_Forward together with Caroline Bathgate

This year, Caroline Bathgate celebrates a milestone of 21 years at Knight Frank. Now the Global Head of Valuation & Advisory at the firm, Caroline recognises the colleagues who helped her to make the right decisions at the right time that led her to this leadership role.

A career in real estate wasn’t always on the cards for Caroline. It was a conversation with a friend who suggested she’d like the variety that a role in surveying can offer that led her to pursue the idea. Despite not having a surveying degree, she secured a role at Wetherall, Green & Smith who paid for her to study for a post graduate real estate qualification part time whilst working.

In 2004, Caroline moved to Knight Frank. She reflects that, “Wetherall, Green & Smith trained me, but I grew up at Knight Frank.” She started in the Valuation & Advisory team, focused mainly on regular fund valuations for UK clients, and remained in that team for ten years.

Challenges, conversations and connections

On returning to work after her maternity leave, Caroline craved a new challenge. A conversation with the then Head of Valuation & Advisory, Rupert Johnson proved to be pivotal. He suggested that Caroline explore an opportunity that had arisen in Europe and see how it felt. It clearly felt right because within six months she was working full time in that area, and in 2018 took on the role of Head of the European Valuation & Advisory business.

Caroline explains, “That conversation with Rupert was really important. I was at a point in my career where I couldn’t see where my next move was going to be… actually being able to explain how I felt, and be given some feedback around what options might be available… or where I could find that extra stretch and challenge was really important.”

When Rupert retired in 2021, Caroline took on his role of Global Head of Valuation & Advisory. That brought new challenges with it. The new role was more about management and strategy rather than the day-to-day advisory business that she was used to.

Again, Caroline found a valued colleague to act as a sounding board. Tim Robinson, Partner and Head of Consultancy, helped her to transition away from a role where she felt very comfortable, to a place where she needed to challenge herself to learn a new skill set and develop into a global leader.

“Having somebody that knows you, knows the business, but has the benefit of looking in from the outside, is so, so important,” explains Caroline.

These, often ad hoc, conversations have made a positive impact on Caroline’s career trajectory. She reflects, “I never started out thinking that I’d be Global Head of Valuation & Advisory. There were lots of times along the way where I was looking for the next signpost. I’ve been lucky in that every time I’ve reached one of these inflection points I’ve had the advice of someone that I know and trust in the business. It’s help me reflect and make the right decision at the right time.”

Supporting the next generation

Part of Caroline’s leadership role at Knight Frank involves mentoring people. It benefits her as well as the mentee. “Mentoring offers that opportunity to share ideas and differing views of our business. I think that has to be a positive for how we move forward,” she says.

Caroline recognises that her voice is listened to as a leader within the business. “Being intentional and thinking about the message you’re delivering is really important,” she explains.

That doesn’t mean avoiding seemingly tricky topics. “Healthy debate is what we need as a business, and it’s important not to shy away from having difficult conversations.” And Caroline is keen to keep speaking up for those who deserve praise and recognition for their successes.

Find out more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Knight Frank.