Women of Influence: Leading & Rising in Luxury Property

 

The luxury property sector is evolving, and at the heart of this transformation are exceptional women—visionaries, trailblazers, and rising stars who are shaping the industry with innovation, leadership, and ambition. To celebrate International Women’s Day, The Luxury Property Forum proudly brings together the voices of women leading today and shaping tomorrow in our Women of Influence: Leading & Rising in Luxury Property campaign.

 We asked inspiring women across The Luxury Property Forum to share their insights on authentic leadership and the key lessons they would pass on to the next generation. Their responses reflect the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and innovation, offering a compelling look at the diverse talent driving the industry forward.

 From renowned developers to pioneering designers, investment leaders to legal experts, these women continue to break boundaries, elevate standards, and drive meaningful change. Their stories are a testament to the strength, expertise, and vision shaping the future of luxury property.

Read on as we showcase the voices of these remarkable women and celebrate their impact on our industry.

Jemimah Graff, CEO at Martin Kemp Design:

Women in the workplace have long been expected to embody a complex and often contradictory set of traits. For years, many of us may have looked to our male counterparts as the archetype of leadership, emulating their styles, behaviours, and approaches in the hope of achieving success. However, this traditional model is increasingly being recognised as outdated and ill-suited for the evolving dynamics of today’s workplace. The generations of women before us were often conditioned to believe that success could only be attained by adopting traits that were traditionally seen as masculine - lowering our voices to sound more authoritative, donning power suits, and adopting an aggressive, competitive stance. The notion was clear: to rise to the top, women needed to shed their femininity and adopt a more “dominant” persona.

My generation, however, represents a profound shift. We are the first to widely recognize and embrace the inherent value of traditionally feminine traits in leadership. Empathy, emotional intelligence, collaboration, and intuition are no longer seen as weaknesses but as essential qualities that enhance decision-making, inspire teams, and foster authentic connections. We are learning that success in leadership is not about adopting a one-size-fits-all approach but rather about honoring the unique strengths each individual brings to the table, regardless of gender. This evolving mindset reflects a broader, more inclusive understanding of leadership that is adaptable to the diverse and dynamic environments we now navigate.

My advice to the next generation is to continue to lean into this more empathetic approach, trust in the value of your voice, and don’t let anyone convince you that you need to change who you are to succeed. Be confident in your individuality and let that be the foundation of your leadership.

Laura Conduit, Partner at Farrer & Co:

I don’t think the next generation will need female role models.  Hopefully we’ll have done our job and they will find an easier path.  But my top lesson in the meantime: Sheryl Sandberg’s “done is better than perfect”.  This is a phrase I am regularly heard saying both at home and at work. 

Maria Morris, Founder & CEO at Maria Morris Global:

As a senior female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry such as real estate, I have long been an advocate for women in business, striving to empower other women, and there was no better way to lead by example than by founding my own female-led agency. In making this bold move, I aimed to shatter barriers, becoming the first expat woman to fully own a real estate brokerage in Dubai—an achievement I am immensely proud of.

Authentic leadership, to me, means leading with integrity, confidence, and a genuine passion for what you do. In the luxury property market, where trust and relationships are everything, being true to yourself and your values is what sets you apart. Clients and colleagues gravitate toward authenticity because it builds credibility and long-term success.

One key lesson I would share with the next generation of women in luxury real estate is to own your space with confidence. This industry can be competitive and, at times, intimidating, but believing in your expertise and backing yourself fully will open doors. Success in luxury property isn’t just about selling homes—it’s about understanding people, delivering exceptional service, and creating a lasting impact through the way you lead.

Lydia Kan, Partner at Oxford Architects:

To me, the three most important components that good leadership is built on are ; The art of Listening, The art of Communication and The art of Collaboration. Each component is ‘an Art’ which means like an artist you are continuously practising and refining your skill in that field. Listening, for instance, isn't just about hearing what's being said but understanding the emotions and nuances behind the words. Communication, beyond just delivering a message, involves making sure it's clear, empathetic, and inspiring. Collaboration, too, goes beyond working together—it’s about fostering an environment where diverse viewpoints are encouraged, respected, and ultimately lead to creative solutions.

Those skills are at the core of our interactions whether it’s with your clients, consultants, or work colleagues. Bringing a diversity of voices to the board room is fundamental for the growth and success of a business as a range of backgrounds always brings fresh and innovative ideas for development. Different experiences, cultural backgrounds and perspectives challenge conventional thinking and create a fertile ground for innovation. It’s imperative for businesses to tap into this diversity, not only for growth but to stay competitive and adaptable in a rapidly changing world.

Camilla Dell, Founder & Managing Partner at Black Brick:

Authentic leadership means staying true to who you are, your values and not being afraid to show your team that you are human. One lesson I would share is ensuring your team know that you have their back and are supportive through good times and bad, and that you are all on the same page, with the same goals. Supporting other women and your female peers in the real estate industry is also crucial. This can be done by being open and honest and building trusted relationships. I feel fortunate that I can call on fellow female competitors to sound check a potential new hire or client. I really do believe that collectively women can be a real force for good in the industry. And powerful.

Beatrice Ronchetti, Personal Brand Strategist at Beatrice Ronchetti Ltd:

Authentic leadership, to me, is about leading with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose—without feeling the need to conform to outdated industry norms. In the luxury property sector, where reputation and relationships are everything, true influence comes from being visible, building trust, and positioning yourself as a thought leader.

One key lesson I’d share with the next generation of women in luxury property is this: Your personal brand is your power, and biggest asset.

For too long, expertise alone has not been enough to open doors—visibility is just as critical. Many talented women work behind the scenes while others with a stronger presence secure the high-value opportunities. Owning your narrative, showing up with authority, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to shape perception can set you apart in a competitive, male-dominated industry.

Your name should carry weight before you walk into the room. Influence isn’t just about what you know, but how you position yourself, the conversations you lead, and the credibility you build over time. The future of leadership in luxury property belongs to those who are not just experts, but recognised and respected voices in the industry.

Lucy Waters, Managing Director at Aria Finance:

Authentic leadership is about trusting in your own way of doing things, rather than feeling the need to mirror others just because they appear successful. True leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about knowing your strengths, accepting your limitations, and surrounding yourself with people who complement your skills.

For women in luxury property, my biggest lesson is to lead with confidence and conviction, while staying open to new perspectives. Trust your instincts—they are often your greatest asset. Don’t second-guess yourself, but also don’t be afraid to listen and evolve. And most importantly, empower those around you. Helping others succeed doesn’t diminish your own success; it builds loyalty, trust, and a strong foundation for lasting leadership.

Sharon Wallis, Managing Director at Poggenpohl UK:

For me, authentic leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room but being a reliable and consistent presence that builds trust. I am firm, but I like to think I am fair. It’s important to acknowledge both successes and failures openly, and therefore the entire team can consistently learn from each experience.

I would like to think that I inspire those around me to bring their best selves to work, fostering an environment where creativity thrives, all while empowering others to make decisions that reflect their unique perspectives.

I have learnt that the best part of being in a team is that every individual brings with them their own skillset. I believe it is an essential part of affective leadership to ensure that those skills are correctly placed, so that we can work together to be the best as a collective, not an individual.

The one lesson I would share with the next generation of women in luxury property is this: Embrace your individuality. The luxury property world thrives on unique perspectives, and it’s yours that will set you apart. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Be confident in your abilities. Success comes from creating a space where you can be both creative and grounded, with everyone benefiting from each other’s unique expertise.

Rina Patel, Design Director at Vastu Interior Design:

Authentic leadership is about staying true to yourself, leading with integrity, and building trust. In the world of luxury property, it’s about balancing creativity with business acumen while staying rooted in your values. My advice to the next generation of women in this industry? Stay confident, be resilient, and trust your vision. Build strong connections, seek mentorship, and let your work speak for itself.

Goli‑Michelle Banan, Director & Head of Residential Real Estate at Lawrence Stephens:

Authentic leadership, to me, is about acting with sincerity, confidence and having a clear sense of purpose – without compromising who you truly are.  In the luxury property sector, relationships and trust are integral and therefore authenticity in your leadership style gives you an advantage.  It means staying true to your values, making decisions with integrity and nurturing genuine connections with everyone in your network including but not limited to clients, peers and trusted advisors.

What one lesson would you share with the next generation of women in luxury property?

Confidence, technical expertise and authenticity will set you apart.  Speak up when it is appropriate to do so and take the lead; do not wait for permission.  The luxury property world thrives on exclusivity, but leadership should not.  We need to support and encourage each other and set an example to positively influence the next gen of talented women.

Sharon Lillywhite, Founder and Creative Director at Oliver Burns Studio:

One of the things I love most about Oliver Burns Studio is our incredible team and the variety and depth of skill and experience we have in the studio. Our ethos of Thoughtful Luxury doesn’t just apply to how we design or how we work with our clients, but also how we treat each other. Authenticity is a fundamental part of that and is instrumental in creating a happy and productive working environment. For me, leadership is about being supportive, personable, inspirational, and empowering.

Over the years, we’ve had mentees, interns and students from the design world asking for advice and it’s always the same: “Make yourself indispensable,” and you will stand out from the crowd. Believe in yourself and trust that even the smallest contributions can make a difference. Something that may seem like a minor task may have a big impact and that’s something that will put you ahead in a competitive market.

Michelle Kirkland-Elias, Partner at CMS:

Authentic leadership, to me, means leading with integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to my values and principles. It involves being true to yourself and leading in a way that is consistent with your beliefs and character. As a woman of influence, it is crucial to embrace authenticity not only because it fosters trust, respect, and loyalty among colleagues, clients, and stakeholders but also because it’s just too tiring to be anything else. Authentic leadership is not about conforming to traditional expectations or mimicking others; it is about embracing your unique strengths and perspectives to inspire and empower others. It also means being able to connect with others on a personal level, understanding others’ needs and desires, and providing tailored solutions.


The one lesson I would share with the next generation of women in luxury property is to embrace your unique qualities and strengths. The market is highly competitive and often dominated by traditional norms and expectations. It is, however, essential to recognise that individuality is a powerful asset. By embracing what makes you unique, you can bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and your own distinct approach to the industry. That is not an easy ask and I am continually learning and reminding myself to do this too.

Here are a few key points to consider:

Confidence in Your Abilities: Believe in your skills and expertise. Confidence is contagious and can inspire others to have faith in your vision and capabilities.
Continuous Learning: Embrace your natural curiosity and stay committed to learning. The market is ever-evolving, and staying informed about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices will keep you ahead of the curve.


Building a Strong Network: Cultivate relationships with mentors, peers, and industry leaders. A strong network can provide support, guidance, and opportunities for growth.


Balancing Professional and Personal Life: Possibly most important and, at the same time, the most difficult - taking care of your own well-being is essential for sustained success and happiness in your career as well as, of course, your life in general.

Murude Katipoglu, Founder and Creative Director at MURUDÉ :

Authentic leadership, to me, is about staying true to one’s values and leading with purpose.

In luxury property, where trust is paramount, authenticity means being adaptable and approachable without compromising who you are.

The one lesson I would share with the next generation of women in luxury property is that it is far better to be different than to conform because that’s how it’s always been done. True impact comes from those who bring fresh perspectives rather than following the status quo.

I believe the most successful leaders are those who embrace their individuality, trust their instincts, and dare to create something truly distinctive. Authenticity is what sets you apart—and ultimately, what makes you and your work unforgettable.

Kalpa Patel, Director at Prestige Bathrooms:

Authentic leadership, as a woman of influence, means leading with integrity, confidence, and a deep sense of purpose while staying true to who you are. In the luxury property industry where relationships, trust, and exclusivity are paramount. authenticity is the foundation of lasting success. It is about bringing both expertise and emotional intelligence to the table, creating meaningful connections, and setting a standard of excellence that inspires others.

I always feel relationships are far more important than anything no matter what industry we are in.

The connections you make with people as a person will go a long way.

One lesson I would share with the next generation of women in luxury property: Own your presence and your value. In an industry often dominated by established networks and high expectations, never underestimate the power of self-assurance. Confidence, paired with deep market knowledge and genuine client relationships, will set you apart. Success in luxury real estate is not just about selling but about curating experiences, building trust, and positioning yourself as an indispensable resource. Stand firm in your expertise, embrace challenges as opportunities, and never be afraid to take up space in rooms where decisions are made.

Tatiana Pietrangeli, Senior Interior Designer at Angel O’Donnell:

Authentic leadership is built on respect—respect for others, their time, and your own. Great leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about knowing when and what to delegate and trusting the talents of those around you. Just as important as leading is listening—whether to your team, your peers, or mentors who help you grow. Businesses don’t succeed because of one person alone; they thrive on the strength of a team. And as leaders, we should never stop evolving—both professionally and personally. When you lead with integrity, curiosity, and purpose, people are naturally drawn to follow. Stay open, keep learning, and lift those around you—you’ll build a strong, reliable team that you can trust, grow with, and even have fun along the way.

Katie Innes, Director – Project Management at Katherine Innes Consulting :

Authentic leadership means leading with integrity, empathy, and confidence while staying true to my values. In the world of luxury property and heritage project management, it’s about balancing strong decision-making with genuine collaboration—building trust with clients, design teams, and contractors while maintaining a clear vision for each project. Authentic leaders don’t just direct; they listen, adapt, and inspire those around them.

One key lesson I’d share with the next generation of women in luxury property is to own your expertise with confidence. The industry is often male-dominated, and it’s easy to feel you must prove yourself. But trust in your knowledge, speak with authority, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. The most successful leaders—regardless of gender—are those who bring their own perspective and stand by their decisions.

Clare Goggin, Partner at Jackson Coles LLP:

Authentic leadership for me is about being self-aware about my style of leading, and approaching all tasks and challenges with honesty, enthusiasm and integrity.  In terms of one lesson for the next generation, I’d advise having the confidence to ask for help or say you don’t understand something – most people are really happy to share their knowledge and experience so take advantage of that.

Aoife O’Connell, Managing Director UK at Sectorlight:

I believe in an honest and human-centric approach to leadership. Be intentional with how you direct your team, understanding their realities will allow you to advise and support in the best way possible. You need to be agile and adaptable, to jump in as and when needed.

The one lesson I would share is don’t feel you need to conform to what you think a woman in luxury property should be. Take up space, know you’re in the room for a reason and be empowered by that.

Jane Wagner, Director at Walton Wagner:

To me, authentic leadership is about staying true to your values, leading with integrity, and having the confidence to make bold decisions—even in the face of challenges. It’s about setting a standard of excellence, not just for yourself, but for those around you, and fostering a culture of collaboration and trust.
One lesson I would share with the next generation of women in luxury property is to back yourself. This industry demands expertise, precision, and resilience—qualities that women bring in abundance. Trust in your knowledge, surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and never be afraid to voice your opinion at the table. Your voice, your vision, and your leadership help shape the future of this industry.

Breda Ferarrio, CEO at Ferarrio Consulting:

For me authentic leadership is all about authentic energy
A leader’s core role is to bring people with them – to engage and get your team to want to follow you!
I believe genuine energy is a magnetic force and people are drawn to it. It has no ego, is not manipulative - but is clear, truthful and authoritative and importantly not afraid to show vulnerability.

It certainly inspires me and defines my own leadership style when working with clients. Coaching and consulting to individuals and businesses is more influencing than direct leadership - the need for genuine energy is just as important. My role as a leader is to engage, encourage and build confidence in making change commercially, culturally and personally.
Advice to young leaders:
Be true to yourself and open with others
Be clear about your intent in every conversation
Manage your authentic energy by helping others manage theirs.

Jenny Weiss, Co Founder Hill House Interiors: 

Authentic leadership, in my view, begins with a genuine understanding of who you are—your values, priorities, strengths, and weaknesses—and how they shape the vision you hold for your company. When there’s a healthy alignment between what you stand for and how you behave, you naturally foster a culture of trust and integrity.

Holistic leadership, rooted in wellbeing, means bringing both passion and honesty to the workplace—leading by example and infusing empathy into every interaction. It’s about making thoughtful, intentional choices not just in the office, but at home, too. By taking the time to reflect on what truly matters to you, you’ll find the clarity needed to focus on what supports growth and nurtures a sense of purpose.

 My advice? Spend time evaluating what’s most important to you and prioritise it wholeheartedly. That deliberate sense of self-awareness will guide you in creating an environment where authenticity, empathy, and vision flourish in perfect harmony.

Sandra Phaup, Head of Design at Morgan Rae:

I believe authentic leadership is leading with genuine purpose, self-awareness, integrity, and honesty. The importance of authenticity has been shaped by the experiences I have gained working both client side and now contractor side, through the ability to connect with clients and help them realise their vision, aspirations, and dreams for what is often their private residence. This is especially critical in the high-end residential sector, where the focus is primarily on delivering an exceptional experience throughout the process.

From this, one important lesson I would share with the next generation of women in luxury property is that: failure & making mistakes are okay.

The lessons learned from those experiences are invaluable and ultimately allowed me to become more authentic in my approach. Each challenge provided an opportunity for growth, resilience, and self-reflection, helping me refine my skills and align more closely with my values. Embracing these moments as stepping stones has allowed me to become a more confident, genuine leader and seek to make positive changes in the industry.

Danielle Collier , Managing Director at Collier Webb:

Authentic leadership, to me, is about having the confidence to stay true to your values, make bold decisions, and challenge the status quo. It's about pushing boundaries while remaining grounded in what you believe in.

If I could share one lesson with the next generation of women in luxury property, it would be this: surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. A strong network - whether mentors, colleagues, or clients - will not only help you think bigger but will also give you the confidence to take risks and grow.

Sally Maier-Yip, Founder and Managing Director at 11K Consulting:

To me, authentic leadership means running a business with a conscious heart. In practice, it means one always tries her/his best to act, speak and make decisions with integrity, respect, thoughtfulness, and kindness. But it does not mean that you are a superhero nor you have all the answers.
Luxury property market is a very brutal and complicated market, involving with lots of parties, agendas, and team efforts to make things happen. It’s very much a people’s business, from design and architecture, property management and development to sales and marketing.

So my one lesson to the next generation of women in this field would be investing in building your networks both locally and internationally, consistently and over time. Your growing network will always pay off and help your career in one way or the other, armed with your solid hard skills and knowledge.

Helen Bygraves, Founder Director at Hill House Interiors

Authentic leadership, to me, is about leading from a place of genuine integrity and passion—staying true to the vision and values that truly define who you are. It’s about guiding others with grace, confidence, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, while embracing the ever-evolving nature of our industry. AI and emerging technologies are undeniably reshaping the luxury property sector, and the real test is how thoughtfully we integrate these advances without losing that personal, human touch.

If I were to share one guiding lesson for the next generation of women stepping into the luxury property realm, it would be this: trust your creative instincts and never underestimate the power of collaboration. When you embrace your unique perspective and support those around you, you not only elevate your own potential but also bring out the very best in the spaces you design and the teams you lead.

Emily Lewis, Co-Founder and Director at Ebury Comms:

When I was at university, I played for a number of sports teams and often had the opportunity to captain the lacrosse team which was a challenge but I loved it. Our coach told me it was about inspiring the team, encouraging the team to dream big, that we could win the tournaments and be known as one of the best university teams on our circuit. We weren't always part of the squad celebrating and one season had a bad run of matches, and for me leading the team was tough and the responsibility fell hard on my shoulders. This taught me a great lesson of leadership at the time which I keep in mind as I develop and grow Ebury Comms - listen and accept with humility the feedback from the team around you, let them have a voice and share their success as it comes to fruition.

For the next generation, I would recommend all individuals, part of any team, to find their niche and work hard to carve out time with your 'captain' or leader and establish yourself by sharing well thought through ideas, new introductions and potential ideas that position yourself outside your comfort zone and demonstrate creativity as well as passion for the job in hand.

Holly Beazley, Creative Director at Elicyon:

Authentic leadership, to me, is about leading with vision, integrity, but with a sense of curiosity. It’s about staying true to your creative voice while empowering those around you to bring their own perspectives to the table. It requires a balance of confidence and collaboration—knowing when to push boundaries and when to listen.
To the next generation of women in luxury property, my advice is this: Own your narrative. The industry thrives on innovation, and your unique perspective is your greatest asset. Trust your instincts, stand by your vision, and never be afraid to take up space in the rooms where decisions are made.

Diba Salam, Founder & Principal at StudioDS:

Authentic leadership, to me, means leading with a clear sense of purpose. Creating positive impact with integrity, mindfulness, and staying true to one's values. In the luxury property and design sector, where excellence and attention to detail are paramount, authenticity is about designing spaces that not only reflect beauty and sophistication but also respect the environment and the communities they serve. It’s about being transparent, collaborative, and unafraid to challenge conventions to create something truly meaningful and unique.

One lesson I would share with the next generation of women in luxury property is to find inspiration from your own authentic self. Your background, experiences, and values are your greatest strengths, use them to redefine what luxury means in a way that is both aspirational and responsible. Don't feel your alone, collaborating is enriching, it can create a future where luxury is not just about opulence, but about purpose and impact. 

Laura Westmacott, Founder & Managing Director at Mercury Communications

Leading by example and leading from the front to inspire is key. Giving team members enough space to be empowered, and not micro-managed. Being self-aware of one’s own strengths and weaknesses, therefore knowing when and what to delegate. Having people’s backs, so the team don’t feel overly exposed in any challenging situations. Critically, nurturing talent, being collegiate, and open minded to others’ ideas, views and opinions, rather than being prescriptive. Ultimately being a respected boss/leader, but also approachable as someone’s friend with empathy and compassion, so employees can confide in you and ask for counsel.

Network and build relationships…also outside of the real estate sector, and in the luxury brand world too – selling a property is selling a lifestyle, therefore partnerships will be ever more important. Always stay informed, upskill where possible, and think globally!

Believe in yourself - if you can dream it, you can achieve it!

Priya Rawal, Founder of The Luxury Property Forum

Authentic leadership isn’t about fitting into someone else’s mould—it’s about owning who you are and leading with integrity, resilience, and confidence. In luxury property, where tradition often dictates the rules, true influence comes from knowing when to push for change, when to listen, and when to stand your ground. If I could share one lesson with the next generation of women, it would be this:

Don’t wait for permission.

Too often, women second-guess themselves, waiting to feel ‘ready’ before stepping up. The reality? No one hands you a seat—you take it. Build your expertise, trust your perspective, and step forward with conviction.

And most importantly, support each other. Success isn’t about going it alone—it’s about bringing others with you. Own your ambition, lead with authenticity, and don’t be afraid to take up space. The industry needs you.

 
Priya Rawal