Casserly, 38, is group head of residential - affordable at EC Harris

What has been the hardest challenge you have faced to get to where you are now?

Without a doubt both the aggressive onset of the credit crunch and subsequent recession have been the most challenging aspects of my career to date. As the economic cycle entered the recession, the competition became terrifically fierce and the need to develop new and innovative service offerings, even more quickly than before, was paramount to beating the market. However, I do feel that the subsequent honing of skills (in turning adversity into opportunity) will stand me in good stead for the next stage of my career.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

I would like to think that I will still be carrying out specialist and intriguing assignments for clients, working with them to deliver affordable homes and creating genuine community benefit, but hopefully at a slightly slower pace than now!

Where do you see the construction industry going in the next year, three years and decade?

I think the next year is going to continue to be difficult for the industry with few major contracts and schemes being developed. Our industry is still in transition, so in three years鈥� time we should be in a more stable environment, but one that鈥檚 very different from what we鈥檝e been used to in the past. In another decade, who really knows? One thing鈥檚 for sure, the industry will have had plenty more ups and downs, but hopefully more of the former than the latter.

What has been your career high point so far?

It is so difficult to choose just one. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career to date and genuinely love what I do and the people I have worked with along the way. Working in affordable housing means you can really make a difference to people鈥檚 lives, so each time I do that is a high.

And the low point?

The recent downturn in the economy and housing market and the industry-wide pain sustained, not only in monetary terms but the affect it has had on people鈥檚 lives.

Who is your hero?

My Dad.

If you could take one thing with you to a desert island, what would it be?

My fully loaded iPod.