Meet the team: Emily Leader, Associate Director, Consulting

How long have you worked at Rural Solutions?

I’ve been part of the Rural Solutions team for more than eight years now. I am based north of Winchester, and live in a rural setting myself, with my family. I enjoy the balance that rural living brings, while remaining closely connected to colleagues and clients across the country.

What was your background before coming to Rural Solutions?

I read Geography at university and moved straight into the property sector after my degree. I spent five years at the commercial real estate services and investment firm, CBRE, working in the London office market, supporting brokers with commercial research and transactions.

From there, I moved into management consultancy, helping property firms grow and evolve, before spending eight years at Investment Property Databank (IPD) – which is now known as MSCI, specialising in client relationship management for real estate funds. In this role, I was interpreting the performance indicators and explaining them to clients.

Having the ability to translate complex information into something meaningful for clients has stayed with me throughout my career. Then I joined Rural Solutions in 2017, taking a leap of faith alongside the business as it continued to grow and evolve.

What team are you a part of, and what can you tell us about it?

I’m part of the Rural Solutions’ consulting team, a group of people who are broad in experience, adaptable and comfortable working beyond traditional boundaries.

When I first joined, the consulting team was smaller than it is now, and we’ve been growing and shaping it ever since. The team brings together a wide range of skills, from financial and commercial expertise, to events, planning and strategic leadership.

My own role is hybrid - I work as both a project lead and as a consultant, often acting as the main point of contact for clients while drawing on the technical expertise of colleagues across the business.

I focus a lot on the client relationship side of projects - whether that’s feasibility work, supporting ultra-high-net-worth individuals, or coordinating complex multi-disciplinary projects - my role is about making sure the client feels supported, informed and confident throughout. Every project is so different, and we have to be prepared for anything that comes our way every time we pick up the phone.

What does a 'typical' day look like for you?

The day is stimulating and varied, and that variety is one of the things I love most about the job. My week might include report writing, site visits, client events in London, business development meetings, or responding to unexpected challenges as they arise. I plan my week carefully, but I also have to be incredibly responsive.

What do you enjoy the most about working at Rural Solutions?

First and foremost, it’s the team. There’s always someone there to talk things through with. That supportive structure allows people to work better and feel confident.

I also value the nature of the work itself. We’re trusted advisors on some incredibly interesting and diverse projects. Walking around an estate or visiting a site and thinking ‘wow - we get paid to be here!’ – and having that access to the countryside, and the landscapes we work in, is really special.

I find my role personally enriching, too. You’re constantly layering experience as troubleshooting is often so varied. Something you’ve seen or learned on one project can add value to another in the future. That ability to help clients, to genuinely make a difference, is incredibly rewarding.

What is the most exciting or unusual project that you have worked on?

I think those projects where the challenges initially seemed insurmountable are always memorable ones. Some of the most rewarding projects are where, on the face of it, something feels unachievable. But through perseverance and creative thinking, you’re able to deliver something meaningful.

One standout project for me involved the delivery of an eco-centre, driven entirely by a client’s philanthropic vision. It was non-policy, self-funded, and rooted in a genuine passion for nature and woodland. Being part of a team that helped turn that vision into a tangible outcome was incredibly satisfying.

Is there anything that you have learnt since joining RSL that really stands out to you?

Above all else, I think the importance of open communication and active listening. It’s about really understanding what clients are trying to achieve, not just what they’re asking for on the surface. Having an inquisitive, curious mindset allows information to flow and leads to better outcomes.

Where is your favourite place in the British Countryside and why?

Choosing just one favourite spot in the British countryside isn’t easy for me, but two places stand out. The first is Polzeath in Cornwall, a family holiday destination that is our happy place. It’s total escape – coastline, water, countryside, and time together as a family.

The second is a quieter pocket of West Dorset near Bridport, just minutes from the coast. It feels like a calm little bubble, deeply Dorset and very special.

Describe Rural Solutions in three words

Friendly

Strategic

Diverse

Get in touch

If you'd like to know more about our consultancy work or would like to arrange a call with Emily, please get in touch on 01756 797501 or email emily.leader@ruralsolutions.co.uk