks – not only in the boxing ring where she keeps herself fit and grounded – but in life. She’s prepared to take leaps of faith and she understands that sometimes you need to be pushed over the edge – and push others too.

But if you are pushing, says Hollinshead, be nice because real estate is all about connections and relationships. And guaranteed that one day you’ll be across the table from someone you really wish you’d probably been a bit kinder to.

So, sit back, get your pen and paper ready, because it is time to enrol yourself in EG’s School of Hard Knocks. Listen hard and enjoy.