Michelle Barker has recently been made a Partner at Workman. She started as an administrator in the Manchester office back in 2012, and has built her career there ever since. We caught up with her to talk about her career so far, what leadership means to her, and what's next.
Meet Michelle Barker, Partner
How did your career start, and what drew you into property?
My career started back in 2012. I’d been an administrator, then moved to Manchester looking for an opportunity. I heard about Workman – that it was a company where people join and don’t really leave, and those who leave often come back. That appealed to me. I started as an administrator, and my interest in property just grew from there – asking questions, taking opportunities as they came along.
What did reaching partner mean to you personally?
It felt like a huge achievement. I never anticipated my career would go this way when I started as an administrator. I didn’t do the APC and thought that might hold me back, but hard work and determination got me there. Having climbed every rung of the ladder, it felt like the icing on the cake. I’m still in disbelief in many ways.
What does leadership look like in your role now?
I’m not a fan of hierarchy, so I lead by example. My team all started as administrators, just like me, and we work really collaboratively – always available to listen to and help each other. My management style isn’t top down; I’m part of the team, and we’re all trying to achieve the same goals.
How would you describe what you do to someone outside the property industry?
We’re the middleman between landlord and tenant, and we help landlords make a lot of money out of their properties.
What's a project or moment you're most proud of at work?
Bringing my customer service skills into the role early in my career. That led me into office management, where occupiers want a hotel-style service – my customer service background really lends itself to that. I’m proud I’ve carved out a place for myself as the office go-to person in Manchester.
What's the best thing about the team you work with?
I feel like I come to work and work with my friends. We have a relaxed environment – we work hard and play hard too. We did a commercial team walk in the sunshine last Friday. It’s not a day with colleagues, it’s a day with your mates.
What's something about working here that surprised you?
In the 14 years I’ve been at Workman, it’s always felt like a friendly, supportive environment – and that hasn’t changed, it’s only gotten better with the shift in culture. You’re not a small fish in a big pond here – you’ve got a voice.
What made you stay and build your career here?
The opportunities that came along whenever I showed interest in a particular discipline – they were nurtured. I haven’t been put in a box; I’ve been able to follow the pathway I want to take. I don’t think you’d get those same opportunities in larger, more corporate businesses.
What do you think makes Workman different from other firms?
The scale. Workman still feels like a smaller, family business – I appreciate having a voice, and it not being too big or too rigid.
What would you tell someone earlier in their career who has their sights set on being a partner?
Anything’s possible. It takes hard work and determination, and you have to ride out setbacks and learn from them. Make sure people know what you want, and look for those opportunities to stand out from the crowd.
What does the next chapter look like for you at Workman?
My promotion is really recent, so my day-to-day is pretty similar for now. I’m taking my time to think about how I can apply myself and what matters to me in shaping the business going forward – while still delivering for my existing clients.
What do you do outside of work?
I love cycling – not brilliant at it, but I enjoy it. I do a lot of walking in the countryside, and I love planning holidays. I’ve got two cats.
What would you be doing if you hadn't ended up in property?
Probably a personal assistant. I love being organized, feeling needed, working hard, and having an unpredictable day – I get all of that in my current role, but PA work would suit my skill set well.
What's your funniest Workman moment?
Too many to recall – we’re laughing all day at work, you have to be. It’d be really hard to narrow it down.
What three dinner party guests would you have, and why?
David Attenborough – his career is incredible. Tadej Pogačar – I’m a huge Tour de France fan, and he’s the best cyclist of all time. And a comedian to lighten the mood – maybe Russell Kane, he’s high energy.
What podcast would you recommend?
but I listen to a lot of podcasts – mostly murder podcasts. I love the psychology of “are you born a murderer or are you made one?” That’s what I’m listening to on my commute.
