Building More Than Spaces: Women in Property and the Power of Mentorship
For the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of being a mentor in the UDIA Victoria Mentoring Program, and I’m excited to be involved again in 2025. Every year, this experience reaffirms something I’ve long believed: mentorship isn’t just a nice-to-have in our industry – it’s essential. It’s about giving back, paying it forward, and ensuring the next generation of property leaders have the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive.
And it’s something I never had but desperately needed.
The property industry, at its core, is about building – spaces, experiences, and communities. But it’s also about building careers, networks, and legacies.
That’s why mentorship, sponsorship, and good old-fashioned lifting each other up matter. It’s about creating spaces where women in property feel safe to share their experiences, learn from those who’ve walked the path before them, and, frankly, swap a few war stories along the way.
For what it’s worth, here’s my advice for women starting their careers in property:
Know your worth. Before you eagerly take on extra responsibilities, make sure they come with the appropriate pay increase. Don’t fall for “It’s a great opportunity”. That can often mean, “We can save money by not hiring someone and you can just work extra hours”. Your skills and time are valuable.
Master the art of negotiation. Learning to ask for what you deserve – without squirming – will serve you for your entire career.
Seek feedback from people you admire. Find mentors, champions, and even the occasional critic who will push you to grow.
Get comfortable with constructive criticism. The sooner you learn how to accept and act on feedback, the fewer career surprises you’ll face down the track.
Invest in yourself. Professional development isn’t just your employer’s responsibility. Take courses, attend conferences, and stay ahead of industry trends.
Set and track your goals. Short-term, long-term – write them down, make a plan, and celebrate every win along the way.
Step outside your comfort zone – regularly. Growth doesn’t happen in safe spaces. Challenge yourself every year.
Never, ever, ever compromise your values. Non-negotiable.
As we approach International Women’s Day, it’s a good time to ask: what’s one piece of advice you wish you had received when starting out? Better yet, what’s a piece of advice you can share with the next generation?
Because the future of property isn’t just about the buildings we create – it’s about the people who shape them. Let’s make sure women are leading that charge.