The first of a series of networking events designed to connect, inspire and empower women in the traditionally male dominated real estate industry will be held in Sydney on October 21.
The inaugural Catch up with the (property) girls event, sponsored by Realestate.com.au is the brainchild of Laing+Simmons Managing Director Leanne Pilkington and is designed to provide support and a sense of community for women across all facets of the industry.
According to Ms Pilkington, the initiative is about providing a forum for like-minded women to communicate problems or challenges they are experiencing, workshop solutions and simply encourage each other to achieve their career goals in an open and collaborative environment.
It’s an idea that has been brewing for a number of years, she said.
“It’s no secret that the real estate industry, like many others, is predominantly comprised of men. However there are so many talented women working in real estate, across all specialties and in junior, middle management and senior roles,” Ms Pilkington said.
“This initiative is about women supporting, encouraging and inspiring each other to succeed in an industry traditionally seen as a bit of a man’s world.
“Over the years I have had many conversations with women at different stages of their careers and a common perception is that there is a lack of leadership and strong women role models in real estate.
“This need not be the case and it’s time we set about changing this perspective,” she said.
The Catch up with the (property) girls event will be held on October 21 at Tank Stream Bar in Sydney. The event is open to all women in real estate and Ms Pilkington is encouraging women across the industry to spread the word.
In what is planned to be a series of networking events, Ms Pilkington said a competition will be held on the night to come up with a name for the group that best reflects the vision to connect, inspire and empower women in real estate.
“Rather than focusing on training or education, the principle behind this initiative is to provide a relaxed, supportive, open environment for women in property to collaborate and grow. It makes sense for the name to be a collaborative effort as well,” Ms Pilkington said.
“One of our key objectives will be to emphasise that women have every right to aim high, to achieve recognition in the upper echelons of the industry, and not to feel surprised if and when they achieve their goals.
“There are so many very talented women in this industry and it’s important they set ambitious goals. Instead of feeling surprised or even lucky to reach the top, women should encourage each other to realise they deserve the rewards their efforts have generated.
“Most people at some stage of their careers will experience uncertainty and feelings of insecurity, but in a male dominated industry like real estate, sometimes these insecurities can be amplified for women.
“We’re looking to build a supportive community for women in property to feel part of, draw strength from and ultimately, to help them overcome these challenges and achieve their desired success.
“This is why mentoring will form an important part of the initiative. Some women realise they could benefit from mentoring while others feel the drive to take on a mentoring role to give back to younger women coming through the ranks.
“We plan to establish a mentoring program to serve as a platform to link these women, creating new relationships and fostering a greater sense of community among women industry wide,” Ms Pilkington said.
Catch up with the (property) girls
WHEN: October 21st, 6.00 – 8.30pm
WHERE: Tank Stream Bar – 1 Tank Stream Way, Sydney
COST: $50 per person (includes canapes and champagne on arrival)
