Ashley J Hawthorne did not discover real estate by accident. From a very young age, property was already part of his world. While most teenagers were focused on ordinary hobbies, Ashley was sketching homes, designing layouts, and even pricing properties for fun. Real estate was not just an interest, it was an obsession rooted in creativity and curiosity.
Growing up in Devon, England, Ashley took his first real step into the industry at just sixteen years old. He became an intern at his next door neighbour’s real estate company. This early exposure gave him something invaluable, real world insight. It showed him how deals were structured, how clients were handled, and how trust played a central role in property transactions. That experience did not intimidate him. It fuelled his determination to build a lifelong career in property.
What appealed to Ashley most was not just buildings, but people. Helping individuals find their dream home, their first property, or the place where they would start a family gave him a deep sense of fulfilment. From the beginning, real estate represented purpose rather than profit.
Ashley began his professional journey in his hometown of Torquay, Devon. Starting as an intern taught him humility, discipline, and patience. He learned to listen more than he spoke and to observe how experienced professionals handled pressure, negotiation, and rejection.
This early foundation shaped his mindset. He understood that success in real estate does not happen overnight. It is built through consistency, learning, and resilience. Those early years also reinforced a belief that effort matters more than titles. Whether answering phones or assisting with viewings, Ashley treated every task as an opportunity to learn.
Even at this stage, his ambition was clear. He did not want to simply work in real estate. He wanted to lead, build, and eventually run a firm of his own.
Ashley’s first major role came with Foxtons in London, one of the most prestigious and demanding real estate companies in the United Kingdom. Known for its high pressure environment and intense competition, Foxtons was a testing ground for anyone serious about property.
Ashley initially aspired to become a negotiator. However, management felt he was not ready. Instead, he was placed in a call centre sales role at their main office. For many, this would have felt like rejection or failure. For Ashley, it became motivation.
Rather than accepting limitations, he worked harder than ever. He focused on improving communication skills, understanding client psychology, and mastering sales processes. Every call was treated as a chance to prove his value. This period taught him a critical lesson that setbacks often redirect you toward growth.
After Foxtons, Ashley moved to a rival company, KFH. This transition marked a turning point in his career. With experience, hunger, and clarity, he quickly began to stand out.
At KFH, Ashley achieved what many professionals strive for but few accomplish. He won numerous awards for top performance, recognition that reflected not only his sales ability but also his work ethic and commitment to excellence.
This phase reinforced his belief that talent flourishes when paired with the right environment. It also strengthened his confidence as a leader and performer. Ashley was no longer just learning the industry. He was mastering it.
With years of experience in the United Kingdom, Ashley made one of the most defining decisions of his life. He moved to Dubai, a city known for ambition, growth, and opportunity. Dubai’s real estate market was fast paced, competitive, and constantly evolving. It was the perfect environment for someone driven by challenge and vision.
Twenty two years after starting as an intern, Ashley reached a milestone that once existed only in his imagination. He became the Managing Director of an up and coming real estate company in Dubai. This achievement was not accidental. It was the result of decades of persistence, learning, and leadership.
Living his dream, Ashley finally stood at the helm of a company, shaping strategy, building teams, and creating long term value.
Ashley has recently been appointed as Managing Director of LivSquared Properties. His role is both strategic and transformational. He has been tasked with scaling the company, implementing strong systems, and ensuring sustainable profitability.
His approach is clear. Growth must be intentional. Systems must be scalable. People must be empowered. Ashley believes that real success comes from building strong foundations rather than chasing short term wins.
At LivSquared Properties, he focuses on aligning culture with performance. He understands that a motivated and supported team delivers better results for clients and the business alike.
Alongside his leadership role, Ashley is building his personal brand, Your Real Estate COO. This platform is designed to support real estate companies and professionals who want to grow with structure and confidence.
Through this initiative, Ashley offers business consulting for real estate firms, one to one coaching for brokers, and corporate training for teams. His goal is to provide clarity, strategy, and support to those navigating the challenges of scaling in a competitive market.
This platform is especially valuable for new companies unsure of how to grow sustainably and for brokers seeking mentorship and professional development. Ashley’s experience allows him to guide others through real challenges with practical solutions.
Ashley strongly believes that empowered teams outperform solo heroes. His leadership philosophy is rooted in trust, accountability, and clear strategy. He focuses on hiring capable people, setting expectations, and allowing talent to thrive.
Over time, his focus has shifted toward culture, coaching, and long term value. He understands that numbers matter, but people matter more. When teams feel supported and aligned, results follow naturally.
This mindset has helped him build environments where individuals grow alongside the business. It is leadership with purpose rather than control.
Ashley’s long term vision extends beyond individual success. He wants to professionalise the Dubai real estate industry, raise ethical standards, and empower talent.
He believes that consistency, transparency, and integrity should define property transactions. By building scalable systems and investing in people, Ashley aims to change industry norms and create lasting impact.
He hopes to be remembered as a trusted leader who developed professionals, delivered consistent client value, and helped elevate the industry as a whole.
One of Ashley’s strongest beliefs is simple yet powerful. Trust the process. He firmly believes that everything works out when you stay focused and committed to the plan.
Throughout his journey, from being told he was not good enough to leading companies in Dubai, this belief has guided him. He understands that success is rarely linear, but persistence makes the difference.
Ashley’s story is proof that clarity, patience, and resilience can turn early setbacks into defining strengths.
Today, Ashley J Hawthorne stands as a source of inspiration for aspiring real estate professionals around the world. His journey reflects what is possible when passion meets discipline and vision meets action.
From a teenager drawing properties in Devon to a Managing Director shaping Dubai real estate, his story is built on courage, adaptability, and belief. Ashley continues to lead, coach, and inspire, proving that dreams backed by effort can become reality.
His journey is not just about real estate. It is about leadership, growth, and trusting yourself enough to keep moving forward even when the path feels uncertain.
Do follow him on Instagram.
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