Priya Rawal - The Luxury Property Forum

Founder and CEO

The Official Forum for the Luxury Property Sector

WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY?

International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate women, in our lives, in our industry and beyond. It is also about raising awareness to both men and women about gender bias, inequality and barriers that women face everyday. It is a time focus on having those difficult conversations and understanding each other better and encouraging women to feel comfortable in being their authentic self. At The Luxury Property Forum, we are thrilled to celebrate all of our women members both individually and collectively. They serve as strong leaders within a male dominated profession and amazing role models for the next generation. The challenge to navigate the social, cultural and political pressures exists every day. In the workplace and beyond, inequality exists all around us. But things are improving and awareness of the issues is the first step to change so everyone can thrive together. May we continue to inspire, support and empower each other.

HAVE YOU FACED ANY CHALLENGES IN YOUR CAREER AS A WOMAN AND IF SO, HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?

Often as a woman you are expected to change your demeanour to suit your surroundings. As young woman working in construction and law, I often felt expectation to be “one the guys”. I took pride in the fact that I could drink, swear and be as “laddy” as the men in my industry. However, the pressure that I felt externally and from myself meant that I was not expressing my authentic self. I constantly felt like an imposter and would be exhausted after a night of networking. It was when I found a tribe of women in industry, who encouraged me both personally and in my career, that I realised that being simply myself was ok (in fact is was my USP). Finding people who support, mentor and inspire you is so important.

IS THERE ANOTHER WOMAN ON WHOM YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHINE A LIGHT, IN THE LUXURY PROPERTY INDUSTRY AND WHY?

Caroline Donaghue, Director at V1 Studios. Caroline is a great advocate of being your true self within the industry and is a driving force in making the industry a better place for all those in it. Not only is she focussed, hardworking and tenacious, she is also incredibly kind, nurturing and an inspiration to the next generation. I am proud to have Caroline as my co-host on our podcast The Real Rendezvous, where we delve into the lives of leaders and influencers within the luxury, real estate and lifestyle. It was important to both of us, that the audience hear about the failures and sacrifices, as well as the wins and successes. Caroline is a joy to work with and I look forward to this adventure with her!

HOW CAN WE ENCOURAGE MORE WOMEN TO PURSUE ENTREPRENEURSHIP OR SENIOR LEADERSHIP ROLES IN THE LUXURY PROPERTY INDUSTRY?

It’s easy to say “just go for it” or “face your fears”. However, it is impossible to achieve success (both professional and personal) completely alone. More senior men and women need to encourage and mentor the junior women to ensure they are putting themselves forward and support them when they are stepping outside their comfort zone. We also need to be kinder and more understanding. We made steps in the right direction with regard to flexible working and we must continue to so.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN?

Surround yourself with people that lift you higher, not with those who bring you down.

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

Priya Rawal - The LPF - Women in Luxury Property