In this Spotlight Interview, we speak to Shumon Choudhury, a Residential Property Manager at Lendlease, based in London.
Shumon has over 15 years of experience managing PRS & FM portfolios on behalf of investment landlords, landed estates, charities, non-profit organisations & private trusts. Holding an MSc in Property Management from the University of Salford as well as fellowships with several professional associations, he is a committed supporter of raising professional standards in the property industry.
Shumon also believes passionately in leaders using their position to promote an inclusive environment at work and promotes FM as an exciting industry where whatever your interest or ambition, there will be something for you.
"My advice going forward for anyone looking to get into FM is to be open to healthy debates and to be comfortable explaining your thought processes. Also, do all your professional qualifications. The sooner you can get your head around those things, you'll be in a better position."
"If everybody in my team thought as I did, I think the ideas would be very similar, and we wouldn’t be pushing the boundaries of innovation", says Shumon.
"I think we all have to acknowledge our biases. Once we do that, we can address them. Attending inclusivity workshops are a great way of broadening our minds.
"Celebrating and embracing our differences is a key element. If we can discuss these things freely amongst the team, that takes the taboo away. I don’t think we do that enough in the workplace."
The Changing Landscape on Sustainability
Shumon explains how sustainability is now a significant obligation and an expectation across many organisations, and how FMs are being challenged to do more:
"In the past, FM professionals were responsible for managing the non-core business activities that support the core business strategies.
"Now, FM professionals are at the forefront of integrating sustainable practices into their operational and management activities and have an opportunity to drive sustainability policies within the business environment by addressing core business strategies."
He also feels that facilities managers are well-primed for bringing sustainability initiatives into the boardroom, due to their involvement in the core business function.
FM as an Exciting Career Choice
"Our industry is not limited; whatever your interest & ambition, there is likely to be a niche for you. For example, if you are a sports fan, they may be an opportunity for you to manage the FM facilities at your childhood club," says Shumon
"My advice going forward for anyone looking to get into FM is to be open to healthy debates and to be comfortable explaining your thought processes. Also, do all your professional qualifications. The sooner you can get your head around those things, you'll be in a better position."
Enjoy Making Mistakes
Shumon concluded by emphasising that we should enjoy those early career moments when we are learning and making mistakes:
"Finally, enjoy it. Our careers run by so fast, we forget the first couple of years when we are learning and that's when we have the freedom to make mistakes. Sadly, as we get older, the margin for errors becomes so slim, so enjoy the period of making mistakes."
Picture: a photograph of Shumon
Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 16 December 2021
Kiran Kachela, Founder of Continuous Improvement Projects, spoke to ThisWeekinFM about what led to her starting her own consultancy business and her recent award...
Joanna Harris is a Senior Programme Manager and Hard FM Ambassador at Sodexo and is well known for her voluntary work and advocacy for business-focused maintenance....
MRI Software is a global name in real estate technology. We spoke to James Massey, Managing Director of Facilities Management for MRI Software, about his career so far,...
Spotlight Interview – Lee Chambers | Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing
In this Spotlight Interview, we speak to psychologist, entrepreneur and workplace wellbeing specialist Lee Chambers.
Lee Chambers is the Founder of Essentialise...
Spotlight Interview – David Stevens | CIBSE Facilities Management Group
David Stevens is the Vice Chair of the CIBSE Facilities Management Group, and Director of Estates, Facilities & Capital Development at East London NHS Foundation...
Circular1 Health is a revolutionary testing service company, born out of the COVID-19 crisis, which has responded to critical businesses that need to remain...
Pioneer FM provides total FM services for offices, schools, commercial and retail facilities, government agencies, and other large sites.
CEO and Founder Mary-Jane...
With the world slowly moving through large social, economic, environmental and technological megatrends, how is the FM industry adapting? We explore this with Roshan...
Daniel Hawkins has spent his career leading, delivering and developing commercial workplace operations and solutions. He is currently the EMEA Account Director for...
The only award recognising the front of house receptionists in the Corporate sector. Click Image To Read More
Energy Transition Update
Multiple economies and large businesses are working together to construct and operate large-scale projects that produce green fuels. Click Image To Read More
Hydrogen - a Sustainable Choice?
As global economies continue to identify and incorporate clean and sustainable energies into respective national options, hydrogen has emerged as a potential source of energy capable of decarbonising and delivering power to domestic and commercial applications. Click Image To Read More
Rinnai's Cost Effective And Lower Carbon Hot Water Heating Solution For Surrey Care Home
A large 72 room care home in Surrey with a 123-person occupancy needed to reduce its operational carbon emissions by 20% but maintain a generous hot water supply during peak periods. Click Image To Read More
All Lifts Can Become SMART!
One of the most important assets in buildings & SMART building are lifts but there has never really been a fully universal IOT solution to monitor passenger lifts...until now. Click Image To Read More
Rinnai - Instantaneous Electric Water Heaters In 21, 24 & 27kW Coming Soon
Rinnai continues to expand products for heating and water heating in all fuels - gas, electric and renewables. Click Image To Read More
Energy Transition Update
A collection of news items from our Guest Editor that provides an insight into the direction and commitment of a collaborative global energy transition. Click Image To Read More
Rinnai Hybrid Heat Pump System Improves Efficiency At Large Hotel & Golf Course Resort
Rinnai UK’s team have provided a well-recognized hotel, spa and golf resort in the north of England with plans to install one of two new systems that are proven to reduce cost, carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. Click Image To Read More
Industry Insight: Meeting the Demand for Commercial EV Charging Solutions
This month we met with Mark Walton to discuss how EV charging is impacting companies, and the steps they need to take to optimise their EV charging strategy. Click Image To Read More
FM Qualifications at the College of Central London
Qualifications are essential to gaining recognition and respect. Our mission is to provide skills and knowledge to help you achieve success in IWFM level 5 and 6. Click Image To Read More