From Law Aspirations to Real Estate Success
Richard Waind’s journey into real estate was not a planned one. Originally set on a career in law, he stumbled upon an advertisement in a newspaper that changed his life. The job offered an on-target earning (OTE) four times higher than what he was being offered as a trainee solicitor. The plan was simple—take the job for a year or two, save up, and go traveling. But real estate had other plans for him. Twenty-two years later, he remains deeply invested in the industry.
His father’s advice has been a guiding force throughout his career: “You can be successful at anything if you truly put your mind to it. But if you don’t, you’ll fail.” These words have driven him to outwork those around him, push boundaries, and keep moving forward.
More Than Just Properties – The People Behind the Deals
For Waind, real estate has always been more about people than just properties. He enjoys getting to know his clients, understanding their motivations, and helping them achieve their dreams. However, as he climbed the corporate ladder, his focus shifted towards mentoring young brokers. Today, he spends more time with his team members, guiding them in their careers, and helping them build confidence and success in the competitive real estate industry.
Climbing the Ranks: From Green Newbie to CEO
Success did not come easy. Entering a high-performing sales team as a rookie was daunting, and self-doubt was his biggest challenge. The first six months were tough, but with the help of his mentor and friend Alex, he learned the ropes. Together, they practiced sales calls on their way to work, refining his skills week by week. He was the first one in the office and the last to leave.
Confidence, he believes, comes from practice and improvement. The breakthrough came when he was promoted to his first leadership role within just 18 months. However, his proudest moment was becoming a director at one of London’s top estate agencies in his early 30s. He still remembers the joy of calling his parents to share the news when he first saw his business card with Director printed on it.
Leading Cencorp to New Heights
Stepping into the role of CEO at Cencorp in January has been his biggest achievement yet. Taking the helm of a company with a 40-year legacy in Dubai is both a privilege and a responsibility. His goal is to uphold the values and integrity that made Betterhomes a success while driving innovation in an ever-evolving market.
Embracing AI and Tech to Transform Real Estate
One of Waind’s major focuses today is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies into the real estate business. The industry is changing at an unprecedented pace, and those who embrace innovation will thrive. AI has the potential to enhance customer experiences, improve efficiency, and help brokers close more deals. While it may seem daunting, Waind sees it as an exciting opportunity to revolutionize the industry.
Lessons from Failures and Building Stronger Businesses
Success is never without setbacks. Over the past eight years, he has opened more than 15 companies—and closed a few of them. But he sees every failure as a lesson. Learning from mistakes has only made the remaining businesses stronger and more successful. Waind’s philosophy is simple: mistakes and failures are stepping stones to success. The key is to keep trying.
A Message to Aspiring Professionals
For those looking to succeed in real estate—or any industry—Waind has a piece of advice: Believe in yourself. Your biggest competition is not others; it’s yourself. Focus on personal growth rather than getting distracted by what others are doing. Consistency, hard work, and a willingness to learn will always pay off.
About Cencorp
Cencorp is the UAE’s leading real estate services group, covering real estate brokerage, consultancy, the built environment, and development. Leading businesses within Cencorp include Betterhomes, CRC, Octopus, DesignFit, Lindas Real Estate, OpenHub, and Redix.
As Waind continues to lead Cencorp into the future, his journey remains a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His story is one of resilience, passion, and the belief that with the right mindset, success is inevitable. Do follow him on Instagram.
