Meet Ruth Leighton

What is your role at Avison Young?

Director. How did you get into commercial real estate?

I was always interested in Economics and Land Law so embarked on an Urban Land Economics Degree at Sheffield Hallam University. My placement year was at Boots The Chemists Property department where I subsequently embarked on the graduate scheme. Who has been the biggest influence in your life and why?

My mother, as she made me the person I am today. She provided me with strong communication skills and interpersonal skills. She used to say…..’follow your dreams as nothing is impossible’. Happiness is of paramount importance. What is the best advice you've ever received?

My mother said to me ‘always do a vocational degree’ and ‘if a job's worth doing, do it properly’. What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?

The best advice is to be honest, work hard and know your self-worth. Never comprise your self-worth. Take opportunities even if you feel you are not ready.

We all have our strengths and weaknesses. One of the secrets that successful women rely on all the time is playing to their strengths while minimizing their weaknesses. Focus on the skills that make you the person that you are. Keep trying to improve on your weaker skills, but allow your strengths to let you stand out from everyone else. How has Avison Young supported you as a woman in business?

Avison Young has provided me with the opportunity to grow and progress throughout my career with the firm. This is wholly demonstrated by my commitment to the business having been an employee for over 19 years. AY has fully supported me in respect to having a young family and again enabling me to change my employment to a more flexible basis. My career path has always been embraced and encouraged by the firm. What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I love playing musical instruments. I play both the Cello and Piano to Grade 7 and used to be a member of the Royal Northern College of Music playing my Cello.

I love skiing blacks & trying on blue onesie’s…..