Atterbury’s Management Services (AMS) has a new leader at the helm, and we sat down with Isel Barnard to learn more about her journey, vision, and what makes her tick. From Financial Manager to Managing Director, Isel’s story is one of growth, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
A Journey of Evolution
“My journey at Atterbury has been quite a ride,” Isel begins, reflecting on her path. “The most unexpected twist has been how much I’ve had to evolve with the company’s needs. At different times, my role has required different skill sets and leadership approaches. It’s a reminder that growth often comes from stepping into the unknown.”
Having witnessed the evolution of AMS from its inception, Isel emphasises the importance of understanding the past to navigate the future. “You must recognise where you’ve come from, and know where you want to end, to enable you to successfully navigate the journey in between,” she explains. “At Atterbury, I can see the value of a 30-year legacy built by founding fathers with a clear vision. It’s my dream to leave the same foundation and clear sense of purpose to the next Atterbury generation.”
Embracing Challenges and Opportunities
Taking on the combined role of Finance and Property Management was a significant step in Isel’s career. “I’ve always believed that growth comes from embracing challenges,” she shares. “Merging finance and property management gave me a broader perspective on the business and pushed me to develop new skills. Through this, I discovered how much I enjoy problem-solving on a strategic level and that adaptability is one of my greatest strengths.”
Now, as Managing Director, Isel is keenly focused on the opportunities presented by the evolving commercial property market. “We’re set to experience a dynamic and transformative year,” she observes. “The resurgence in Gauteng and the Western Cape, driven by urban regeneration and the appeal of mixed-use precincts, aligns perfectly with Atterbury’s expertise. Our focus is to capitalise on these opportunities for value creation on the asset management side.”
Isel’s excitement for this new chapter is palpable. “With the current market sentiment and opportunities in mind, I’m eager to continue evolving AMS into a forward-thinking, solutions-driven business,” she states. “There’s immense potential in leveraging technology to streamline operations, enhance reporting, and ultimately add value for our stakeholders.”
A key part of this evolution is Atterbury’s digital transformation strategy. “We’ve already begun implementing MRI PMX, a unified ERP platform designed to optimize financial management, property operations, and strategic planning,” Isel explains. “But our digital roadmap extends beyond ERP. We’re actively exploring automation initiatives using RPA (Robotic Process Automation) and AI-driven analytics to further improve efficiency and decision-making. This technological advancement will allow us to respond to opportunities more effectively and enhance our overall service delivery.”
This focus on technology and strategic growth underscores Isel’s vision for AMS as a leader in the industry, poised to capitalize on the changing landscape of commercial property.
Balancing Life and Leadership
Work-life balance is crucial for Isel. “I enjoy living life with my ‘crowd’ (husband, three kids, and a golden retriever), spending time with family and friends, and running,” she says. “Finding balance is about being present in whatever you’re doing—whether that’s leading a team, training for a race, or simply enjoying a moment with loved ones.”
When asked what advice she’d give her younger self, Isel says, “Don’t fear change—it’s often where the best opportunities come from. Also, build relationships and stay open to learning from those around you. Some of the most valuable insights come from unexpected places.”
A Glimpse Beyond the Office
Beyond her professional life, Isel reveals a surprising hobby: “I enjoy jigsaw puzzles. It’s my guilty pleasure over December holidays. Starting off with 1,500 pieces scattered in chaos, assembling the framework, sorting the colours, and then eventually fitting each piece into the larger picture, gives me a great sense of enjoyment. A puzzle is just a colourful depiction of a problem-solving process. I apply the same thought process in addressing everyday challenges.”
If she could have any superpower related to her job, Isel chooses the ability to go back in time. “Not to change everything, but to refine decisions with the benefit of hindsight while keeping the present intact. In business, we often reflect on how we could have approached challenges differently, and having that ability to adjust past decisions while keeping progress moving forward would be invaluable.”
A Message to the Team
As she embarks on this new adventure, Isel has a clear message for the AMS team: “As a well-known quote from The Lord of the Rings says, ‘I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you.’ I believe that every team member has a responsibility to be the best version of themselves in their role, and my role is to support and empower them in that journey. Success is a shared effort, and the best results come when we collaborate, uplift one another, and strive for continuous improvement. The road ahead is exciting, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together as a team.”
Isel Barnard’s leadership promises a dynamic and innovative future for Atterbury’s Management Services. We look forward to seeing her vision unfold.
