Pippa Mitchell - Pippa & Benoit

Founder

Property Lettings & Management

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

I think it’s important to celebrate for two reasons. Firstly to celebrate achievement in the face of adversity raising awareness of those who persevere in an industry that is male dominated. Secondly to celebrate diversity and the growth and evolution of our industry. With every year & every celebration we raise the profile of women doing great work in our industry, which in turn encourages other women to strive forwards. For me it’s about not sharing a headshot image, it’s about sharing a story & their journey.

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

Absolutely. From initially being treated by some as a child in my early 20s to sexual harassment in my late twenties. I was lucky enough to have such a strong sense of belief in myself and a excellent group of mentors who challenged & supported me to reach for my goals and achieve them. Both kept me focusing on what was possible. If anything these experiences made me more determined. A great example of this I when I took on the PPN Knightsbridge franchise in order to create a safe & inclusive networking event for women after an attempted sexual assault at an event a few years before.

Interestingly, all of my mentors have been men in our industry and they have been fantastic over the past 12 years. The disappointing experiences I summarised above were by a handful of men and in my experience are a small minority, thankfully 😊 and with support from my mentors and a dose of therapy no lasting damage was done. In fact, it was very helpful & cathartic at the time to share these experiences with these men I trusted, so they could help advise me and where possible protect me, as well as support and promote me within our industry.

Long story short, these experiences lit a fire in me to have my own business where I always get to choose who I work with, helping to ensure that I always feel safe and supported in my work. This for me is of the upmost importance.

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

For me it is Shailja Vohora, Interiors with Art. Whenever I meet her I’m overwhelmed by her wisdom and willingness to share it with others. She is not only a wise & calming person, but she is open, friendly and someone I’m always interested to speak with at LPF events.

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

Encourage them very beginning of their careers to think for themselves, to think BIG, and challenge them to make their dreams & ambitions happen. Taking action is fundamental to progress and so often why dreams don’t happen.

What is the best advice you have been given?

Always forward (David McCourt)

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

Pippa Mitchell - Pippa & Benoit - Women in Luxury Property