Riverstone's Remarkable Women
Gerry Copley-Smith, Duty Manager
You interact with residents every day. What makes the Riverstone community feel special to you?
Riverstone isn’t just a residence, it’s a community built on respect, independence and shared life experience. Our residents have lived extraordinary lives, many of whom are creative entrepreneurs parents and pioneers in their own right. Everyday I’m inspired by their stories there is something incredibly powerful about working in an environment where people over 65 are not slowing down. It feels really special to me because it’s personal. I know all my residents on a first name basis, their life stories and what matters to them. For me, you can feel this the moment you walk through the door.
Can you share a memorable moment where you felt you made a real difference to a resident’s day?
A resident moved in who looked very sad and lonely for the first couple of weeks of moving in. I was asked by a member of the sales team to sit and have lunch with her what was meant to be a brief time spent we ended up with a conversation lasting 3 hours. We spoke about her career her travels her late husband and generally what life was like for her. At the end of our conversation, she told me that for the first time she felt not just seen but heard. The next day she came down and joined one of our events and since then, which was two years ago, she has become a vital part of the Riverstone Club.
What does a typical day as a Riverstone concierge look like, and what do you enjoy most about it?
No two days are ever the same and that’s what I love most. A typical day involves overseeing the smooth running of reception: supporting residents with everything from arranging transport bookings, hotels and travel plans to coordinating housekeeping maintenance. It could also include welcoming their guests valet parking and ensuring the building feels comfortable and warm. More importantly, though, it’s about noticing when they just want to come and have a cup of tea and a friendly chat.
Tell me about your career so far, and what brought you to Riverstone?
My background is quite varied but mostly rooted in the hospitality industry. I have been in retail management and a personal assistant but first and foremost a mother to my wonderful daughter Rebecca. I joined Riverstone four years ago after being a PA for an amazing woman who was an author and still writing books at the age of 96 years old. Sadly after her death at the age of 103 the opening of Riverstone came up and it appealed to me because of its sense of community for people over the age of 65. I saw an opportunity to contribute something purposeful. Over the past four years I have developed my leadership skills and recently been promoted to Duty Manager.
What does being part of a team led by inspiring women mean to you?
It means everything. I work within a team led by strong, capable women with vision which in turn creates ambition. Seeing women in leadership roles normalises success. It’s really empowering work in a space where women uplift one another it shows that authority can be compassionate and emotionally intelligent.
As a successful woman yourself, what do you think makes Riverstone a fantastic choice for fellow successful women looking to be fulfilled in their next chapter of living?
I am at an age where retirement is not far off and Riverstone understands that successful women don’t stop being ambitious, curious or independent at 65. Many of our female residents have built careers, raised families, led companies and shaped communities when they move here they’re not stepping back they are choosing a life of travel, friendships and new pursuits.
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