Property-Porn Stars
Welcome to Property-Porn Stars, the premium property podcast for property professionals who are either working in, or aspiring to work in, the premium home market, brought to you by your hosts David Lindley and Matt Giggs.
The 'Property-Porn Stars' are the guests joining us in the studio, each of them excellent in their own field when it comes to the premium property markets, while the hosts interview them about their approach, what they've learned, and what they would advise for others working in the premium market to add significant value to their businesses.
If the premium property market is a subject you want to learn more about, or even if it is to take some of the insights you will learn here into another market, you are sure to gain lots of value from listening.
On behalf of the show's hosts, David and Matt, we are incredibly grateful for everyone who gives up their time to listen, and we are always eager for feedback on subjects, guests and questions.
Don't forget to the the subscribe button, and thank you for listening!
Property-Porn Stars
Resilience, Reinvention and Riviera Real-Estate... #41 Alice Watson-Smith.
In this episode of Property-Porn Stars, I am joined by a hugely successful premium agent, with arguably the most incredible story in the industry.
Alice Watson-Smith, Managing Director of Fine & Country French Riviera & Provence shares her story, and her insight, grit and determination needed to succeed in a hugely competitive market.
Alice’s story is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Zimbabwe, her family lost everything overnight when their farm was seized during Mugabe’s land reforms. Forced to flee to South Africa with only suitcases in the car, they eventually rebuilt their lives in Europe, starting again in Cannes.
Today, Alice leads one of the most respected premium real estate agencies on the French Riviera. She shares:
- The dramatic story of leaving Zimbabwe and starting over from nothing
- How her family turned chance property purchases during the Cannes Film Festival into a thriving business
- The six tough years of door-knocking and prospecting it took to establish their office, eventually building the business up to 18 self employed agents working alongside her
- Why she championed *exclusive mandates* in a chaotic French system, changing how sellers and agents work
- Insights into today’s Riviera market; from €400k apartments to €5m+ villas, and a client base 60% international, 40% French
- The importance of resilience, reputation, and daring greatly in both business and life
And lastly, a profound message that has stuck in my mind for 5 years since I heard Alice share it on stage…maybe it will stick with you too.
If you’re interested in luxury property, resilience in business, or what it really takes to build success from the ground up, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.