Meet our expert Chelsea Herbert

Chelsea Herbert is the Director of Debt Advisory at Colliers. The highly experienced property professional helped launch Colliers' Debt Advisory service in New Zealand at the start of 2020.

As Colliers celebrates International Women’s Day this week, find out what motivates her to perform at her best

What is your background, and how did you get to where you are today?

I left school after year 11 to pursue my dream of becoming a golf pro. At 19 I realised the odds were not in my favour, so I went to university and graduated with a Bachelor of Management Studies, majoring in finance and economics. I worked at ANZ and BNZ after I finished university but didn’t realise my passion for property finance until I was 30. 

What drives and motivates you?

I am motivated by a desire to be the best in the market and to produce the best results for my clients. When I get repeat clients, or have previous clients recommend me to others, I know that I am achieving what I set out to do.

What’s the best career decision you’ve ever made?

Joining Colliers to start up their Debt Advisory division was the best decision I have made and at the right time, with 17 years’ experience behind me. In this role I can 100 per cent focus on my clients and their needs. 

What has been the best piece of advice you have received to elevate your career?

It took me 18 months to make the decision to join Colliers and I made the decision after Peter Herdson, the National Director of Capital Markets at Colliers, said to me: 'What are you afraid of?'.  As females, I feel we doubt ourselves more than we back ourselves – imposter syndrome. 

 

What do you think some of the biggest challenges are that women still face in the workplace and what could be implemented to overcome them? 

I think imposter syndrome is the biggest challenge that women face. It disproportionately affects high-achieving people who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments. As women we need to have more self-belief, own our successes, and believe that we are capable and deserving in our career path.