From 5-year-old whale enthusiast to Sustainability Director: Why women are the architects of the new office.
To mark International Women's Day 2026, Shelborn Asset Management is proud to highlight the transformative impact of female leadership within the UK’s commercial property sector. Centred on the global theme of #GiveToGain, the firm is showcasing how its Director of Sustainability and Community, Laura McGrath, is redefining the value of office environments through radical empathy and environmental stewardship.
In an era where corporate success is measured not just by profit margins but by social conscience and environmental stewardship, women have emerged as the primary catalysts for change. They are the bridge-builders, the critical thinkers, and the community architects who are turning sterile office blocks into vibrant, living ecosystems.
Today, that narrative is shifting. As companies globally pivot toward Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, a new generation of female leaders is proving that the most successful workplaces are those that prioritize community, sustainability, and human connection.
At Shelborn Asset Management, this evolution is personified by Laura McGrath, the Director of Sustainability and Community. Her work is a testament to why female leadership is not just a diversity metric, but a strategic necessity for the modern asset.
Laura McGrath’s journey to the senior management team at Shelborn wasn't fuelled by a desire for corporate titles, but by a lifelong obsession with the natural world. In a recent profile for NCFE, she recalled being five years old and knowing the species of twenty different whales. This early passion for biodiversity has translated into a professional powerhouse role where she trades traditional corporate rigidity for "ever-growing green economies."
Since joining the team at Quorum Park in 2013, McGrath has been described as a "force of nature." Her philosophy is simple yet radical: sustainability isn't just a policy; it’s a culture.
"Give a girl a good dose of autonomy and an ever-growing green economy and, frankly, the sky's the limit," McGrath shared on social media, reflecting on her path.”
Laura’s impact on Shelborn Asset Management is visible in every corner of their portfolio. Under her guidance, the company has moved far beyond simple recycling bins. Her initiatives include:
The #QGrow Movement: Cultivating community gardens and allotments where office workers can swap keyboards for trowels, fostering mental well-being and biodiversity.
Active Travel Advocacy: Introducing Q Express Travel pass and Active travel initiatives alongside "Dripdrop" umbrella-sharing stations to encourage green travel, regardless of the Northeast weather.
Rewilding and Education: Leading "Carbon Literacy" training and rewilding strategies that bring nature back into urban spaces.
"Laura brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our senior management team," says Mark Rabinowitz, Director at Shelborn. "It’s critical that our growth is delivered in a way that is both sustainable and has a positive impact on our tenants. I’m confident Laura enables us to do that."
The story of Laura McGrath is representative of a broader trend: Women are increasingly the ones driving the "S" and "E" in ESG. By focusing on the "human" side of asset management, they are creating workplaces where people actually want to be.
As Shelborn continues to expand its 2.5 million sq. ft. portfolio, McGrath’s goal remains clear: To prove that people, planet, and profit can coexist in perfect balance. In the modern office, it turns out the most valuable asset isn't the building itself—it's the community and the environment created within it.