Toyah Simpson - Maison Communications

PR Consultant

Public Relations Consultancy – specialising in Property, Interior Design, Architecture and Wellbeing

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

For me, it’s important to recognise that despite the incredible progress made toward achieving gender equality, there is still a long way to go. I recently read a stat from the World Economic Forum which said that sadly, none of us will see gender parity in our lifetime – and most likely neither will the next generation.

There is still so much to do globally and I think IWD is a great way to shine a spotlight on some of the challenges still facing women today. I think it’s particularly important in industries like ours, which is still so male-dominated – raising awareness and helping to attract female talent into sectors that are too often overlooked by women who feel it’s just not right for them.

Have you faced any challenges in your career as a woman and if so, how did you overcome them?

Working in a predominantly male industry is not without its challenges and I’m sure I share many of the same experiences as others in the LPF. Being surrounded by men in suits at events like MIPIM can make you feel slightly like a duck out of water at times.

That said, I am fortunate to have been surrounded by an array of inspiring female mentors at every stage of my career, not least my incredible team at Maison – a female-run business, and a selection of female clients who I am endlessly inspired by. Taking a lead from those around me whom I trust, respect and admire has given me the strength to overcome many of the challenges I faced.

Is there another woman on whom you would like to shine a light, in the luxury property industry and why?

I’d like to shine a spotlight on the incredibly talented Rose Murray, Founder of These White Walls, a British interior design studio behind an array of beautiful projects from Mayfair’s HIDE restaurant to the newly re-opened The Ledbury in Notting Hill, and a stunning boutique hotel in northern Italy, Nordelaia. Rose, a former TV set designer, followed her passion and founded the all-female design studio in 2017 and is now one of the most sought-after designers in the luxury property world. Her effortless sense of style, unwavering work ethic and humility is amazing to witness and I’m excited to see what she’s going to do next!

How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in the luxury property industry?

I think the best way to encourage more women to consider a career in the luxury property industry is by giving them something to aspire to. Every young person needs a role model – someone they respect, admire and can relate to. As a community of professionals, we need to be more vocal about our experiences and showcase the incredible wealth of opportunities that exist in our industry. Some notable advances have been made in the last few years with regard to flexible working, equal pay, maternity / paternity / adoption leave and so on, but we need to do more.

IWD is a great moment to shine a light on the issues that need addressing, but real change won’t happen overnight. We need to keep the light on.

What is the best advice you have been given?

In the words of Sherly Sandberg - Always take on new challenges—even if you are not sure you are completely ready!

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

Toyah Simpson - Maison Communications - Women in Luxury Property