Life beyond Radford
Tim Westphal
- Head of Property Management Growth, Independent Property Group, 2013
What does life look for you now?
Life is going well since leaving, Radford. Really enjoying what I am doing now in the Real Estate world. There is a lot happening and it's go go go. Enjoying playing as much sport as I can when I get the chance!
Tell us what you are passionate about?
Family is the most important to me without a doubt. Outside of family, I'm really enjoying work and leading and working on innovation. Combining Real Estate, new concepts and how they can work with what we do is a fun challenge. Sport is also a big part of life, while I don't get to do as much as I use to, I try to make the time to get out and about.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
Sports star for, Australia. It's all I wanted at the time.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Plenty of favourite moments. Some of the great times were sitting down at the canteen with everyone, laughing and telling stories.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
It's not something I ever really thought about while at, Radford. Looking back all my teachers were fantastic and we all got along very well. In my current situation I have people in my life that are definitely inspiration to me and I wouldn't be where I am today without their guidance.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Not easy at all. For so long I wanted to do something that revolved around sport, It's all I cared about. I went to uni and did sports courses but none of them got that fire on my belly I was looking for, which was devastating at the time. I roamed around for a bit going job to job, till I found myself in Real Estate.
Since then I loved it to start with, then left to try new challenges. It was only 6 months before I was back where I began and I haven't looked back since. The experiences and new things I have been learning are amazing. It's gotten me to the position I am in currently.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Not at all. As I was saying sport is what I wanted to do and it didn't turn out that way for me at all. Trying to make it my job made me not enjoy it.
When I ended up in Real Estate as a Leasing Consultant the sales side of me came out, being able to plan my own days, be out and about in the sunshine, talking and interacting with people all the time was exactly what I wanted / needed.
What advice do you have for current students?
Talk to everyone in your year group, these are going to be some of the most amazing friendships you have for the rest of your life. Keep an open mind on your future, don't plan to plan 10 years ahead. Make sure what ever your job is, when you wake up in the morning you find your self already excited. Lastly. Be kind.