BETTER TOGETHER: The Importance of Building Strong Female Relationships in Property
In honour of International Women’s Day, Director of Somerset Estates Property Management, Philippa Somerset, and Property Manager, Rachel Milliams celebrate the importance and success of women in property.
Surrounding yourself with leaders has always been a golden rule in business, and this month in particular, we want to emphasise the role of female entrepreneurs in property, and look at how widening our professional circle increases our own abilities to succeed in the industry.
Women in property and construction are constantly growing in their roles, within companies, as individuals, and as a gender group within a traditionally male-dominated field. This past year has reminded us all of both the impact and importance of togetherness, a lesson that applies to the property market and specifically to female professionals.
Ultimately, the sky is the limit in terms of what we can give and gain from forming a solid and ever-expanding network. Whilst in an ideal world this network would be equal parts men and women, we still have a long way to go before attaining a perfect balance within the property and construction industries. But we want to see this as more than just a challenge: rather, it is an exciting opportunity for female entrepreneurs to make prominent strides towards achieving gender parity in the residential field.
From female community leaders to community newcomers, exchanging stories is just as important as exchanging ideas. It’s the “How did you get to where you are now?” that ultimately brings meaning to the “What do you do?” We have all entered the property industry with different areas of focus, approaches, goals, points of view and experiences. Some clients and mantras share common points, while others contrast significantly. And whilst we might all bring different ideas to the boardroom, learning to think outside the box while balancing creativity and strategy involves a lot of listening.
Sharing your stories and hearing about others’ experiences in turn is an experience in itself. Ultimately, we become well-rounded by having an accessible map of different routes both to and throughout the property industry – some that we have taken, some that others have paved, and some that are still in the works. Whilst women in the property industry have all experienced different challenges – some that we are still navigating and some that we have overcome – choosing to see obstacles as necessary character-building, learning experiences, is paramount in order to grow together and embrace our future with full force.
Gender diversity in real estate is not only essential from an inclusive point of view; it is also key to the success and growth of the industry. In building relationships with professionals based on a mutual focus on property, we expand our access to a diverse pool of leaders, and are thus continuously exposed to different perspectives and talents that strengthen teams and ultimately increase sales. Simply put, the success of women in property means the success of the industry itself.
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