Chloë Merrington
Director, Real Estate & Property

What has been the most rewarding experience in your career so far?

In 2018 I received an email to say I had been shortlisted for the Women’s Property Network “Western Cape Professional of the Year” award for the private sector. I thought it was phishing or some nonsense where you have to pay to get your “award” so I ignored it. A bit later I received a call from the organisation and realised it was legit. I decided to go to the awards evening to have a fun networking opportunity and thought nothing more of it. I ended up winning the award and was completely shocked! I found out that a client had nominated me and I was so taken aback by the nomination and the congratulations received from other clients afterwards. It was the first time I realised that my CV was perhaps a bit impressive (thanks to the work and clients I was exposed to as an associate at NRF).

How do you overcome challenges and stay resilient in the face of adversity?

By having a good support system. When I was stressed as a young CA / associate I would just keep going and going (much like the duck who looks calm on the surface but underwater its feet are paddling like mad)… until I would feel completely overwhelmed and would then either shout at, or have a little cry to my (then) boyfriend (now husband). Next I would make a list of what I had to tackle in order of importance. Often just having the “meltdown” with someone who cared about me and then having a list / action plan made me feel much better and I could carry on. Over the years I have become more and more resilient and know that I need to lean on my family/ friends and talk about what I am dealing with (whether it’s work / personal) before I get to the point of overwhelm. What helps me deal with adversity is remembering Elizabeth McCaul’s words that “nothing in life is guaranteed / permanent” - this too shall pass. I have to actively stop myself from overthinking / worrying about potential future problems (yoga and moments of mindfulness help). And of course, I love a good hug.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self starting out in this industry?

Don’t do it…. Just kidding. I always find it funny that so many attorneys (when asked) will tell someone considering a law career not to do it, when clearly we all love it. That being said it’s not an easy path and I generally advise young practitioners to find an area of law they feel passionate about. I find that hard work feels justified when you experience a sense of fulfilment from what you are doing. What I would tell my younger self is to remember that we work to live, not live to work. Make time to look after yourself (rest, exercise, play) - our health is the most valuable thing we have and we only miss it when its gone.

What key qualities do you believe have contributed to your success in your career?

Being resilient, hard working and having an eagerness to learn / improve.

Who has been your biggest mentor or inspiration in your career, and why?

From a general point of view, my mom has been an inspiration to me as a working woman. When I was growing up most of my friends’ moms didn’t work and I learnt the value of hard work and perseverance from my mom. Despite being a working mom she always made time for my brother and I and was very involved in our lives. So many of the female directors at NRF have been an inspiration to me – showing me that I can be a successful attorney and have a family. My mentors have been Elizabeth McCaul and Mieke van Rensburg – we would joke that they were my work mothers, but it was really true – they have provided me with guidance and support at every step in my career and my personal life. They took decisions that would assist me at their own expense – one example is when they picked up extra work so that I could be seconded to Nedbank Property Finance for 6 months in 2016. I am so grateful to have been in a team, and a firm, that has supported my ambitions.