News & Events

Our team have continued to blow us away with their ability to adapt and thrive through these challenging times. Our staff are at the heart of MetroPM, and we wanted to take the opportunity to shine the spotlight on them to showcase what absolute superstars they truly are.
First up is our wonderful Operations Manager Lauren Macpherson. She tells us about her favourite and most challenging parts of her role, how she’s discovered her inner Gordon Ramsay and how a barrister style coffee machine is key to surviving lockdown. Read on…

Thanks for taking the time from your busy day Lauren!

Easy question to kick start, when did you join team MetroPM?
I joined the team just over two years ago. I have been in the Real Estate industry since I was 19 years old. I was working in Sydney at the time, but looking to cement my roots in wonderful Melbourne. When I saw the job advertisement for the Operations Manager role at MetroPM, I jumped at the opportunity to join Leah and the team.

Tell us a little bit about your role at MetroPM…
As the Operations Manager, my role is primarily to oversee and manage both the operation process and our team, as well as attracting new talent to bring into the MetroPM family. I work closely with our Director, Leah Calnan to implement new strategies into the business. There is nothing more rewarding than making a genuine contribution.

What do you love most about being MetroPM’s Operations Manager?
I LOVE the craziness that comes hand in hand with Property Management and the Real Estate industry. I’m incredibly lucky to work alongside an amazing team who continue to support each other. It makes coming to work so much more fun and enjoyable.

And the most challenging part of the role?
I am always looking to streamline efficiency in the business by implementing new policies and procedures whilst rolling out IT upgrades and finding new ways to motivate the staff. The job is tough but very rewarding at the same time. I just wish there were more hours in the day!

How has your role changed during the pandemic?
Our industry has been hit hard by Covid-19, and we’ve had to change and adapt overnight. A lot of new systems and procedures have been implemented and we’ve created new strategies to lease properties all whilst trying to get our own heads around the severity of the situation we’re living in. Our daily routines changed instantly when the pandemic hit. We’re pretty limited by what we can and can’t do, and in some circumstances, we’re flying by the seat of our pants!

In the last blog, we asked the MetroPM team what they’re doing to keep busy during lockdown and you told us you’ve discovered your inner Gordon Ramsay. What recipe have you perfected that Gordon would be proud to put on his menu?
Without a doubt, it’s my succulent scotch fillet steak with pomme frites and red wine jus. Gordon is most welcome to the recipe, he just better not ask me to cook it for him. I don’t think my steak would be quite as succulent with him breathing down my neck.

What’s one appliance that every household needs during lockdown that perhaps we didn’t really bother with before the pandemic?
A barrister style coffee machine fo’sure! You wake up in the morning, get ready for work, head to your local café for that all-important and much-needed caffeine hit and then your day really begins. The only thing hitting me in the morning is the anger at having to BOIL a kettle as if I’ve stepped back in time to 1960 and become a housewife. Local barrister, how I miss you dearly.

If you had to give an award to another MetroPM team member who has been your lockdown hero during these hectic times, who would you nominate?
Oh wow! I couldn’t possibly name just one person. Our entire team have really stepped up and made this experience as enjoyable and memorable as it can be. We couldn’t have got to where we are now without the amazing efforts of all our staff. They are warriors!

And lastly, what are you most looking forward to when restrictions ease?
Besides reuniting with my local barrister? I would have to say that I am most looking forward to normality and being free to come and go as I please without having to wear a face mask. Oh, and the restaurants! How I have missed table service.