Five minutes with… Natasha Ryan, Savills associate director

What is the worst travel experience you’ve had while working in the property industry?

Being a commercial agent involves quite a bit of time travelling in the car and therefore inevitably a lot of traffic, but that comes with the territory – although it doesn’t get any less frustrating.

What has been your most embarrassing industry moment?

Falling through a hedge on a work ski trip!

Who do you most admire in the property industry?

I don’t have one particular person. However, there are definitely a number of individuals who have helped shape my career. I think building strong relationships in the property industry is so important and has definitely helped me progress over the years.

What’s the best thing about the industry?

I enjoy the teamwork. I don’t think there are many industries where competitors work together like we do. It’s a social industry and I like that. I enjoy being out and about meeting people and also understanding how different businesses operate.

What was the first record you ever bought?

The Offspring – Pretty Fly.

What was your first car?

It was a Vauxhall Corsa.

What’s your ideal holiday?

I have always wanted to take part in the Mongol Derby. You square up to 1,000km of Mongolian steppe on semi-wild horses, changing steeds every 40km. You navigate and survive on your own wits and skill, living among the herders. It’s you and your horse versus the wild and is known as the world’s longest, toughest horse race.

What’s your favourite way to relax?

I completely switch off when I am galloping around the countryside on my horse. It’s even better when it’s finished off with a cider in the local pub garden.

What’s your favourite cuisine?

Japanese because I adore sushi.

Do you have any weird/unusual/exciting hobbies?

Team chasing, contested between teams of four riders over a cross-country course of about two miles. It’s fast and completely bonkers, but the team spirit and thrill is like nothing else.

If you could invite three famous people, alive or dead, to a dinner party, who would they be and why?

Tina Turner – because I think she would be the life and soul of the party and I would definitely want her to belt out a few numbers; David Attenborough – I don’t think this needs much explanation, it would be so interesting listening to all of his stories; and Mary King – one of the most successful British event riders who has represented Britain at six Olympics and was my riding idol growing up. I would just love to hear about her years of experience.

What’s the best restaurant you’ve been to anywhere in the world?

Sheer Rocks in Antigua. It’s perched atop a rocky cliff, in the centre of Antigua’s west coast. The food is delicious and the views are incredible.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Difficult one as I love travelling so there are so many places. New Zealand is probably top of the list though.