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 second lesson in the School of Hard Knocks curriculum is Lynda Shillaw, the chief executive of Harworth Group who very nearly let her 18-year old self’s dream pass her by.

With decades of experience in a range of different businesses from BT, to Scottish Widows, Manchester Property Group and Town Centre Securities, Lynda shares her story of the ups and downs of deal making, regeneration and very nearly deciding to take it a little bit easier.

The conversation is packed with insights and intelligence and tips of how to make it through the tough times and rides the waves well, with people, planning and persistence all featuring heavily.

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.