EDITOR’S COMMENT Sometimes I get really disheartened by the property industry, but sometimes I feel so overwhelmingly proud of the people in this sector, so inspired by them and so hopeful for its future, it’s hard to put into words. One of those times was Wednesday 6 October at about 7pm, when we hosted the finale of EG’s second Future Female Leaders event.
Just like the first event, this FFL extravaganza was a knockout hit featuring nine phenomenal women who absolutely nailed it. They moved the audience (and me) to laughter and tears. They inspired us. They motivated us. They educated us and they informed us.
These nine women showcased just how much talent there is in the real estate sector and they underlined, nine times, just how much change the industry – and every single person in it – can bring about.
All nine talks filled me with pride and joy and had me nodding along ferociously, laughing out loud or quietly wiping a tear from my eye. You can watch them all yourself here. But I wanted to use this moment to give you an insight into what I took away from each and what I hope you will too.
DLA Piper’s Katie Jacobson told us to be more lobster. She reminded us that the greatest achievements come after intense periods of pressure. And that comfort, as lovely as it feels, doesn’t force change. This industry is going through its uncomfortable period, we’re having difficult conversations around diversity and inclusion, we’re undergoing massive technological shifts. It’s hard sometimes, but when we come out the other side, when we cast off our shell and grow a new one, we’ll be better for it.
Willmott Dixon Interiors’ Sarah Bissessar reminded us that we are not all the same. That one size never fits all and nor should it. We need to embrace difference – particularly in construction – if we are serious about attracting and retaining the very best talent.
With not for. Three small words had a massive impact as Foster + Partners’ Suzan Ucmaklioglu revealed how proper thought and understanding enable more inclusive design for those less physically able. A speech that focused on disability but impacted so much more. With not for. Separate is not equal.
Nuveen’s Natasha Trathen made a passionate case for why impact investing just be what the investment community does. Imagine a real estate industry, and the billions of pounds that go with it, being focused on the impact it has? Wouldn’t that be a wonderful sector to work in?
When it comes to things to be proud of, Cluttons’ Lucy Whitfield was desperate to be able to stand with her head held high and say, “I’m a surveyor”. So she’s taking action herself. Frustrated with the RICS she has become an APC assessor and is working hard to lead by example and bring back the passion for the profession.
For Dandara’s Zoe Sharpe that passion needs to be ignited early. Really early. The children of today are tomorrow’s future leaders. And, added Grosvenor’s Nicola Rochfort, if you want to deliver places that are future-proofed, the voice of the young is vital. It’s time to stop focusing on the overly vocal older generation and start giving a say to the next generation.
We’ve devoted pages of EG to the future of work, but Savills’ Davina Clowes brought clarity to the dangers and opportunities that a hybrid future brings in just 10 minutes.
It is often said that real estate is a people industry. But I’d propose that it has very rarely been a human industry. A powerful close to the evening came from Knight Frank’s Amanda Lim, who dared us to question the belief that “manning up” is what is needed to make it in business. Not so. She said there is power in vulnerability, in being human and showing your people, your business and the industry at large that you care.
I couldn’t agree more.
To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@eg.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @EGPropertyNews
