Businessman Emile Salame co-founded the from-home bakery enterprise Sweet Act and is the owner of Cornerstone Asset Advisors, based in London. This independent real estate investment consultancy company helps its clients to find their perfect investment property. This process involves meeting with clients to gain an accurate picture of their requirements and advising them on the best strategy to tackle the market. From this point, the team will actively preview on and off-market properties, updating clients with a shortlist that falls within their requirement parameters. When it comes to the purchase itself, Cornerstone Asset Advisors will negotiate on behalf of their clients and liaise with solicitors, surveyors and agents to ensure the completion process runs as smoothly as possible.
Mr Salame is a graduate of Bayes Business School in London, from which he was awarded a master’s degree in finance in June 2007. The school (formerly named Cass) is part of City, University of London, and is located in the heart of the city. It offers transformative educational opportunities that teach students not only how to think but also how to make a difference. Over the next seven years following his graduation, Mr Salame worked in investment banking in London in two major banks before changing path in 2014 and deciding to establish his own company in the real estate sector.
In his leisure time, Mr Salame enjoys cooking for and with his family and watching football games and documentaries. As well as real estate portfolio management, his professional fields of interest include finance, catering management and hotel management.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day starts with a quick review of my tasks and priorities. I usually divide my work into time blocks to focus on specific projects. I also schedule small breaks to stay refreshed. To make my day productive, I focus on prioritizing tasks using a “most important task” approach, so I tackle most important items first. This keeps me on track.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by stepping back to keep my perspective clear and avoid getting bogged down in details. I then brainstorm and gather input to shape and refine the concept. I next break it into manageable tasks with clear objectives. I remain open minded and get feedback allowing for adjustments. Ultimately, I focus on executing the plan efficiently while staying open to any necessary changes.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly innovations. Although progress is slower than we might hope, with efforts such as renewable energy solutions and cleaner products taking time to fully develop, it’s clear we’re on the right track. This shift towards sustainability is crucial and fosters creative solutions and new business models. I’m eager to see how these initiatives continue to evolve.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
A habit that keeps me productive is planning out my day the night before. It allows me to wake up with a clear direction and reduces decision fatigue in the morning. By knowing what my top priorities are, I can dive right into work without wasting time figuring out where to start.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to be patient and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. It’s important to understand that not every step is forward, and setbacks are part of growth. Also, I would advise my younger self to invest more in personal development and skill-building. I’ve learned that continuous learning and improving your skills pay off in the long run.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that while technology offers great advantages, it can sometimes undermine authentic human connections. In a world where digital communication is dominant, I think we often lose the depth and quality of face-to-face interactions. We should ensure we remain capable of independent thinking and not rely entirely on digital tools or be absorbed by it. Therefore one needs to actively allocate some time per week or per day without technology.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend taking regular short breaks from work. Whether it’s a short walk outside, a coffee with a friend, meditation or work out, these breaks refresh my perspective and boost productivity. I encourage others to incorporate similar breaks into their routine, as they can enhance creativity, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I pause and take a step back to gain perspective. I then break down my tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces, which makes them less daunting. This approach helps me stay focused and allows me to tackle each part with clarity. By addressing one small task at a time, I gradually make progress without feeling overloaded.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Professional development and networking are two of the most impactful strategies for career growth. By continually investing in my own learning and skill-building, I’ve stayed relevant in my field and positioned myself for new opportunities. Coupled with building genuine relationships with mentors, peers, and industry professionals, this focus on personal growth has opened doors to valuable collaborations and career advancement.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career I was spending too much time and energy on leads that ultimately weren’t serious. However, with time I learned the importance of setting boundaries and evaluating leads more critically. By learning to say no to less promising prospects, I was able to focus on more viable opportunities and manage my time and resources more effectively.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that’s indispensable for my productivity are search engines such as Google or others. While it might seem basic, it’s essential for conducting research and gathering information efficiently. Whether I’m searching for specific data, accessing academic articles, or finding relevant industry news, Google provides a vast array of resources and tools that streamline the research process. Its ability to quickly locate and organize information is crucial for staying informed and making well-supported decisions in my work.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Principles by Ray Dalio is a book I appreciate for its profound insights into achieving balance in life. Dalio shares the core principles that have shaped his successful career as an investor and entrepreneur. The book offers practical advice on decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational culture. Dalio’s focus on transparency and fostering an environment where mistakes can be openly discussed and learned from is particularly valuable. The structured approach to personal and professional development presented in this book is extremely useful and applicable.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Darkest Hour is a well-made and gripping historical movie. It also delivers a powerful message about determination in the face of challenging situations. Churchill’s unyielding resolve during Britain’s darkest moments highlights that even when the path forward seems close to impossible, standing firm and true to one’s core beliefs can lead to turning situations around. It is also a reminder that everyone faces challenging episodes in life, no journey is entirely smooth and straightforward.
Key learnings
- Prioritisation is essential: Focusing on the most important tasks first ensures productivity and keeps you on track.
- Invest in yourself: Invest in personal growth by continually building new skills and expanding your knowledge. It’s one of the most valuable long-term investments you can make
- Adaptability is key: Being able to learn from setbacks and adjust your approach helps navigate challenges effectively.
- Balance tech with offline time: While technology is a powerful tool, taking some time away from it encourages creativity, sharpens critical thinking, and helps you stay personally connected people.