WOOD Real Estate | We want to offer offices that will serve our clients not only today but also in the years to come

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We want to offer offices that will serve our clients not only today but also in the years to come

We want to offer offices that will serve our clients not only today but also in the years to come

Katarína Cihová, Leasing and Business Development Director at WOOD Real Estate, has been part of the commercial real estate market in Bratislava since its beginnings and has been active in the field for over 25 years. In this interview, she shares her insights and reflections on the future of the sector.

How would you briefly describe your role as Leasing and Business Development Director?

The core of my job is communication – whether with tenants, market consultants, or my team. I am responsible for the leasing team and oversee process efficiency. I ensure that everything runs smoothly and that we can respond flexibly to market demands. I set strategies, and it’s important to me that they are not only current but also timeless.

How do you combine strategic planning with daily operations?

My job is dynamic, and every day is different. Although I plan my calendar weeks ahead, unexpected situations always arise, requiring flexibility. On the one hand, I have numerous meetings with tenants and partners, and on the other hand, I spend time working on internal strategies.

We frequently analyze our team processes to improve efficiency. I greatly value my colleagues, with whom I work closely, and I strive to ensure that everyone in the team has a clear understanding of their tasks.

The fact that we have well-established systems was proven during my sabbatical. I handed over all my responsibilities to the team for two months, and they managed everything perfectly.

How does collaboration between your department and other teams within the company work?

Collaboration between departments is crucial for us. Leasing is closely linked to building management and the project team. If a client has specific requirements, such as space modifications, we address them together with the project team. The team analyzes the options and prepares proposals. We then ensure that the changes are implemented in line with the client’s expectations. Our goal is to relieve tenants of complicated processes so they can focus on their business.

What do you see as WOOD Real Estate's main competitive advantage?

Our competitive advantage lies in the combination of a stable portfolio and a personalized approach. We offer high-quality spaces at fair prices. We have an in-house project team, which allows us to respond flexibly to tenants' needs. Flexibility is a significant plus. Our clients appreciate that we can quickly adapt spaces to their requirements. Additionally, our buildings are regularly modernized to meet the latest standards. Combined with top-notch services, we create a package that is highly attractive to clients.

What is your biggest achievement in recent times?

From a long-term perspective, I am proud of establishing WOOD Real Estate as a brand in the market. When we started, we had to build our reputation and gain the trust of clients. Today, we are a recognized landlord whose services are synonymous with quality.

Personally, I’m also proud of our team. Of how they work, how they complement each other, and seamless operations, ensuring clients receive premium service.

The slogan of WOOD Real Estate is "Space for your future." How do you embody its meaning?

It perfectly reflects our philosophy. Our goal is to offer spaces that will serve tenants not only today but also years down the road. A client needs to be confident that their space will remain modern, flexible, and capable of adapting to the needs of their business. We strive to continuously innovate buildings and adapt them to changing needs so they stay attractive and competitive.

This must also relate to ESG. How does it influence your activities?

ESG is not just a trend but a necessity. Responsible behavior toward the environment is our priority. We are working on reducing the carbon footprint of our buildings, minimizing energy consumption, and supporting sustainable solutions. Moreover, our clients share these values, which motivates us to go even further.

Your portfolio also includes spaces for smaller tenants. A year ago, you launched the ZONE project. How does it fit into your portfolio?

ZONE responds to the growing demand for flexible offices. It offers a unique concept of furnished offices for small companies and coworking spaces. During the pandemic, we saw that many companies needed smaller, adaptable spaces. This concept provides them with a high degree of flexibility and modern facilities. Looking at our portfolio as a whole, whether it's a startup requiring 20 square meters or a larger company, we can offer tailored solutions to everyone.

Is there a difference in your approach to small versus large tenants?

Smaller tenants typically need simple and quick solutions. The process is shorter, and their needs are less complex. On the other hand, large tenants, often corporations, start planning relocations 12 to 18 months in advance. Their requirements are more complex and require significant coordination. However, regardless of the tenant’s size, our approach remains the same – we dedicate the same care and professionalism to everyone.


Media relations:

Marketing Specialist (SK)
Tatiana Uličná
Tel.: +421 911 020 293
E-mail: tatiana.ulicna@wood.com

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