A more diverse and equitable real estate industry is vital if we are to make our sector more inclusive, reflective of London’s diversity and, ultimately, more successful: attracting new ideas, skills and perspectives into property and placemaking.
This International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we are showcasing the immense and varied contributions women are making to London’s built environment, exploring their experiences of working in the sector and sharing their advice on how to develop a career in the industry.
1. What is your current role and what are you most proud of achieving?
I am a Senior Development Manager at Landsec working on commercial development projects in central London. Day-to-day, my role is varied but includes having oversight of development projects right from the start, at site acquisition, through the planning process and ultimately delivering the project on site.
Submitting a major planning application always feels like a real achievement! Making sure that the project can deliver a range of public benefits while meeting market expectations and policy requirements is a careful balancing act that must be navigated during this process. It is definitely a proud moment reflecting on what you and the team have created together and I feel lucky to be able to shape small parts of how our city evolves.
I try to look back every six months and if I’m doing something now that I didn’t think I could do then, I’m moving in the right direction!
2. What has been your experience as a woman developing her career in the real estate sector?
Whilst there have been huge strides in recent years to improve the gender imbalance in many respects, it is still a male dominated industry. I am very often the only woman in the room, which can feel isolating, especially early on in your career. I remind myself that bringing a different perspective is what adds value and my diverse thoughts and opinions matter – but it has taken me some time to feel confident in that!
I’ve been fortunate over my career to be surrounded by very supportive managers and colleagues, both male and female, who have pushed me beyond my comfort zone and given me the space to learn and grow.
3. Do you have any advice for women starting their careers in the real estate sector?
When I first started my career as a graduate, I was involved with a number of women’s networks which helped me connect with likeminded peers. Mentorship and coaching has been instrumental to my development, helping me to map out my career goals, and is something I would really recommend. If there is someone you look up to, reach out to them, even if it’s just for a one-off chat – sometimes one small piece of advice can really change your perspective.
Making connections with other women and seeing successful female role models is invaluable, but it is also helpful to remember that everyone experiences career challenges and moments of self-doubt, not just women!
4. How has NextGen helped you develop in your career?
Being part of the CPA NextGen over the past couple of years has helped me expand my network and given me opportunities to raise my profile across the industry.
If you can, say yes to opportunities when they arise as you never know where they might lead.
Further reading:
Podcast: Shaping London – The Women Who Define Our Spaces
Blog: ‘Equality versus equity’
Video: International Women’s Day 2022: London Property Alliance
Guidebook: Diversifying Real Estate Guidebook: Gender
Blog: Gender diversity in the real estate sector by Sue Brown
