Your recommendations

Previous recommendations: 

Caroline Hill, managing director and head of ESG for Blackstone Real Estate in Europe

Something to watch: 

Fauda, the drama series about the Israeli Defence Forces, is a complete escape from my daily life. Season 4 dropped on Netflix in January and I was out of action for several evenings gripped by it. Also, I can’t take any credit for it, but I recently learned the creators of Fauda have sold their production company to Candle Media, which is backed by Blackstone.

Something to listen to: 

I like anything by Carole King – I cannot listen to So Far Away without it bringing up many memories of friends and family who have moved overseas over the years. I am a softie at heart, and whenever I hear it on the radio it has been known to bring a tear to my eye.

If you could meet one historical figure: 

If I could pick any historical figure to befriend, it has to be Emmeline Pankhurst – leader of the UK suffragette movement. She woke up the nation to the cause of women’s suffrage through ‘deeds not words’. I admire her courage and determination. A lot of her activity took place around Hampstead, where I live, so I often feel inspired by brave, powerful women such as herself when I am out and about, especially during times like International Women’s Month.

If you could have one superpower: 

If I could have one superpower, it would be to solve climate change. It is such a complicated and difficult issue to tackle, but so critical.

Bogdan Nicoară, co-founder and chief executive of Bright Spaces

Something to watch: 

Avatar is one of the movies that inspired me because I consider it a great metaphor for our different selves: on one side, we are hungry for power and growth; and on the other, we are being kind, sustainable and spiritual. We are deeply connected with nature, but we are also so tech-focused today, and we need a reminder of how critical balance is.

Something to read: 

When reading Exponential Organizations By Salim Ismail, I felt it really motivated me, as an entrepreneur, to push the limits and to take on the outlier way instead of the risk-free one. It brilliantly outlines a framework for creating hyper-growth companies and it can help you focus on bringing value to the market you are in.

If you could have one superpower: 

If I could have one superpower, I would love to be able to live every moment in the present, without comparing it to the past or projecting it into the future. I feel my mind is most of the time struggling to project, to solve, to analyse, but losing focus on what is really important, which is the present moment.

How would you spend a million pounds?

If I had one million pounds, after spending 1% of it on a few trips with my family, I would start investing the rest in a smart, balanced portfolio, from high-risk (angel/VC type investments) to less risk (wealth-preserving type). I would do this because I believe money is an important energy that needs to be put to good use – creating more value for an individual, an investor and the entire world as a consequence. 

Tamsin Traill, regeneration director at developer Kajima

Something to watch: 

On George Clarke’s Old House, New Home, I love seeing how people transform their homes in such creative ways. It is a great inspiration while doing up my own house.

Something to read: 

I found the story of The Power by Naomi Alderman fascinating, as you hear about how women are suddenly given the ‘power’ to emit electricity from their hands. The book follows the characters as they use their new power against society. In the beginning, they are using it for self-defence to protect themselves. However, eventually, it sees them attacking, torturing and killing people, resulting in women’s rise and men’s fall. I think the message that ‘too much power in anyone’s hands can be dangerous’ is evident in this book and also relatable to our society.

If I could meet one celebrity: 

I don’t know if he counts, but the celebrity I would most like to spend an hour with is Bryan Stevenson, executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative and more recently an author, speaker and general ‘personality’. His main focus is the harsh sentencing of people convicted of a crime under the age of 18. His understanding and commitment to tackling social injustice are inspiring. I would love to learn from his experiences, and understand how he keeps motivated when tackling something that is constantly met with such resistance.

Most ridiculous fact I know: 

The most ridiculous fact I know is one I probably should have learned a long time ago – given the number of Environmental Impact Assessments I have reviewed – but I enjoy that a bat’s route to find food/roost is called a ‘commute’.

Ananya Banerjee, director of Boyer and head of Boyer Design

Something to watch: 

I have lots of favourite films and especially love watching cartoons because they are entertaining and convey important and often subtly embedded messages. My all-time favourite is Ratatouille. It is about Remy the rat, who is a great chef, naturally good at it and aspires to make it big in Paris. Cooking – like design – is an art form, and Remy is energetic and inspirational.

Something to listen to: 

The 50 Shades of Planning podcast from the legendary town planner Samuel Stafford, about the foibles of the English planning system, is by far the most entertaining thing to listen to in planning.

My best and worst purchases: 

The best thing I have spent money on has been getting a really nice kitchen, because there is so much more opportunity for creative cooking without the daily commute and it is the best space for flexible working. The worst are the many pairs of stilettos that now sit unused and irrelevant in my wardrobe. After two years of wearing flat shoes, there is no going back to stilettos.

Celebrity I’d like to spend an hour with: 

The celebrity I would most like to spend an hour with is Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes – because we need a fast answer to the housing crisis and it is beginning to feel like no one else can solve it.

Samar Shaheryar, co-CEO at homebuying company Spring

Something to watch:

The Wire. No better TV show has ever been made. The acting and pacing is extraordinary – a binge-watch before binge-watching even existed.

Something to read: 

I have read a lot of climate books in the past few years but A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and aVision for the Future by David Attenborough stood out for being both inspiring and informative, absorbing and relatable. Sir David Attenborough is simply a legend. 

Top travel destination: 

My number-one travel destination is Japan. I lived there for two years and cannot get enough of the place. For an incredible experience, I recommend hiking the Kumano Kodō, an ancient pilgrimage trail. Every night you will hike to a different guest house, each with its own cuisine and a hot spring to ease the aching muscles. 

The most ridiculous fact you know:

The most ridiculous fact I know is that honey is actually bee vomit. My seven-year-old son told me that one. I am not even sure it is true.

Heriberto Cuanalo, chief executive of student housing operator Collegiate AC Group

Something to watch: 

Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West is the most amazing film ever. It is so atmospheric in the way it is shot, in the dream of people being in a new area trying to create a home. In the music, the sheer randomness of life and how precious, beautiful and unfair it is, it brings tragedy and life together. It is dramatic and inspiring. 

Something to read: 

I used to read more than I do now but an amazing book is Love in the Time of Cholera by Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez. It is a love story with amazing tragedy. It is amazingly written, too. It pulls at the heartstrings and is also a story of hope: it is the most beautiful book ever. It is not too long and is easy to read. It is an amazing combination of love, hurt and life.

Which famous figure would you most like to spend an hour with?

The celebrity I would most like to spend an hour with is Barack Obama. I’d try to understand how he managed to persuade people to listen and act on their best interests rather than their emotions. What strategy did he use? The world is being ruled by exaggerated emotions that have taken over lives and we need to focus on things that really matter, such as education, poverty and making things better.

My top travel destination: 

My number-one travel destination is Cascais, just outside Lisbon on the Atlantic coast. The food is amazing, the people are very nice and I can play plenty of golf there.

Zafar Bhunnoo, co-founder and co-chief executive of Balance Out Living

Something to read: 

I was first intrigued by the provocative title of Mark Manson’s book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life, but as I worked my way through it I realised just how relevant and important it was to me and where I was in my life at the time.

Something to listen to: 

The podcast The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett has honed and perfected the skill of effortless conversation, makings for easy listening of content that is rich, deep and valuable. The authenticity and vulnerability that comes through often gets me quite emotional, and there is such a broad range of topics covered: from business, wellness and relationships, to sexual and mental health, to name a few.

Which famous figure would you most like to spend an hour with?

Richard Pryor is the historical figure I’d pick to be my (imaginary) friend. Aside from the comic value, few people in recent history have bucked a trend the way he did! He was an inspiration with a wealth of experience chasing a cause far larger than him, and a pioneer for minorities on screen and off.

If I could have one superpower: 

The superpower I’d chose would be the ability to fly like Superman. I could get anywhere around the world in a matter of seconds – no more worrying about tube strikes! And with such speed, he’s been known to reverse the spin of the Earth and turn back time! How cool!?

Andrew Ross, head of property disputes at law firm Travers Smith

Something to watch: 

I have recently watched a series named after its heroine, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel. She was a Jewish New Yorker housewife, who transitioned to being a successful and edgy comedian in the 1950s. I loved the recognition that we can have talents that are undiscovered and can be released.

Something to read: 

My favourite writer is Jane Austen and my favourite book is Pride and Prejudice. It is rare that a story is so good it can be told in numerous different ways in numerous different settings and still be as gripping, humorous and romantic as the writer probably intended. If you don’t believe me, watch Bride and Prejudice.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? 

It would be to be able to travel at the speed of light. As a result of a colleague’s last-minute unavailability, I once had to deal with two court cases that were running in different rooms in the same court at once. I ran between the court rooms arriving breathless to confirm one thing before returning to the other court room to answer something else. I don’t intend to do this again, but travelling at the speed of light would have made it so much easier.

Most ridiculous fact you know: 

The most ridiculous fact I know is that in the religious chaos of late 1600s England, a sect existed called the Muggletonians, who are said – among other things – to have believed that the Moon was six miles above the Earth. The extraordinary fact about them is that although they did not try to spread their beliefs, these continued among a small number of people, the last of whom died in 1979.

Zach Douglas, CEO and co-founder of serviced office provider Orega

Something to watch:

Despite the somewhat shadier aspects of the film, the appeal of Wolf of Wall Street is that it features a young guy finding his niche from fairly humble beginnings and building a business that exceeds his and anyone else’s expectations. There are often parallels in many entrepreneurs’ business journeys and it is hugely amusing to see them played out in such an overblown way.

Something to listen to: 

Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon album is just the complete listening experience, and features incredible musicianship and song writing as well as some fairly innovative recording techniques for its time. Plus, it was recorded in one of the world’s most iconic and famous studios – Abbey Road. 

If I could meet any celebrity?

If I could spend an hour with any celebrity, it would be Jimi Hendrix. I would want to know how he managed to get such an incredible range of sounds out of his beaten-up Fender Stratocaster guitar and Marshall amplifier. His techniques were incredible. There is depth of feeling, sensitivity and passion conveyed in his playing, which, in my view, have still been largely unequalled. 

The most ridiculous fact I know:

The most ridiculous fact I know is that Charlie Chaplin once lost a Charlie Chaplin lookalike competition.

Polly Troughton, managing director at St Modwen Logistics

Something to watch:

Any film made by Wes Anderson (pictured with film character the Fantastic Mr Fox). His films are a little bit eccentric but he is a creative genius. I like the fact they’re all a bit fanciful and not at all real world. I want to watch them all over again – for me they’re all feel-good films and he’s a wizard with words and film adaptations.

Something to listen to: 

I really like The Rest is Politics podcast, hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart. I have become an addict!

How would you spend a million pounds?

I would build my own amazing home with a leading architect and design team.

Top travel destination:

Chamonix in France. I do love the mountains in the winter and the summer. You have the most jaw-dropping scenery all year round and, with it not being too far away, it’s easy to get over there. New Zealand and Argentina would compete, but are that bit further away.

Derek Pratt, commercial director at Sourced Capital

Something to listen to: 

U2’s The Joshua Tree is one of those rare albums where I genuinely enjoyed all the tracks from the first listen – and still do any time I listen to it. It is also directly linked to one of my favourite concerts, when U2 toured that album.

Favourite podcast: 

An eclectic mix of podcasts and music helps me get through the daily commute. I have just finished listening to all episodes of the podcast You’re Dead To Me with Greg Jenner. It has some quality comedians as guests, but also manages to provide knowledge on a wide range of subjects you never knew you wanted to know anything about.

Which famous figure would you most like to spend an hour with?

If I could pick any historical figure to befriend, I imagine it would have been great being a friend of Mansa Musa back in the 14th century. Arguably the wealthiest person in living history, he was known for his generosity and gift-giving. He also travelled widely and is responsible for some world-renowned construction projects. Like many historical figures, there is much we now know that is quite unsavoury and I am not looking to suggest he was a role model.

Most ridiculous fact I know: 

The most ridiculous fact I know is that the pocket watch was invented before the pocket. (I’m guessing it was originally given a slightly different name.)

Ilyas Aslam, chief operating officer at Quadrum Global

Something to watch: 

Curb your Enthusiasm – for when I want to get away from reality and laugh a lot. That or Gogglebox, which is a great watch with the family.

Something to read: 

When You Hear Hoofbeats Think of a Zebra by Shems Friedlander is an excellent magical book inviting the reader to think differently, told in bite-sized story form.

The celebrity I’d most like to meet: 

The celebrity I would most like to spend an hour with is boxer Tyson Fury. While arguably controversial, he has achieved remarkable feats that few ever expected. I am fascinated by the mindset and determination he would have needed, and would love to understand how he motivates himself to be both a two-time world champion and the dominant force in his industry. 

If I had a million pounds: 

I am an accountant so it is probably not a surprise that if I had a million pounds to spend I would put the majority away or invest it wisely. I would, however, use some to create valuable memorable experiences, so I would spoil myself and my family a little. 

Victoria Manston, senior development manager at residential developer HUB

Something to watch: 

Succession – the storyline is fascinating. I was gripped from the first episode. There is something chilling about the way the characters treat one another and their peers that makes for shocking but entertaining viewing. 

Something to listen to: 

‘Heroes’ by David Bowie. I have so many amazing memories attached to this song, from entering my wedding reception with my husband to the spectacle that was the 2012 Olympics. You cannot help but feel euphoric when you hear it. 

My best and worse purchases: 

My best purchase was my Ooni pizza oven – delicious, fresh pizzas in less than a minute and it folds up so you can take it anywhere. What’s not to love? My worst purchase was definitely a lovely bike that I never ride, as I am scared of London roads. 

The celebrity I’d most like to meet: 

The celebrity I would most like to meet is Louis Theroux, although an hour would not be long enough. I would want to ask him about those probing questions and long silences, and also about all the controversial characters he has met. I wonder whom he disliked the most?

Jamie Bunce, CEO of retirement living operator Inspired Villages

Something to read: 

Purpose: The extraordinary benefits of focusing on what matters most by Ben Renshaw gave me great comfort that being purpose-led will result in wonderful outcomes and for careers to be more than just a job.

Something to listen to:

My top song pick is Step On by Happy Mondays, which takes me back to more carefree, crazy days.

My top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination is Singapore because it is vibrant, has impressive architecture, is very tidy and has great food. 

Which famous figure would you most like to spend an hour with?

If I could pick any historical figure to be my friend, it would be Margaret Thatcher because she smashed barriers in all sectors and was so powerful in an era when equality was not even thought about. Whether you liked her or not, you could still respect her.

Nivene Powell, head of communities at developer EcoWorld London

Something to watch: 

How to Get Away with Murder was an intriguing TV show that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was hooked and it enticed me to try and work out the plots myself. 

Something to read:

Becoming by Michelle Obama is an inspirational as well as educationally stimulating read, and portrays how resilient and ambitious you can be if you really put your mind to it. Also, it instilled in me the message not to give up.

How would you spend a million pounds?

If I had a million pounds I would spend a lump sum on my family to improve their quality of life and comfort. I would then donate a share to various charities and use the rest to invest and travel where possible. 

Which famous figure would you most like to spend an hour with?

If I could pick any historical figure to be my friend, it would be Nelson Mandela. His inspirational personality is what I would like to embrace. I would like to learn more about how he overcame the struggles he faced during his captivity; and gain his extensive knowledge and understanding of human rights campaigning, justice and resilience.

Gill Kirkness, regional director at construction consultant, Thomas & Adamson

Something to watch: 

I am a huge fan of Daniel Craig’s Bond and Skyfall for the action-packed scenes, the cinematography, the brilliant castings and Bond’s unique humour; but the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands makes this a number one for me. Adele’s theme tune is also one of my favourite songs.

Something to read: 

I had a fantastic English literature teacher at school who made Shakespeare come alive and I have enjoyed his work ever since. The themes in Othello are still relevant today and I always try to avoid that green-eyed monster, as ultimately it does you no good.

A celebrity I’d most like to meet: 

The celebrity I would most like to spend an hour with is Judi Dench. She has packed so much into her life and would have some great tales to tell, probably of things I couldn’t even imagine. I suspect we would laugh a lot in that hour, and I think I would learn a great deal of wisdom.

If I could have one superpower: 

If I could have one superpower, it would be time travel. I would love to go back in time to witness how some of the great historic buildings were built and be part of those projects. York Minster and St Paul’s Cathedral would be top of the list, as these are two of my favourite buildings.

Louisa Butters, head of retail asset management at CBRE IM UK

Something to watch: 

Nothing too high-brow, I’m afraid. I loved Call My Agent! and I confess to binge-watching Below Deck during lockdown.

Something to read: 

Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray. I am much more of a Becky than an Amelia. 

Most unusual fact: 

The most ridiculous fact I know is that although it did not feel much fun at the time, I helped my daughter learn the capital cities of more than 125 countries. I think I have managed to retain the knowledge of 80, tops.

Top travel destination: 

My number-one travel destination is Île de Ré, an island off the west coast of France. It has the perfect combination of the outdoors, exercise and amazing food and wine.

Maggie Milosavljevic, commercial director at investment company LabTech London

Favourite TV show:

I enjoy watching crime shows with my children. They not only provide a great sense of adrenaline and mystery but also encourage effective problem-solving, approaching issues with critical thinking and putting yourself in the perspective of others. Also, most of the time, the episodes lead to a happy and reasonable ending.

Something to read:

I really enjoy the book series Medical Medium by Anthony William. It is a fascinating read and is all about self-healing for your own wellbeing and using the spirit of compassion as a method to help all kinds of issues. There is also an associated podcast that I would recommend. 

How would you spend a million pounds?

If I had a million pounds, I would try to make sure that there were very few people left hungry; £1m is not enough to end world hunger and poverty, but it is certainly a start.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have one superpower, it would be to teleport food to those who need it.

Kally Kang-Kersey, chief people officer at essensys

Something to watch: 

I always enjoy a political thriller and I think All the President’s Men effectively shows the importance of good journalism and the shabbiness of power. I use it as a training tool for accountability and a reminder that you are never bigger than the team.

Something to listen to:

The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett is a really great podcast as it is punchy and Steven asks the difficult questions. It also provides great insight into how a CEO got to where they are.

If you could pick any historical figure to be your friend, who would it be and why?

I would like to have been friends with Rosa Parks. I have always been incredibly impressed with people who are brave enough to make a difference. I would want to ask her what it was about that moment – that specific point in time – that made her refuse to give up her seat. It is a good reminder to be brave and take a stand.

Top travel destination: 

My number-one travel destination is India. I have a love-hate relationship with the country. It is a beautiful, colourful, hectic place that I feel connected to through my heritage, but at the same time it can be incredibly bureaucratic.

Lynda Shillaw, CEO at Harworth

Something to read:

Game of Thrones – the box set. I read a lot, and this ticked the box of being unable to stop until I had finished all of them. I missed so many train stops on my way home!

Something to listen to:

Meatloaf’s Bat Out of Hell. It was the soundtrack of my tortured early teenage years – and, yes, I know all of the lyrics.

Favourite quote or motto:

“There is no such word as ’can’t’” – a favourite of my mother when we were growing up. If you crack this, it is also a superpower.

Top travel destination: 

The Greek islands for their beauty and culture. I’ve been visiting for decades, from backpacking to sailing, and I never grow tired of them.

Kamal Pankhania, CEO of development company Westcombe Group

Something to read:

Tide of Fortune: A Family Tale by Manubhai Madhvani is an incredible story of overcoming adversity. Madhvani, an entrepreneur of Indian heritage born in Uganda, was expelled from the country his family built their vast business in and sent to prison. Thirteen years later, Madhvani and his family were invited back to rebuild what had been lost. He went on to turn the business into one of Uganda’s largest employers. 

Something to listen to:

LBC – it is the voice of real people across the UK.

If you had one million pounds:

I would use it to build a homeless shelter.

Top travel destination: 

Kenya. We support a number of charitable projects out there through the Westcombe Group Foundation.

Oli Cohen, partner at BELCOR

Something to watch:

I am a bit of a film geek so picking a best film is hard, but it would probably have to be Defiance with Daniel Craig. It is an amazing true story of defying the odds.

Something to listen to:

The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett podcast: I love hearing about successful entrepreneurs and how they grew their businesses but also the adversity they have had to overcome.

If you could pick any historical figure to be your friend, who would it be?

It would be a toss-up between Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela, but I would probably go for the latter because to show kindness and forgiveness after what he was put through was just incredible. He singlehandedly had a massive effect on changing the world.

Top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination will always be Portugal. It has been my home from home since I was a kid. It is such a beautiful country and the pace of life is really slow out there, so it is a direct contrast with the pace of everyday working life in Shoreditch.

David Baybut, partner and head of real estate at Stephensons Solicitors:

Something to watch:

I am mild-mannered person who nevertheless does like violent gritty series such as Peaky Blinders, The Sopranos and Gangs of London. I do run out of patience when there are too many series – some need to reach a conclusion earlier. Recently grabbing my attention was ZeroZeroZero. Set mainly in Mexico and Italy, it is very earthy and realistic. It is also partially subtitled, which seems to make the characters more believable.

Something to read:

I must be honest, I am not a fan of fact or self-help business books. I do like to relax with a good fiction book though. This year, I have read a few, including East of Eden, Anatomy of a Soldier and The Time Traveler’s Wife – all very different and all a good read. The one I would currently recommend most is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It is just bizarre and magical at the same time.

The most ridiculous fact I know:

My children share lots of facts with me. All fun but not all publishable, so I will go with: polar bears have black skin underneath their white fur. I believe it is logical when you think about it.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have one superpower, it would be time travel for selfish and unselfish reasons. Selfishly, there are many moments of my life I would dearly visit again; and unselfishly, I believe there are many wrongs that could be corrected if one was able to travel back in time. I suspect I would also have more chance of winning the lottery!

Julian Maynard, managing director of Maynard Design Group:

Something to watch:

Bladerunner  was a huge influence on me as a young designer. I wrote my dissertation on it and I spoke to the director Ridley Scott and production designer Syd Mead about how they captured such an understanding and vision of future technology and social context. The film was a visual feast, but what underpinned it for me was the depth of thinking behind the products and environments despite being set way into the future.

Something to listen to:

I am a massive David Bowie fan, but The Clash Sandinista  just pips it. I love the transformative blend of the angry London punks that embraced reggae. It was also a quadruple album that saw me through my final year at the Royal College of Art.

What is the most ridiculous fact you know?

The number two court at Wimbledon is nicknamed the ‘graveyard of champions’ because world-class players such as Ilie Năstase, Arthur Ashe and Pat Cash fell to lower-ranking players there. I know this and a lot of other tennis facts now because we designed 700 new signs for the Championships this year and many of them have facts on to help the fans learn about the history of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament.

Top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination is Australia. We have set up offices in Sydney and Melbourne, where we have embraced the culture and are working on flagship projects such as the new Metro systems and airports. I go there frequently to support the growth of these studios, but as a country it is also a real pleasure to visit.

Ged Simmonds, managing director, commercial offices and residential at Mace:

Something to watch:

Maiden  is the inspirational film about how Tracy Edwards, a 24-year-old cook on charter boats, became the skipper of the first-ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989. The film shows how someone with determination and a goal can defy all odds, succeed and prove that traditionally held views are not always right and there to be challenged.

Something to read:

Prisoners of Geography  by Tim Marshall is a fascinating insight into why world leaders make the decisions they do in defending their borders, as well as acts of aggression to protect their natural resources and vulnerable territories. The book opened my eyes to how basic geographical landforms have interacted with and determined the course of human civilisation, with the increasing focus on such basic needs as fresh water and food – something we often take for granted.

Top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination is the Scottish Highlands and Islands. It is an incredible place and so different from the rest of the UK.

If I could have one superpower:

If I could have one superpower, I would choose always having good luck.

Savannah de Savary, founder and chief executive of Built-ID:

Something to watch: 

National Geographic’s Lost Cities. I am a bit of an archaeology nerd and obsessed with the impact technology is increasingly having within the field. In the show, similar to Lost Treasures of the Maya, they use Lidar scanning to uncover the most incredible architectural feats from antiquity. Even though the insight is frustratingly high level, it is still an absolute gem of a show, as the host Albert Lin has both an infectious enthusiasm for hi-tech archaeology and a genuine respect for the local experts and indigenous communities, whose cultural heritage he is exploring.

Something to listen to:

You’re Dead To Me  is my go-to history podcast that I put on when I jog, as it distracts me from the fact I enjoy cardio about as much as a sloth. The host keeps it engaging by inviting a historian and a comedian on to each episode and covers topics as diverse as a female pirate called Zheng Yi Sao, The Mughal Empire, Ancient Babylonians and LBGTQ history.

Top travel destination: 

My number-one travel destination is the West Coast Scottish Highlands. It is my favourite place on earth. Sitting in the – inevitable – drizzle beside a loch, post-wild swimming session while my spaniels chaotically imitate mountain goats is where my finest product innovation ideas are formed and I am at my happiest. There is something unconquerable and wild about the Highlands that humbles you in the best of ways. It is also a rare and incredible privilege: being empowered to explore such a beautiful place fully thanks to Scottish law providing walkers with the right to roam.

If you could have one superpower:

If I could have one superpower it would be the ability to teleport myself and others with me. Although, I fear I would quickly establish myself as the most boring and lazy superhero possible, just merrily using my power to avoid commuting and for the rather unheroic joy of quick, carbon-neutral travel around the world!

Oona Collins, founder and director of Potential Plus International.:

Something to watch:

I enjoyed the French comedy series Call My Agent  on Netflix. Based on the workings of a talent agency in Paris, it was stylish and clever with superb acting. I’ve always enjoyed foreign movies. You can learn so much from other cultures.

Something to read: 

A book I regularly refer to and recommend to clients is Good to Great  by Jim Collins. There are many books on leadership and business, but this one is simple and effective. It helps you to understand the basics of building a business and the kind of leadership that makes it successful.

The best and worst things I’ve spent money on: 

I’m a great believer in spending money on experiences over products. I’ve lived and worked in many different countries and the memories and friendships that came from that are far more valuable than any objects I could have spent my money on. The worst thing I spent money on early in my career was investing in a product or business based on my experience and respect for an individual, without doing the due diligence.  

Top travel destination:

I love going to new places, but if I was to pick one destination it would be Italy. My husband is from Venice, so I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the country. It is so diverse – the islands, the countryside, the cities. I love the people, the fashion and the food. It is definitely my happy place.

Olga Hopton, director at Plus X:

Something to watch:

This is a bit clichéd but I do like Grand Designs. Kevin McCloud inspired generations of self-builders to save derelict properties, try new ways of building and deliver homes suited for their unique needs.

Something to read: 

Invisible Women  by Caroline Criado-Perez is a data-driven assessment of systematic bias, which affects the world we live in. It is an eye-opener: everything from design to healthcare is biased. We all have a responsibility to change that, to question and adjust the policies and procedures that uphold this, and to design better for the future.

The best and worst things I’ve spent money on: 

I have ordered a lot of useless sleep gadgets at 3am on Amazon Prime in the hope of getting my baby to sleep. Needless to say, none of it worked but the boxes stacked up!

Top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination is the Long Island – North Fork, not the Hamptons. It is full of small bays for swimming, great food, wineries and breweries. It is heaven. When we visited, we cycled from vineyard to vineyard, stopping for a swim here and there. It was the best holiday ever and the food was amazing – I ate an insane

Kristy Lansdown, project director at Lendlease, shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to read:

Life and Death of Great American Cities  by Jane Jacobs.  It was written in 1961 and examines why certain spaces and cities are more successful for people than others.  It’s incredible how much of it is still relevant today – particularly how she advocated for denser mixed-use, walkable streets, and design that brings communities together. Jacobs isn’t from the sector, so she views these places through ‘normal’ eyes and she writes so beautifully.  I recommend it to everyone who is passionate about cities and places.

Something to listen to:

My team make fun of me because I’m an 80s girl through and through. I’d never live it down if I divulged my favourite 80’s playlist but close friends and colleagues know what they are!

Top travel destination:

Right now, I can’t wait to get back to the sunny shores of Australia!. After not getting back to see my friends and family for three years due to the pandemic, I’m so excited to finally have flights for summer this year.

Will Kinnear,  director at HEWN shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to read:

I dared myself to read Joseph Heller’s Catch-22  because no one says they can finish it. I enjoyed its take on the futility of life, the perception of life and how we are treated.

Something to listen to:

I really like The Rugby Pod  podcast. It is funny, insightful and opinionated.

My worst purchase:

The worst thing I have spent money on is buying cups of tea. I feel incensed each time I spend £2.50 on one. The best thing is my road bike. It has done a few thousand miles – I have done a few charity rides.

Top travel destination: 

My number-one travel destination is Mauritius. I went for my honeymoon many years ago and have such fond memories of the landscape, food and culture. I would love to go back.

Scott Grayson, head of property acquisition at Fairhome Property Group shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

Forrest Gump. I liked it as it showed no matter where you are from and what your up bringing is you can make it happen. If you are loyal to your friend and colleagues, you will eventually earn respect and admiration.  “Life is like a box of chocolates, you don’t know what you are going to get” a little bit like the property industry.               

Something to read:

The Chimp Paradox  - Simply it’s a book that teaches you how to deal with your brain, its emotions and make the outcomes positive.

If I could be friends with anyone in history:

Winston Churchill. He had an ability to unite a nation of scared and flagging people. He was courageous and held his nerve by trusting his instinct. This created him luck. Most of all he had an unbelievable sense of humour. Oh and I’d like one of those cigars, even though I don’t smoke.

Top travel destination:

My number one travel destination is Australia. Family live there so I would love to tour the country.

Hilary Witts, director and head of operations in Colliers’ rating team shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

I absolutely love anything written or produced by Shonda Rhimes and anyone who knows me well will know my real true love is in musical theatre. My favourite TV series of all time is Smash, the story of the production of a musical about Marilyn Monroe. The politics in the acting world are unbelievable! It makes me appreciate the way we can work in a profession that has room for everyone, and it is a great, easy watch to help me switch off after a busy week.

Something to read:

The best book I have read recently is Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh. It is a very clever murder mystery with lots of twists and turns, and I found that I could never predict the direction of travel. It is well written and easy to get engulfed in. Definitely one I would recommend. 

The best thing I’ve spent money on:

The best thing I have spent money on is my Kindle – I love to travel and it makes it so easy for me to read and not have to carry books around with me. And it is better for the environment, too. The worst thing is a fitness app I spent £25 on last month but never used. I won’t be doing that again!

Top travel destination:

The best place I have ever been to is Hawaii. I am a massive fan of geology and flying over a live volcano in a doors-off helicopter is an experience I will never forget! I am going to Costa Rica this year and am very excited to swim in waterfalls and hike through the rainforests. 

Tracy Lovejoy, senior associate in the planning team at Irwin Mitchell shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

I discovered the Hulu series The Handmaid’s Tale, after a period of not watching much television. It is very well done and resolves many of the questions in the book. Watching the series made me realise what an impact the book, which I first read as a teenager, had on me.

Something to read:

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a poignant, beautifully written book. It gave me an insight that I lacked into the Nigerian Civil War; but it was also a great story about personal relationships and the great losses that the Igbo group of people suffered, as well as political issues such as the desire for power, persecution and misinformation. I loved the book and the film. 

The best thing I’ve spent money on:

The best thing I have spent money on is my house. It needs a lot of work, but it is spacious and I really felt the benefit of that during the lockdowns. The worst continues to be on ‘vanishing groceries’, which is where the item goes into the trolley in the supermarket, is on the receipt but I cannot find it anywhere in the bags or in the car – very annoying. 

Top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination is Italy. I have never been there even though it is relatively close, and I have been to surrounding countries. I would like to go there for the people, food, fashion and sites and – unlike my previous holidays – I will try to learn some Italian before I visit.

David Roberts, co-founder and chief executive of ESTAMA UK shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

In True Romance there is a specific scene with Dennis Hopper and Christian Slater that, in my opinion, is the best five minutes of cinema. 

Something to listen to:

There is a podcast that Melvyn Bragg does on BBC Radio 4 called In Our Time. It takes a deep dive into various historical moments and scientific discoveries, which I love listening to in the car.

If I could meet anyone dead or alive:

Although he died a long time ago, I’d have loved to have met Samuel Goldwyn, the Hollywood studio owner. I am fascinated as to how a man who was originally a glove salesman could help invent an entirely new way of entertaining the world and produce incredible films in an industry that was evolving and inventing itself as it went along. 

If I had a million pounds:

I began collecting art in the early 1990s. If I had a million pounds, I would most definitely find a piece of art to add to my collection. I am the founder of the Roberts Institute of Art and my collection now consists of more than 2,500 works by more than 850 artists, comprising modern and contemporary works by British and international artists. 

Giles Fuchs, chief executive of Office Space in Town shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

It is very difficult to have a favourite and Pulp Fiction will always be one of the greatest films ever made. However, I have just watched Inventing Anna, which was fantastic. I have always enjoyed narratives based in truth and this particular story is riveting enough to hold up against even the best dramas.

Something to read:

The Singer Not the Song by Audrey Erskine Lindop had a big impact on me. Despite the violence, it is a great story about not judging people too quickly.

If I could meet anyone dead or alive:

Stephen Hawking would be a fascinating person to have by your side and to chat to. I always admired his ability to explain things that are very difficult to understand. Although I might not always understand the answers, I would love to ask him questions about the universe and its laws.

If I had a million pounds:

If I had a million pounds, aside from investing back into my business and its continued growth and if it was for pure fun, I would love to buy a ski chalet or sailing boat to scratch my adventurous itch and share with family and friends.

Dan Drogman, chief executive and co-founder of Smart Spaces shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to read:

Good to Great by Jim Collins is a book I read when I first started the business and it is widely regarded as one of the best management books ever written. The principles enshrined in the book have helped Smart Spaces grow and get to where we are today. It is a book that I revisit whenever I am looking at ways to improve the business.

Something to watch:

My dissertation focused on the technology featured in Blade Runner and Minority Report, so those two are stand-out picks. The crazy thing is, so much of that technology has since come to be commonplace. The ecommerce analytics being used today in bricks-and-mortar retail, which can assess whether I am a suitable customer by analysing the clothes I wear, is straight out of Minority Report.

The most ridiculous fact I know:

The most ridiculous fact I know is that some say the sirloin steak used to be called the loin, but an English king – either James I, Charles II or Henry VIII – liked it so much he gave it a knighthood. Others say it comes from a French term meaning ‘upper part of the loin’, but I prefer the knighthood version!

A historical figure I’d like to meet:

The historical figure I would most like to be friends with is Richard Rogers, who sadly passed in December and has always been an architectural hero of mine. I distinctly remember visiting the Centre Pompidou on a scorching day and lying out in the sun on the concrete slope outside. He is my favourite architect; I would love to have been able to pick his brain and share my fond memories of his buildings.

Guy Horne, chief executive of HSPG shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to read:

You are the Placebo by Joe Dispenza. I like to meditate every morning and create how my day will go. If anyone wants a reason to start meditating and creating their future, this book is a great guide.

Something to listen to:

Oasis – Definitely Maybe. It is what got me into guitar, and I now play most days. Their Supersonic documentary detailing their meteoric rise gives me goosebumps every time I watch it.

The best and worst things I’ve spent money on:

The best things I have spent money on are my guitars. As I get more into them and play more often, I tend to want to buy better guitars, which of course means spending more money. But once I start playing them, I get so much enjoyment and I am never satiated. The worst is buying Glastonbury tickets two and a half years ago. Waking up early on a Sunday morning in 2019 only for the festival to be cancelled two years on the run! I am excited to finally go this summer though.

Top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination is Bali. When I travel, I love to mix sightseeing, good weather and activities so Bali ticks every box in abundance. A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to travel solo around there for a month and I surfed, got my PADI scuba license and even completed a short yoga teacher training.

Sanmi Adegoke, chief executive of Rehoboth Property International shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to read:

My all-time favourite book would definitely be the Bible. To some, it is an outdated historical book with no relevance to today’s world, but that could not be further from the truth. It is the most relevant, most practical and most insightful book I have ever read or will ever read, and the beauty of it is that with each new read I get a new perspective.

Something to listen to:

I really like Nathaniel Bassey. He has such inspirational and relevant songs. Listening to his songs puts me in the presence of God and brings me peace and joy to get through my day.

If I could have one superpower:

If I could have one superpower, it would have to be willpower to change humanity and make us live together in love. Love is missing in today’s world, and this is love in action not just in words – genuine unconditional love.

If I had a million pounds:

If I had a million pounds, I would build an orphanage for children who are less fortunate. I would employ staff who are well-experienced and educated in an array of subject matters to raise the children to believe that regardless of their experience in life, they have no limits if they choose to believe so.

George Aberdeen, co-founder of Kinrise shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to listen to:

I have been listening to The War on Drugs a lot recently. The band is influenced by a lot of my favourite musicians and genres from the past and their music reflects this. They are also outstanding live.

Favourite podcast:

Iain Dale’s The Presidents & Prime Ministers podcast is currently on my regular ‘must-listen’ list. I love history and this podcast helps piece together Britain’s 300-year history through the 55 prime ministers who have gone before. From the obscure 18th-century figures to 20th-century titans such as Churchill and Thatcher, the podcast provides a reminder of their motivations, failures and achievements.

Top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination is Africa. I spent a few months there as a teacher when I left school and it got under my skin. I subsequently spent time in southern Africa and was lucky enough to spend my honeymoon in Tanzania.

If I could have any superpower:

If I could have one superpower I would like to be able to snap my fingers and have all laundry and tidying done at once. I have four young children, so it can all feel like a mammoth task sometimes!

Peter Rose, chief revenue officer at Forbury shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

The Shawshank Redemption. I’m a believer in karma and the storyline has the twists and turns that provide justice and payback. Suffering through adversity, exploring human behaviour under extreme circumstances, sacrificing and ultimately winning. Ultimately it is the good guys that prevail, making it a feelgood movie with the framework of a very harsh reality.

Something to read:

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. I actually enjoy all of Malcolm Gladwell’s books, but The Tipping Point was my introduction to him and his research into real world behaviours. He takes a different perspective on events and actions, analysing behaviour in an unconventional way and providing objective explanations to what appear to be somewhat random and subjective situations. Like his other books, he makes you think differently as he delves into different ways of interpreting and understanding human nature and, ultimately, how actions shape history.

The best and worst things I’ve spent money on:

Wing foiling – a cross between windsurfing and a hydrofoil – is incredible. Flying over water at 30 kph has to be the best return on investment ever. That said, the insurance on my Christchurch property proved to be money well spent after it was destroyed by the 2010 earthquake. My wife’s dog has to be the worst, if only because of how much he continues to cost. He’s a fluffball that actually resembles a cat and cost a fortune before he even arrived – four operations, two extended stays with the emergency vet and an airfare to the UK (almost ten times my own fare!) later, he’s worth the same as a deposit on a small house. That’s before we mention the items he’s destroyed and the cleaning up required. A high price for a happy wife, but it’s a marriage of three …

Top travel destination:

Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. It’s a somewhat untouched corner of the world with spectacular scenery, incredible fishing, superb surfing and locals that are in a time warp in the best possible way – down to earth and with a simple attitude towards life. And the fish pies at the local pub are amazing too.

Vivian Acquah, founder of Amplify DEI and Viva la Vive shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to read:

The business book I recommend is Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. Today’s leaders must be able to shine a light on their courage and bravery to redesign their role and the culture in which they operate, in order to become inclusive leaders. 

Something to listen to:

In my podcast Let’s Humanize The Workplace, I enjoy conversations about and with leaders, teams and organisations on what can be done to amplify the human factor in the workplace.

The celebrity I’d most like to meet:

The celebrity I‘d most like to spend an hour with is US filmmaker Ava DuVernay. She’s pushed boundaries and made DEI accessible, supporting dialogue between the many.

If I could meet any historical figure:

If I could pick any historical figure to be my friend, it would be Maya Angelou. Despite her incredibly horrendous start in life, she literally found her voice and used it in spite of adversity. Her resilience is formidable and her work is eye-opening.

Uma Rajah, chief executive of CapitalRise shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to read:

I would recommend The Lean Startup  by Eric Ries to anyone starting a new venture, especially in the tech space. I totally subscribe to his approach towards and philosophy on product development.

Something to listen to:

It’s terribly cheesy, but the song Love Generation  by Bob Sinclar, because it transports me back to 2006, the year I went to INSEAD. For some reason, it became an anthem for our MBA class and brings back lots of great memories.

If I had a million pounds:

If I had a million pounds, I would invest in some CapitalRise loans, see if I could find a way to use some of it to address the lack of gender diversity in STEM subjects studied at school and spend the rest on treating my extended family to a holiday in Sri Lanka.

The most ridiculous fact I know:

The most ridiculous fact I know is that there is only one tube station in the whole network with no letters in it from the word ‘badger’. To give you a hint, it’s near Victoria.

Edward Griffin, chief executive of WorkPad shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to read:

Freakonomics by Stephen J Dubner and Steven Levitt breaks down decision-making by showing you how your life is dominated by incentives and external motives, how to close information asymmetries and the difference between causation and correlation. It puts theory into reality and shows how to simplify the most complex problems. 

Something to listen to:

The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins. Commissioned in line with the millennium celebrations, it is an uplifting piece of music with influence from 15th-century folk. Just brilliant. 

If I had a million pounds:

If I had a million pounds I would invest in new ventures and opportunities within green technologies to challenge the market – investing in scalable and sustainable solutions that are economically viable, produce positive externalities and are socially good. 

Top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination is Nepal. It is the most beautiful country with the most beautiful culture. I hiked to Annapurna base camp on a solo adventure, and I loved how untouched the place was and how inviting and friendly the people were. 

Nina Zeilerbauer, co-founder of Madison Berkeley shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

West Wing started more than 20 years ago so I’m showing my age, but I watched it at the same time as studying history and politics and still think it stands the test of time. Every episode is fast-paced with great characters and dialogue and was produced when we all had slightly higher expectations of our politicians!

Something to read:

Shogun by James Clavell. I love history and this is set in feudal Japan, an era and a culture I knew nothing about and found fascinating. It’s an epic story to fully immerse yourself in. I don’t practice mindfulness but find reading fiction enormously relaxing. I love being transported to other times and worlds and forgetting everything else going on around me.

The best things I’ve spent money on:

Taking a nine-month sabbatical including spending six months in St Anton in Austria is the best financial and life decision I’ve ever made. It wasn’t cheap but I don’t regret it for a second as the time out of work allowed me to re-evaluate my future and what I wanted out of life and eventually led me to co-found Madison Berkeley. The worst was inadvertently buying a top-of-the-range pair of men’s downhill racing skis as soon as I arrived [in Austria] as I liked the colour, and then spending a month wondering why I couldn’t ski properly in them. There was a valuable lesson learnt here about picking style over substance.

Top travel destination:

I was lucky enough to travel across Syria as part of a wider ME trip in 2000, against the advice of my family (and the US government) at the time, and am so grateful that I did. The country is steeped in history and the people were so warm and welcoming. It’s devastating to see what’s happened there since. I can’t see travel for tourism being possible again for many years to come so am glad I went while I could.

Roy Ledgister, chief executive of Convivia shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

This will probably surprise the most out of all my answers, but I enjoy watching Love Island. As cheesy and trashy as it is, what I find fascinating is how a producer can upset the balance of one’s emotions and hopes by throwing in circumstances designed to test your principles. Life is a distilled version of such production as we are continually being tested, albeit not under a microscope such as this, but we all react or respond differently. Watching this play out in real time is intriguing for me.

Something to read:

The Magic of Thinking Big  by Dr David Schwartz. This was a book I read as a 13-year-old boy, which opened my eyes to my true potential.

How I’d spend a million pounds:

Watch this space and I’ll soon show you exactly how I will do this as I genuinely believe that there is a social responsibility for all of us to pull through others, wherever we can. Essentially, I will prove that by following a body of rules one million pounds could create further millionaires.

The celebrity I’d most like to meet:

One who has failed and made a comeback, as they will have become a certain type of individual in the process. If I could benefit from their wisdom, they could save me the hassle of having to discover the process for myself.

Sam Barrell, director of real estate development in the UK at Sonder shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

Succession: I wasn’t surprised to hear that its creator, Jesse Armstrong, also co-wrote The Thick of It. It has a dark subject matter and Shakespearean characters all underpinned by acerbic comedic writing.

Something to listen to:

Audiobooks have been a godsend while marathon training – anything to distract the mind from the task at hand. In terms of podcasts, I quite enjoy Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History. He has an interesting way of revisiting historic events and framing them in a new light.

My best purchase:

The best thing I’ve spent money on was a carbon road bike I bought 12 years ago. Last year, I saddled it up with bags and cycled solo to Budapest – 2,400km through 10 countries. Beyond a spectacular failure of a shifter, leading to a 100-mile ride in a single gear, it held up admirably. The worst was a Roomba during lockdown. It’s mostly wonderful, but what you don’t realise when you buy one is that you’ll spend just as much time rescuing it from obstructions and disentangling it from cables as you would have spent vacuuming. Still, it looks cool, right?

Top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination is the Swiss Alps, ideally with a bike or pair of trail-running shoes. 

Toby Lewin-Lloyd, senior architect at Urbanist Architecture shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

I don’t like to watch movies based on books but it was the opposite with this one: The Name of the Rose – probably one of the first proper ‘adult’ books I read after watching the movie. It really drew me in. I loved the deeper, darker subliminality of the plot and the story. Equally, TV series like Twin Peaks that take you a bit deeper than the surface.

Something to read:

I absolutely loved The Dark Tow er series by Stephen King. Again, it plays on my love of darker stories with deeper, metaphorical meanings. It’s brilliant how he brings in elements of his former novels as well.

My worst purchase:

The worst things I’ve spent money on in the past are cheap and rubbish gadgets, which only lead to frustration. But it has taught me the value of good design, useability and providing a consumer-driven product, which can be translated into architecture and the product we deliver. The best thing I’ve spent money on? Presents for my loved ones, because they’re so important to me.

An interestng fact:

I can give you an interesting fact: on Wikipedia this week I found out that the landmass at the centre of Greenland has been so heavily compressed by ice that it now lies below sea level. This means that Greenland is actually in the shape of a doughnut.

Alex Gibbs, co-founder and director of Built Asset Management (BAM) shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

I am one of those strange people who likes to learn while enjoying themselves, so I am going to pick World War II In Colour, which I really enjoyed recently. I found it very eye-opening to be in some way immersed in the events of that time. The unimaginable things people went through also helps put into perspective some of the challenges we face today.

Something to read:

I am going to cite Zero to One by Peter Thiel. It is a very relevant read for founders, investors and anyone with a general interest in the future of business, and I fall into all three camps. I particularly like the author’s vision of the future where tech is concerned.

My best purchase:

The best thing I have spent money on is most definitely my original investment in BAM. For the worst thing, I am going to select the general category of ‘the last round of drinks’. Instead of providing jobs, homes and a return, they tend to provide you with a headache.

Top travel destination:

It is impossible to pick one travel destination as my favourite. For sun, the Maldives – believe the hype in this instance. For skiing, Austria – the skiing itself is excellent, and the hearty food is always very welcome. Within the UK, I have a soft spot for Cornwall as I spent many childhood holidays there and I have a good network of family and friends down there living the coastal dream!

Vikki McKay, real estate partner at Proskauer Rose shares some of her cultural recommendations::

Something to watch:

I have just finished watching Cobra Cyberwar. Great writing and acting, although slightly disconcerting on how reliant we are on technology to prevent a collapse on social values as we know them.

Something to read:

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch because I love the juxtaposition of modern London and the places we walk past every day set against the idea of a demi-monde society that includes personifications of the lost rivers of the City.

The most ridiculous fact I know:

A carp is worth enough money that they carry out an autopsy to find out how they died.

Top travel destination:

The  Dordogne in France – it is ancient, beautiful and feels so far removed from the busy lives we lead.

Jen Lemen, chartered surveyor and co-founder of Property Elite and Projekt shares some of her cultural recommendations::

Something to watch:

I like any cycle racing on TV. I am an avid cyclist and love watching both the racing and the beautiful scenery.

Something to listen to:

A Tale of Two Cities by Mr Hudson & The Library is an album I can listen to over and over again. It’s chilled, emotional and the perfect soundtrack to most events.

If I could have one superpower:

If I could have one superpower, I wish I never needed to sleep but would always be rested and never tired. I always get told that I have too much energy so this would suit me perfectly. Then I would have even more time outside work to ride bikes, enjoy time with friends and family and walk my greyhound, Ben.

Top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination is northern Italy. It has got fantastic, quiet (and hilly) roads for cycling and a coffee stop in most villages and towns. Then there is the incredible food and wine for afterwards.

Tadhg Flanagan, managing director of Breezblok shares some of his cultural recommendations::

Something to watch:

The Guard with Brendan Gleeson is an excellent film. He plays an unorthodox, rule-breaking police sergeant who attends a briefing by an FBI agent and is put on an operation to hunt down drug traffickers. I won’t spoil it, but there are some great one-liners.

Something to listen to:

I’m a big fan of Desert Island Discs. It’s the perfect mix of music and conversation. There are some great guests, and you get to find out things that you won’t have learned from other interviews. It’s life affirming, as you find out the tests and troubles of others’ lives, when on the surface it may look like they have it all.

Top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination is Cumuruxatiba in Brazil. It’s a small village on the eastern coast and is totally uncommercialised and unspoilt, with miles upon miles of beautiful beaches. The culture in Brazil is unlike any other, and the food is spot on.

Celebrity I’d most like to meet:

The celebrity I would most like to meet is Roy Keane, one of the best footballers of our time. I like his dry sense of humour, frankness and passion for the game. I’d like to pick his brain over so many different things. If you’re reading this, Roy…

Federica Buricco, associate at CallisonRTKL shares some of her cultural recommendations::

Something to read:

I enjoyed This Is Not A Drill: An Extinction Rebellion Handbook. It is a gripping read and includes contributions from people on the front lines of the climate crisis, as well as activists, academics and politicians. Ultimately, as a society, we need to do more and act now to ensure our future.

Favourite podcast:

The Urbanist, a podcast by Monocle, is a must-listen for those interested in urban design. The series covers subjects from the rebirth of public art to tactical urbanism and the 15-minute city. I’d also recommend the TED Talk by Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate Alejandro Aravena. He explains how alternative thinking can creatively overcome governance or budget constraints to get vital community projects delivered.

Top travel destination:

Asia broadly tops my list of number-one travel destinations, specifically Seoul, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Asian culture fascinates me and there are lots of things Western society could emulate. Many Asian cities are leaps ahead with innovation and developing solutions to their challenges. 

The historical figure I’d most like to meet is:

If I could be friends with any historical figure, I’d pick author and activist Jane Jacobs. I share her passion for the protection of local neighbourhoods from large generic urban renewals. I imagine long conversations over a glass of wine about the new theories regarding 15-minute cities and the disappearance of cars as an individual means of transportation.

Mark Hawthorn, chief executive of Landmark Group shares some of his cultural recommendations::

Something to watch:

The Big Short has so many lessons and reminders that resonated. The biggest one for me is that the contrarian position is often the loneliest and most profitable. Also, to keep your nerve if you know you are right, no matter what the rest of the herd are doing.

Something to read:

I read around 60 books a year, so there are too many to choose from! The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson is one that should benefit anybody and everybody.

The best thing I’ve spent money on:

The best things I’ve spent money on are memories, be it holidays, birthdays, Christmas or other experiences. There are too many ‘worsts’ to list, although the amounts I’ve spent on them have been limited as I’ve always used the ‘first fire bullets and then cannonballs’ approach: only when low-cost, low-risk spending is successful – when the bullets hit the targets – will I invest more resources on the bigger cannonballs.

If I could have one superpower:

If I could have one superpower it would be to be able to know which leads and people are worth pursuing. Despite our best efforts and quite advanced processes, there are still too many dead ends. 

Clare Coe, co-founder of Madison Berkeley, shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to listen to:

Radio 1 is always on in the background in my car, kitchen and office. However, as I get older I am enjoying Radio 2 a lot more.

Favourite record:

Anything by Coldplay. I know it is very clichéd, but I have seen them live numerous times over the years and they never get old!

Top travel destination:

My number-one travel destination has to be New Zealand. It really has everything: the most incredible landscape, wonderful people, countless outdoor activities and nature to explore. More importantly, they have the most amazing vineyards. The only downside is that it is so far away; I am not sure I can do that flight with a baby any time soon.

The most ridiculous fact I know:

The most ridiculous fact I know is that at 20 weeks gestation, a baby’s heart is the size of a thumbnail. My little boy had a fetal heart defect discovered when his heart was that small. He is now a year old and thriving! awesome.

Stefano D’Ambrosio, environmental and planning solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

Interstellar is a really well-made sci-fi movie with a heavy focus on science and just enough fiction to make it appealing. I have always loved sci-fi, mainly when it touches on the topic of time travelling. This movie is considered by many to be a contemporary sci-fi masterpiece.

Something to listen to:

Devil’s Trill Sonata by Tartini is a great classical piece and has a fantastic story behind it. The composer once had a dream in which he challenged the devil to play the violin. It was the most beautiful music he had ever heard. He woke up and immediately tried to recreate the music, but the memory of the dream slowly vanished. The result of that attempt was the Devil’s Trill Sonata, which, as amazing as it might be, is nothing more than a shadow of the music that Tartini once heard in his dream.

My worst purchase:

My worst purchase was buying an iMac from the US while living in Peru. I had problems when trying to use the warranty in Peru and ended up paying for the cost of repair out of my own pocket. Now, I always double-check the small print on warranties.

If I had a million pounds:

If I had a million pounds, I’d invest half in a balanced portfolio of shares and bonds. Then, I’d buy a house and decorate it to my liking. Finally, I would use the remainder to cross off some items from my bucket list (like seeing an aurora borealis for the first time) and giving back to charity.

Matt Smith, head of sustainability at Shaftesbury, shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

I would recommend watching The Dawn Wall. An incredible film about free climbing on the famous El Capitan wall in Yosemite. Lots of spectacular scenery and a fair amount of climbing but more a story about friendship and overcoming adversity. Not one for you if you have a fear of heights. 

Something to read:

The book I have read more times than any other is Bill Bryson’sA Short History of Nearly Everything. Bryson is very good at finding the humour in science and some of the stories really are stranger than fiction. Great for pub quizzes too. 

The celebrity I’d most like to meet is:

My first thought on the celebrity I’d most like to meet was David Attenborough, but I think it has to be tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace. There is no doubt she would have some fascinating stories and unique perspectives on world events. 

If I had a million pounds:

If I had a million pounds I’d buy a house on the coast and spend my weekends surfing and hosting BBQs for family and friends. Similar to many people, lockdown has emphasised the importance of social connections and the simple things in life. I love the excitement of living and working in London but do miss the ocean.

Francesca Brady, chief executive of proptech company AirRated, shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

Interstellar – first, the music is incredible. Second, the fifth dimension is a concept that, although it melts my brain, is truly fascinating!

Something to read:

1984 – I love books that you can relate to the modern day. It is not an easy read but it is super interesting. George Orwell was a peculiar character, and through reading his books you get a brief insight into his way of thinking.  

Celebrity I’d most like to meet:

The celebrity I’d most like to meet is David Attenborough. It would be fascinating to hear about his personal life and all the events he has lived through. He has also visited some of the most remote areas of the planet and places we will likely never get access to. Speaking to him would be a gateway to those untouched worlds.

If I could have one superpower:

If I could have one superpower, it would be teleportation. It would be amazing to be able to transport yourself to a calm space when you’re feeling stressed or worried. It would also be fantastic to be able to see family and friends in far-flung places. FaceTime is OK but it can never replace face to face. And imagine how much it would reduce travel emissions!

Anna Kealey, project director and architect at McBains, shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to read:

Adam Kay’s This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor is heart-warming, heart-breaking, laugh-out-loud funny and, at times, nauseating all in one!

Something to listen to:

‘I’m Every Woman’ by Chaka Khan – for no other reason than my sister and I like to wail it at the top our lungs!

If I had a million pounds:

If I had a million pounds I’d buy a chalet in the mountains; the French Alps would do nicely. I love to ski and hill walk so this would suit me for both winter and summer seasons. A couple of early morning runs down the mountain before work starts would be the perfect work/life balance for me. Only the matter of the million-pound chalet to worry about then!

Top travel tips:

Patagonia is one of my top travel destinations. I visited as part of a bigger four-month trip around South America. The mix of mountain ranges, lakes and glaciers make up some of the most dramatic landscapes I have ever seen, and the perfect place for hiking. All topped off with an Asado BBQ for dinner after a long day’s trek to finish each day on a high.

Johnathan Crawley, UK managing director at MiddleCap, shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back – action and adventure set in a galaxy far, far away. Pure escapism, from the time I was a young child until the present day.

Something to listen to:

BBC Radio 4’sFront Row is a much-needed daily dose of the arts, from theatre and opera to music and film, that keeps me up-to-date with the must-see culture of the moment.

Something to read:

My favourite book is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. It is an intricate story-within-a-story set against the backdrop of one of my favourite cities – Barcelona.

Top travel tips:

My number-one travel destination is Spain. The language, the people, the culture, the cuisine, the varied landscape and climate from north to south (and everything in between) and the history and architecture all combine to make it a never-ending adventure of discovery.

Jonny Rosenblatt, co-founder of Spacemade shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to read:

I love Malcolm Gladwell’s approach and style of writing – simplifying macro issues using smart anecdotes and stories through history. The Tipping Point is fascinating as he focuses on how an idea, a social behaviour or a trend tips into becoming a global phenomenon or issue.

Something to listen to:

One of the hardest questions I’ve ever faced! After considerable deliberation, the album I am going to go for is Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It takes me back to my teenage years and more than 20 years later it still resonates as a near-perfect rock album. 

The celebrity I’d most like to meet is:

Referring back to my answer about my favourite book, the celebrity I’d most like to spend an hour with would have to be Malcolm Gladwell. He is a phenomenal storyteller and is able to distil the most complex ideas into something very simple. Failing that, I’d like to sit with Dennis Bergkamp – another master of making the difficult look so easy!

Top travel tips:

Going on safari in the Serengeti remains the most brilliant trip I have ever done; but with three young kids now, my dream destination is somewhere hot, with an all-day kids’ club!

Vivian Hoelzl, head of property operations at Kooky shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

Catch Me If You Can is one of the classics. It has a great cast and who doesn’t like to literally escape for a while? If I had to pick a series, it would for sure be The Office (US). I’m currently rewatching it and it is just such an easy watch and really makes you feel good about yourself.

Something to read:

I unfortunately have not managed to really sit down and enjoy a good book in a while, but the last trilogy I read was called All Souls and it really teleported me into a different time, space and reality.

Something to listen to:

I cannot pick one album but The Weeknd is one of my favourite artists currently. I just connect a lot of memories with a lot of different songs, especially the ones before we went into this difficult past year. It also seems to be the only artist my partner and I can agree on, so we will probably also choose one of those for our wedding song!

Charlotte Crawley, culture and experience director at Navana Property Group shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

I’m a big fan of action and superhero films. If pushed, I’d pick one of the Bourne films or Deadpool. We’ve enjoyed a few in lockdown at home but the best experience is in the cinema. I can’t wait to get back.

Something to read:

The book that’s stayed with me the most is The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It surprised me; I wasn’t a fan of that period in history – it is set in the 12th century – but the book really transported me and I have a greater appreciation for architecture from that time. When visiting those buildings now, I feel like I can almost smell, taste and hear those people’s lives.

Something to listen to:

I can’t name a favourite but the song that is guaranteed to get me up for a dance is Shine On by Degrees of Motion.

My fiancé is a DJ on Eruption Radio, so I have to say his Sunday morning soul show. It’s more chilled than his Wednesday dance show and is the perfect way to ease into the day – preferably with a bit of sunshine and a coffee.

Anna Clare Harper, chief executive of SPI Capital, shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to read:

I love audiobooks and have so many recommendations, from autobiographies to psychology and business books. The Courage to be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi is a real game-changer. It is all about the ideas of Alfred Adler, a psychologist and lesser-known contemporary of Freud and Jung. Freudian psychoanalysis seems to blame issues you are experiencing today on trauma when you were young or relationships with your parents. By contrast, Adler believed that every problem (for example, addictions or phobias) is a result of a subconscious goal, and that it is the individual’s responsibility to change that goal first. It is a very empowering approach.

Something to listen to:

Kygo and Whitney Houston’s song ‘Higher Love’ is a great mood booster. I am a big fan of exercise before work, and this song is an excellent workout tune!

I love listening to The Guilty Feminist – especially earlier episodes – while running or walking. It is funny, smart, honest and proactive. I would recommend it for women, and also men who want to understand women better. 

Sarah Smith, planning partner at Rapleys, shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

Withnail and I is funny and nostalgic, like an onion revealing new things each time you watch it. There is a big personal resonance highlighting that life rarely is how you planned and envisaged when you were much younger. But equally it shows that if you don’t step up and take responsibility for your life decisions, you will eventually get left behind. 

Something to read:

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a beautifully written, thought-provoking, moving piece of literature that captured my attention from the first page. I couldn’t put it down.

Something to listen to:

Music brings me such joy andRachmaninoff ’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor is one of the best pieces ever composed, both for the pianist in me and for the wonderful clarinet melody for the clarinettist in me.

I am not big into radio, beyond listening to music and sports commentary on international cricket and rugby matches. But, thinking about it, Desert Island Discs is something I used to listen to a lot. It is great for getting an insight into people’s music taste and life, listening to music excerpts and finding new pieces to enjoy at your leisure.

Rajesh Gupta, chief financial officer at OakNorth, shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

The Train starring Burt Lancaster is an incredibly suspenseful movie based on the Second World War. It demonstrates great values of bravery, loyalty , intellect and commitment to freedom.

Something to read:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: apart from its literary merits, this book has become even more relevant in today’s day and age.

Something to listen to:

I grew up in India and the songwriter Gulzar was behind much of the music that I still enjoy. He made high-quality poetry and melody accessible in the whirlpool of highly commercial Bollywood musicals.

I recommend BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs simply because of the really smart people they invite on to the show. And the discussions are always down to earth and smart at the same time.

Louisa Nie, senior development manager at Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

A few films come to mind, but I would go for Big Fish. It might be a slightly weird fantasy, but depending on where I am with my life, I could take away something new every time I watch it.

Something to read:

The Century Trilogy by Ken Follett takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the 20th century, experiencing history vividly through the eyes of five very different families.

Something to listen to:

I’m not a big music person, but music from the Irish-Norwegian band Secret Garden always calms my mind and soothes me.

TED Talks are a great way to take a sneak peek into areas that you know very little about!

Chithra Marsh, associate director at Buttress Architects and one of Women in Property’s new Inclusion Champions, shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

The cinematography and music of Giuseppe Tornatore’s film Cinema Paradiso are just beautiful and totally captivating.

Something to read:

I recommend the novel The Famished Road by Ben Okri, which was published in 1991.

Something to listen to:

My husband and daughter will tell you that I love to sing and dance like no one’s watching. ‘Respect’ by Aretha Franklin usually does the trick!

Also, Desert Island Discs is the perfect mixture of amazing life stories and the music that influenced them. 

Nikhil Patel, managing director of Flamingo Investment Group shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

I have recently been watching the TV drama Billions. It follows the story of a New York-based hedge-fund manager battling to keeping his firm alive. It is great to see how it portrays the lives of the 0.1% of society and that even with all the riches of the world, life is still not plain sailing.

Something to read:

My favourite book in recent years is Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike. The book outlines how he started Nike and how it grew into the most recognisable athleisure brand today. Hearing the adversity that a company like Nike faced was a fascinating look into what is needed to succeed.

Something to listen to:

The Business Wars podcast from Wondery is something I have been listening to recently. It compares business competitors and the battle they face against each other to increase their market share. The stories it uncovers provide great insight into the world of large corporations.

Yemi Edun, founder and chief executive of Daniel Ford International shares some of his cultural recommendations:

Something to read:

I recommend The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason and The Money Secret by Rob Parsons. The former because of its simplicity and how, despite the fact it was first published in 1926, its contents are still relevant today. The latter because it is more relevant to our lives in the UK. 

Something to listen to:

I listen primarily to jazz and Afrobeats. Jazz because it is calming, and Afrobeats because it is nice to hear the younger guys broadening its appeal.

I also recommend the radio station talkSPORT, chiefly for their opinions that run contrary to reality. It is a time for me to enjoy their understanding – or lack of it – on matters being debated.

Kate James, an associate at TLT shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

The American drama series The Wire is an oldie but a goodie!

Something to read:

The type of books I enjoy most are those that completely immerse you and you can read again and again and never tire of. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is one of those books and every time I read it, I remember how much I love it.

Something to listen to:

The album Stoosh by Skunk Anansie reminds me of my teenage years. Every song is one you can crank up the volume to in the car and sing as loudly as you can. Nearly 24 years after being released, I still love it every time I play it, although I now listen on Spotify and not on CD.

I love a comedy podcast and Katherine Ryan: Telling Everybody Everything perfectly encapsulates some very funny moments alongside some serious topics of conversation. It is light-hearted, funny and easy listening, and also addresses some issues that people are afraid to talk about, which I really admire.

Arya Taware, managing director and founder of FutureBricks shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

Secretariat, directed by Randall Wallace, is a film drama about grit in the horse-racing industry, with a lead female character who was able to overcome the challenges of a male-dominated world.

Something to read:

I recommendLet It Go: My Extraordinary Story by Dame Stephanie Shirley for its amazing life journey of an inspiring character who came to England as a Jewish refugee and started her own software company in the 1960s as a computer engineer. The concept of shared ownership – with many female CEOs having found their place at her multinational corporation – is admirable. 

Something to listen to:

The Ikonns podcast uncovers inspiring life journeys through guest interviews. They are uplifting and eye-opening. I particularly liked the episode ‘Overcoming All Odds to Success with Susie Ma of Tropic Skincare’.

I love the song ‘Endless’ by Mark Eliyahu for its blending of instruments and futuristic electronics. 

Sarah Hayford, f ounder of The Land Collective and Sqft Digital, shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

Everyone needs to watch the US TV drama Scandal at some point in their lives. It is a brilliant show full of drama, darkness and, of course, scandal! I always love political dramas and really get into them.

Something to read:

Philosophy was one of my favourite subjects at school and Westworld is one TV show that really made me start ‘thinking’ again. So, I got a book about it – Westworld and Philosophy: If You Go Looking for the Truth, Get the Whole Thing. It is quite reflective and has a range of essays about the series that are quite interesting.

Something to listen to:

This week I’ve been listening on repeat to the album Con Todo El Mundo by American band Khruangbin. It calms me down and makes me feel very reflective.

I am a big music lover and the music and pop-culture podcast Don’t Alert the Stans talks about a range of issues across the industry. I love the authenticity of the podcast as well as its humour and critical insights, which make you view things from different perspectives and even challenge your own. It has everything!

Shabnam Ali-Khan, s enior associate at Russell-Cooke, shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

I have been watching the new series of The Million Pound Cube on ITV. I find it so gripping and exciting. It is interesting to see people working together, plus there are heartwarming stories about what people want to use the money for.

Something to listen to:

The Beatles are one of my favourite bands. They have many brilliant tracks but ‘In My Life’ is one of my all-time favourites. John Lennon had a beautifully chilling voice and the song is a wonderful blend of sadness with a positive message.

I regularly listen to The News Quiz on BBC Radio 4. It is a fun look at the week’s news. I’m enjoying Andy Zaltzman as the new presenter. He is a great comedian and I like his surreal nature. I also love Mark Steel and am always very excited when he is on.

Something to read:

I found Matt Haig’s book Reasons to Stay Alive so relatable. I have struggled with anxiety and bouts of depression throughout my life, and it shed a light on the issue and how it can be navigated. It also gives hope that there are things you can do to still have a great life, and that you are not alone. 

Lerato Marema, s enior planner at Deloitte, shares some of her cultural recommendations:

Something to watch:

Life is a BBC drama that covers the lives of four ordinary Mancunians who all live in one building. While separate, their lives intertwine and unravel, revealing each person’s life challenge and how they overcome it; from marriage and divorce to birth and death – it covers it all. As it is filmed in Manchester, I also loved being able to pick out all the locations around the city I usually walk around. The series is available to watch on iPlayer. 

Queen & Slim is a profound film about race relations in America with a focus on police brutality, which is clearly still a major challenge. It is directed and produced by two women – Melina Matsoukas and Lena Waithe. I just love how this story is told honestly but somehow still manages to be a beautiful, heartfelt piece of cinematography, from the music chosen to the main actor and actress (who are both black Brits) . A must-see for everyone.

The Netflix documentary series Chef’s Table is about incredible chefs from all over the world. I definitely live to eat, so I found all the background stories of each chef, their passion for food and their expression of life through each dish to be truly amazing.

Property Week chief investigative reporter Mitchell Labiak recommends some of his favourite vinyl records. 

The Score by Fugees: rappers such as north London’s Little Simz still compare themselves to Lauryn Hill. One listen to Fugees’ 1996 album, which is as fierce, witty and innovative now as it was then, will show you why.

Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen: the album that sounds the least like Springsteen’s others and yet is quite possibly his best. Songs like ‘Atlantic City’ and ‘Johnny 99’ alone make this haunting, raw and brave record a must-listen for any fan of The Boss.

The Voice of Jazz, Volume Two by Billie Holiday: they say you never forget your first. After being given a vinyl player as a gift, my wife and I picked up this record from an Oxfam shop in Durham. Lady Day’s heartbreakingly sincere voice has been the soundtrack to our lives ever since.

Run the Jewels 3 by Run the Jewels: “I hope. I hope with the highest of hopes,” raps Killer Mike on the opening track of this loud, angry, poignant modern hip-hop classic. Radical hope in the face of mass injustice defines this album.

Sadie Morgan, founding director of architecture practice dRMM and chair of the Quality of Life Foundation, shares her recommendations for what to watch, read and listen to.

Lockdown has given many people the time to appreciate old vinyl records. Mat Lown, partner and head of sustainability at TFT, shares four of his favourite vinyl records.

3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul: A pioneering and highly original LP when it was released in 1989. It still sounds fresh today and includes lots of catchy samples from Hall & Oates, James Brown and Cymande.

You Only Live Twice (soundtrack): I found this LP, which was released in 1967, and many others – including a couple of rare Gil Scott-Heron LPs – during one of my trips to the States. I love John Barry’s composition and Nancy Sinatra’s haunting vocals on the theme track.

‘Glory Box’ by Portishead: Taken from their debut LP Dummy, ‘Glory Box’ was released in 1995. I first heard this record at the restaurant Jimmy Beez, which was opposite one of my favourite record stores in London, Honest Jon’s, where James Lavelle worked before setting up Mo’ Wax.

‘Loveless (feat. Ursula Rucker)’ by 4hero: The lyrics to this song, released on Talkin’ Loud in 1997, are very relevant today as we focus on rectifying the damage done to our environment and try to build a better future for our world. 

Other:

Last week, Derek Griffin, Whitbread’s head of acquisitions in London and the South, shares four vinyl lockdown purchases. 

‘Let Your Yeah Be Yeah’ by The Pioneers: A joyous splash of horn-infused reggae written, produced and performed by Jimmy Cliff. Released on the famous Trojan label, it reached no. 5 on the UK singles chart in 1971 and still sounds fresh as a daisy! Lovely label art, too.

‘Dominoes’ by Donald Byrd: The amazing bassline on this track from Donald Byrd’s 1975 album Places and Spaces is almost identical to Steely Dan’s ‘Peg’. That’s because it’s by the same man – Chuck Rainey. Eighty years young and such a legacy. What a groove!

‘The Night’ by The Four Seasons: Quite simply one of the greatest records ever made. Originally released in 1972, it became a hit on its re-release three years later, following massive popularity on the Northern Soul scene. Much sought-after and therefore still quite pricey on vinyl!

‘Emotional Rescue’ by The Rolling Stones: This is the Stones at their funkiest. Released 40 years ago but still sounds fresh. A great single and also the title track to their 15th studio album.

TV recommendations

Netflix’s Selling Sunset is the show to watch for all property folk enjoying some downtime. The series follows the Los Angeles-based real estate Oppenheim Group and the drama facing the brokers selling properties, which range in value from a few million dollars all the way up to $75m. It is pure property porn. Series three came out at the end of last month.

A double-trouble version of the daytime TV classic, Couples Come Dine With Me is as raucous and cringeworthy as its ‘singles’ counterpart. In the Channel 4 show, three couples host dinner parties at their homes, before being criticised by their guests. Expect plenty of one-upmanship, deadpan voice-overs and dad jokes. So many dad jokes.

Budget documentary Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles explores the mystery of handmade linoleum tiles inscribed with cryptic messages that were found embedded in the pavements of US cities and tries to find out who put them there. It is one of the most mysterious, life-affirming films to have been circulated via hyperlink.

The third series of Gone Fishing is airing on BBC2 at the moment (8pm Sundays), and you can catch up on the first two series of this brilliant TV show featuring comedians Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer on iPlayer. As the title suggests, the show is about fishing, but it is also about friendship and mortality, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful British countryside. 

Trashy reality TV is all the rage and 90 Day Fiancé is no different. The US series follows engaged couples who must get married within three months of the non-US citizen in the pair obtaining a visa. Long-distance relationships plus family disapproval equals messy drama and a must-watch. All seven series are available on TLC.

Anyone who hasn’t watched The Big Short is missing out. It shows the cut and thrust of business and finance without glamorising it, telling the true story of one of the most dramatic periods in the past decade. It has elements of comedy, incredulity and pathos. The cast is excellent and the story closely matches Michael Lewis’s brilliant book.

Comedy-drama Succession, about a dysfunctional family fighting for control of its global media empire, features many colourful characters driven by greed, power and revenge. Both seasons are available to watch on Sky TV. 

Strike a pose and watch Ryan Murphy’s moving, exhilarating drama series Pose. Set in the underground drag ballroom world of 1980s New York City, the show is a must-watch for fans of voguing and the documentary Paris is Burning. Both series are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

If you are looking for an inspiring watch during lockdown then war film Darkest Hour about Winston Churchill’s time as prime minister during the Second World War should fit the bill. It demonstrates the merits of teamwork and sticking to one’s principles. It is available to watch on Netflix. 

Looking for a TV show that combines period dramas, The Walking Dead and beautiful cinematography? Look no further than Kingdom. Set in the late-1500s, this South Korean political horror thriller follows the crown prince as he uncovers a devastating political conspiracy while investigating the spread of a mysterious plague. All 12 episodes are available to watch on Netflix.

Pixar’s latest offering, Onward, which bypassed cinemas due to lockdown, is a warm-hearted tale of magical quests, familial loss and sibling love – with enough knowing adult-appropriate side jokes to keep the parents entertained. And it makes a welcome change from Frozen.

The Last Dance, a documentary about American basketball player Michael Jordan, is fascinating. For all Jordan’s ubiquitousness in the 90s, this is a rarer insight behind the public persona – into what drove him, who he is and why he was so bankable. It is worth a watch for the 90s fashion and technology alone. You can find it on Netflix. 

My Architect: A Son’s Journey is an extraordinarily moving documentary film by Nathaniel Kahn about his father, the legendary American architect Louis Kahn, who died in 1974. The film is available to watch online.

In The Kindness Diaries on Netflix, host Leon Logothetis travels the world relying on the kindness of strangers for bed and board and repaying them in kind. It shines a light on the best of human nature and helped inspire CBRE’S ‘kindness pledges’ idea. In times when we are separated from those we care about, we think this is more important than ever.

Music recommendations

LA sister-band Haim’s third studio album Women in Music Pt. III combines pop with folksier 1970s tones. In their most personal songs yet, they sing about family, misogyny and depression. But the best thing is just how catchy it all is.

Four-time Grammy winner Jacob Collier started out as a bedroom musician uploading videos to YouTube of his rearrangements of popular songs. His extraordinary ability to harmonise meant it was not long before he was signed to Quincy Jones’ management company. Volume three of his Djesse album series was released in August.

Putting the rest of us to shame, Taylor Swift wrote her eighth album,folklore, during lockdown. Harking back to her origins as a country singer, this album is a cosy, autumnal listen, filled with nostalgia and storytelling. It might be her best album yet.

Screaming Toenail describe themselves as an “anti-colonial militant queer punk band”. In new lockdown release Growth, the band touches on personal and political topics. It is worth a listen, especially if you are angry at the system. Listen via Bandcamp.

Canadian singer-songwriter Ruth B. has a beautiful voice that stirs the emotions, which is shown to great effect on the song ‘Lost Boy’. The track is available on Spotify and other music-streaming platforms.

After a 10-year hiatus, Damon Gough – AKA Badly Drawn Boy – makes a welcome return with new album Banana Skin Shoes. The singer-songwriter’s latest offering is packed with upbeat, life-affirming songs such as ‘Is This a Dream?’ The album is available to download or, alternatively, the physical CD can be purchased from all good music retailers. 

It is always interesting to reconnect with the music of one’s youth. Lately, I have been listening to the records of British singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading, whose music I first discovered while studying for an estate management degree at Trent Polytechnic. It has been great to have more time to listen to her albums again. Find her music on Spotify.

For those who have never heard of American singer Perfume Genius, now is the time to get acquainted with his dreamy vocals set to bold instrumentals. With his latest stunner of an album, Set My Heart on Fire Immediately, he is finally attaining the mainstream recognition he deserves.

London jazz musician Jelly Cleaver has released a gently woozy track during lockdown called Feeling Fine, featuring rapper Shunaji and saxophonist Maddy Coombs. Cleaver is in lockdown with her whole band, so fingers crossed she produces more music over the coming months. 

‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman is one of the biggest feel-good songs of recent years. It brings together a deeper meaning of compassion and kindness and encourages everyone to bring their whole self, not just their best self. When this song is on, you cannot help but move your feet, tap your fingers and get involved with the beats.

Culture

It might seem basic but study app Quizlet is a reliable tool for learning languages – or indeed anything at all. With millions of user-generated flashcards along with tests and games, it is the perfect place to brush up on your Mandarin or learn a bit of Italian. 

Although many of the world’s most famous museums are shut for the foreseeable future, Google Arts and Culture collection allows viewers to take virtual tours of leading institutions. Here the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Guggenheim Museum in New York, Musee d’Orsay in Paris, and many more, can be viewed from the comfort of your couch. This huge project displays a wide range of art and artefacts from Egyptian mummies through to Vermeer’s atmospheric domestic interiors (particularly apt for these strange times) 

In the face of theatre and venue closures many are also moving their performances online. New York’s Metropolitan Opera will be streaming shows every night at 7.30 EDT, which will be accessible until 3.30 EDT the next day

Shakespeare’s Globe has many of the classics on Globe Player, while video platform Nowness contains a diverse array of global arts and culture.

In many ways the release of the 900-page final instalment of Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell trilogy couldn’t have been better timed. Spend what would otherwise have been your commute getting into the ‘The Mirror & the Light’ and the deadly intrigues of Henry VIII’s court in the wake of the execution of his second wife, Anne Boleyn.

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