Charu Gandhi Pominkiewicz - Elicyon - Women in Luxury Property
Charu Gandhi Pominkiewicz - Elicyon
Founder & Director
Interior Design & Architecture
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
In many ways, our generation of women has the closest to equal opportunities than those before us. But so many parts of the world continue to treat women as second-class citizens. Shedding a light on female empowerment and equal rights feels continues to feel critical. While we are blessed in London to have the opportunities and support that we do, we do not want to be complacent about it and have a chance to use our voices so they resonate both locally but beyond as well.
Have you faced any challenges in your career as a woman and if so, how did you overcome them?
I balance my outlook on my challenges as some being inherent to being a professional, an entrepreneur, a leader with a healthy mix of recognising that some of them are more unique to me as a woman. I think this outlook in itself has helped me overcome the challenges that are uniquely female – I am open about them, but do not feel resentful of them – resilience is key and working to build that mental resilience has helped me with the challenges.
Is there another woman on whom you would like to shine a light, in the luxury property industry and why?
Cecilia Halling Howells, our incredible Creative Director at Elicyon – her resolve, passion and commitment to our clients, projects and team is magical. She guides us with a deftness of hand and moral compass that I find inspiring. Not to mention her creative genius!
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in the luxury property industry?
By creating an environment within our own organisations that promote female leadership. I am very proud of the fact that all of our Associate team is currently female and our Director team is equally balanced. Leading by example is the most potent encouragement because we cannot be what we cannot see.
What is the best advice you have been given?
‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better’ – Maya Angelou
At The Luxury Property Forum we truly believe in “you cannot be what you cannot see”.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, throughout March we are shining a light on our wonderfully inspiring female members who are all leaders in luxury property. If you are an LPF Member and would like to celebrate a senior female member of the your team, please get in touch at marketing@theluxurypropertyforum.com