LPF Rising Star - Niamh O'Sullivan at Angel O'Donnell
In an industry rife with gender disparities, The LPF is committed to positive change, empowering women and making the industry better for the next generation. In celebration of International Women’s Month, The LPF is shining a spotlight on our rising female stars, recognising their talent and potential while addressing systemic challenges for women in the industry. Among these trailblazers and an LPF Rising Star is Niamh O'Sullivan, Stylist at Angel O'Donnell.
In the interview that follows, we delve into Niamh’s experiences, shedding light on her journey and need to make the luxury property industry more inclusive and equitable future for the next generation of women.
Niamh O'Sullivan
Stylist at Angel O'Donnell
Niamh O'Sullivan is a shining example of a rising star in the luxury property industry. Nominated by Richard Angel, Co-founder and CEO at Angel O'Donnell, Niamh started at Angel O'Donnell as an intern in August 2023, since then she has become an invaluable full time member of staff who fills a multi-faceted role for the business. Nothing is too much trouble for her, she is able to pivot to tasks as they arise, and use her remarkable and varied skillset to benefit clients and colleagues alike. More than anything, she has a positive, can-do attitude. She's a joy to have in our company and her smile and energy light up a room when she is in it. We're incredibly lucky to have her.
Hi Niamh, so great to have you here. Please could you tell us about your proudest career moment so far?
I had made a career change last summer from the fashion industry into interior design, starting as an intern at Angel O’Donnell for a month. Before I had been offered a permanent role, I was given a project to style independently. Im really proud of that project because it went a long way in proving to myself that starting from a different point or having an untraditional way into something could actually be an asset. The reason that project stands out to me is the faith that the team had in me which I didn’t have in myself at the time. It taught me to be more confident in the way I approached things, to value my own experience and to allow the trust colleagues have in you to translate into trusting in yourself.
Have you faced moments of doubt in your career, and how did you overcome them?
If Im honest, throughout my career, confidence has been a struggle. It has been something Ive got better at managing over the years. It sounds too simplistic, but I found it was much easier to have conviction in my work and ability once I could look back and identify how I had progressed from one point in time to another. Giving myself evidence from hindsight helps me tackle the insecure moments. It takes time, which isn’t always easy, and it means that when starting something new, there’s also always an element of weathering the storm until I can feel more secure in myself, but I don’t necessarily think that’s always a bad thing. When starting something new, being unsure hopefully means being more open to learning and adapting, and I think that’s actually essential in that early stage.
What do you think are the main challenges women face in the luxury property industry, and how can they be addressed?
The property industry still feels very male led at the top. Regardless of specialism, (eg sales, development, management) the majority of the different aspects of the property that Ive been exposed to are almost exclusively male at the most senior levels. The property industry has a huge proportion of women working in it, but women in senior management positions seems less common. Opportunities need to be given and space needs to be made for women at every level, including at the very top for this to change.
Who has been your biggest supporter, and how have they empowered you?
It sounds contrived, but genuinely, I have never felt more supported professionally than how I do at Angel O’Donnell. The team is luckily very close, and hugely trusting in and respectful of eachothers abilities. This has instilled a reassurance and confidence in me that I have never had in a professional setting, and having seen this dynamic in a company, I now believe that an atmosphere such as this is how to get the best work out of everyone. Superiors being trusting, encouraging and allowing agency and independence has been really monumental in me feeling confident, being effective and also progressing in my roll. It has empowered me to have conviction in what I know, how I work and what I have to offer, which ultimately, makes me better at my job.
Reflecting on your journey, what advice would you give to young women starting their careers?
Having had a career change recently, I think Id have to advise trying to always find something your passionate about in what your doing. From my experience, what I valued changed from when I started way career to where I am now, and the job no long matched up to where I wanted to go/ what I wanted to achieve. Although it was daunting, taking the risk of moving on from a role where I was restless but comfortable was one of the best things Ive ever done. My advise is to check in with yourself, don’t be afraid to keep adjusting your direction, or even completely reverse down a road you’ve started on to reset. Importantly, make sure you continue to be motivated by and passionate about what your doing because that’s what will get the best out of you and keep you progressing.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future?
Im excited to diversify more into different facets of business and design- having worked at huge corporate companies previously, I wasn’t able to be multi-hyphenate so it feels like such a perfect opportunity where I am now to learn about other aspects of the business.
About The LPF Rising Stars Initiative
In the landscape of luxury property, where challenges often intersect with opportunities, The LPF stands as a force for positive change focussing on empowerment and championing the next generation of female leaders. Through initiatives aimed at promoting, supporting, and protecting women in the industry, we are committed to fostering an environment where talent flourishes regardless of gender. The LPF has a mission to send the elevator down for aspiring female leaders and creating pathways to success. We hope to get to a point that every woman entering the luxury property sector is equipped with the opportunities, resources, and support needed to thrive.
By amplifying the voices of the LPF rising stars and providing platforms for mentorship and growth, we hope to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. We invite the entire industry to uphold these values, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion at every turn. In empowering women, we not only enrich our industry but also pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, where every individual has the opportunity to shine.
GET IN TOUCH
You may get in touch with Niamh O'Sullivan or Angel O'Donnell by referring to the details below:
Niamh O'Sullivan
Connect with Niamh via LinkedIn or by sending her an email at niamh@angelodonnell.com
Angel O'Donnell
Soho Works, 2nd Floor
180 Strand, London WC2R 1EA