Let’s all be #EachforEqual

Celebrations and flag waving for International Women’s Day 2020 are already underway. This year, more than ever, I am both seeing and feeling the poignancy of having a day that celebrates womanhood. Particularly in light of a recent episode in my property journey that could have had a major set back on my confidence and self-belief.

Swings and roundabouts

Instead, I’m accepting that I’ve chosen to follow a path that’s full of twists and turns. There’s no sugar coating it. The ups and downs as well as the highs and lows are all part of the tapestry of property development which is as much about people and personalities as it is bricks and mortar. 

@internationalwomensday_global

If you dip into the International Women’s Day instagram account @internationalwomensday_global you’ll find a sea of inspiration peppered with wise words of wisdom, inspiration and motivation. I’ve picked out 5 insta posts to be anchors and story props.

#IWD2020 instaquote : Each time a woman stands up for herself she stands up for all women

When my business partner and I bought a piece of land with a view to securing planning permission, developing it and building 9 homes we found the perfect team. Because no site can be developed without a set of contractors and independent experts. Choosing a team can make or break a project. Pulling a team together is a combination of intuition and thorough due diligence. I prided myself I’d listened to my little voice and left no stone unturned when it came to picking the best of the bunch. Not to mention being eagle-eyed when it came to costs and being unbelievably thorough briefing each member of the team. The property world can sometimes be considered as a ‘man’s world’. But there’s a new breed of property maverick. Mavens like me who are creating bonds with each other and looking out for each.

#IWD2020 instaquote: You never realise how strong you are until the only choice in life is to be strong which is why sometimes we are tested not to show our weaknesses but to discover our strengths

All of us have found we have to dig really deep to keep things on track. The behind the scenes life of a property developer is awash with blood, sweat and tears. It’s plagued with endless meetings and hours of checking and cross checking. Even then you can find yourself out of the loop at best or have the wool being pulled over your eyes at worst. There have been times when I’ve actually felt like I was having my entrails pulled out. One minute I’ve felt I’ve got this property business rumbled. The next I’m facing a mighty tumble, spiralling costs for no rational reason, being backed into a corner and the threat of downing tools. However, I’ve learnt is to turn each weakness into a strength and found every situation has a solution.

#IWD2020 instaquote : It is important to keep in mind that the rise of women is not about the fall of men

As the team working with Delores and I are almost all men, there’s a temptation to blame gender for the roller coaster. I could point the finger on gender inequality and the age old excuse of being a woman in a man’s world as the sole reason for a shocking email I received this week from one of my team. All because I asked for clarification about why his regular monthly fee appeared to have tripled. Which I’m perfectly entitled to do as the client. Because we’d developed a great rapport along the way, perhaps I’d given too much away. Which is why the response was more personal than strictly professional. With one too many incorrect assumptions and far too many opinions. Thankfully we got to the bottom of it and the overall fee had not changed at all just apportioned differently.

#IWD2020 instaquote : If there’s one thing women need to remember, it’s that the comeback is always stronger than the setback

The impact at the time shook me to the core. However, in the property game, instant reactions have to turn carefully considered actions. Which is where I find myself at the moment. Not the first episode that has shaken my world. Not the last.

#IWD2020 instaquote : A powerful woman is one who can create a solid foundation with the bricks other people have thrown at her

What bricks have you had thrown at you that you managed to turn to your advantage?

#iwd2020 #eachforequal #internationalwomensday #womenwhobuild