In profile: Jones Lang LaSalle's Sydney office leasing specialist Tim O'Connor
Among the projects Tim O'Connor has been involved in securing tenants are 1 Bligh Street in Sydney and formerly the world's tallest building, Tapei 101.
Agent: Tim O'Connor
Position: Head of office leasing, NSW
Company: Jones Lang LaSalle
Office location: Sydney
How long have you been in the industry?
20 years – I first began working part-time in the industry in 1993 before my first full-time position in 1995.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
While we are seeing a steady improvement in sentiment on the back of local and global economic data, Sydney’s office market continues to operate at differing speeds.
On the one hand we are seeing an increase in current and future vacancy in premium grade buildings and a rise in the availability of sub-lease stock, particularly in the prime end of the market, and on the other we are seeing continued evidence of improving demand.
Describe the most interesting property you have leased:Having had the opportunity to work in Asia for 10 years, I have been lucky enough to work on some great projects.
The sheer size and scale of projects such as Two IFC and International Commerce Centre in Hong Kong and Taipei 101 in Taiwan made them very interesting assignments to be involved in.
Leasing projects in Korea – and particularly China – were also fascinating, given the pace at which the market is maturing.
Since being back in Sydney, it has been fantastic to be involved in a unique building like 1 Bligh Street.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?Listening to people is probably an underrated aspect, but you also have to know the questions to ask.
Each situation is different, and so it’s critical to listen and understand a particular organisations’ needs before you start to recommend strategies and solutions.
The final ingredient is knowing where to find information. Being part of a global organisation like Jones Lang LaSalle provides me with the opportunity to draw on a wealth of knowledge from colleagues locally, regionally and globally. Being able to harness this information provides us with the ability to support our clients in a unique way.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy working as part of a team with a group of people who each bring something different to the table – whether it be where they are from, where they have worked or length of time in the industry.
On any given day I’ll both give advice and get advice and am reminded that even after many years in the industry, there is always something else to learn.
I also get the opportunity to work alongside some great clients and its very satisfying to work hard with them to develop a strategy and see it pay off.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
A share in a foal from Black Caviar.
Which football team do you support?
The Canberra Raiders, Norths Rugby and the Waratahs – has been a lean few years but expecting big things in 2013.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?Split between my iPad and Mac Mini.
Follow Tim on LinkedIn.
