Q) Why do you think awards like this are important for the industry?

A) Awards like this play an important part in ensuring that the property industry not just recruits the best talent regardless of their background or characteristics but also retains and ensures progression of the best talent. This objective can only be achieved if those currently within the industry and those who might possibly consider the industry as a future career see that it is inclusive, and are inspired by some of the great career stories in this instance of women not just making it to top in their sector but at the same time giving back to help others achieve future career success.

The phrase “you cannot be what you cannot see” can sometimes affect those persons whose characteristics and/or background is not fully represented at top levels in an industry. Awards like this play an important part in trying to reduce the chances of this phrase deterring possible future entrants and/or current entrants from looking to make a career in property.

Q) Beyond individual success, how much weight do you give to those who are actively lifting others up or mentoring the next generation?

A) I personally give great weight to those who aside from individual success are also actively lifting others up or mentoring the next generation. This is probably because one of my favourite quotes in life/my career is something Michelle Obama once said which was “When you’ve worked hard, and done well and walked through that doorway of opportunity.. you do not slam it behind you.. you reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.”

Q) Why is it so important for women to nominate themselves or their peers?

A) It is important to ensure that women in the property industry place proper value on what they and their peers are achieving in the industry and are not afraid for these successes to be celebrated. This also assists in trying to create what I would term a circle of success i.e. being inspired to constantly aim for the highest objectives/standards by seeing peers with that type of mindset.