In an industry as dynamic and ever evolving as estate agency, the power of influence cannot be overstated. It’s found in the quiet determination of an individual speaking up, in the collective strength of a community advocating for positive change, and in our unwavering belief that together we thrive.

At Women in Estate Agency, we believe that every woman in our sector, from the newest agent just starting out to the most experienced business owner, holds a unique and powerful platform to drive positive transformation. This isn’t just about making grand gestures; it’s about the everyday choices we make, the courageous conversations we have, and strategically leveraging our positions and experiences to build a more inclusive, equitable, and progressive future for everyone in the industry.

Unlock Your Professional Platform

No matter your role within estate agency, it provides you with unique insights and incredible opportunities to champion change. As an agent, your direct interactions with clients and colleagues offer a vital frontline perspective on both challenges and triumphs. If you’re a manager, you have the powerful ability to shape team culture and implement truly progressive policies. And for business owners, you hold the key to setting the highest standards for your entire organisation.

Ready to make a tangible difference? Here are some practical ways you can leverage your professional position:

Championing Equality in Leadership

The estate agency sector, like many others, has historically seen a disproportionate number of men in leadership positions. As women, we have a powerful opportunity to use our platforms to shine a light on this imbalance and actively champion change. This can involve mentoring aspiring female leaders, suggesting valuable internal development programs specifically designed to build leadership skills for women, or openly engaging in discussions about hiring practices to foster a more balanced representation. If you’re in a position of influence, consider advocating for your organisation to set clear diversity targets for leadership roles. Be a vocal advocate for fair promotion processes and genuine equal opportunities for everyone.

Advocate for Fair Pay & Flexible Working

The conversation around fair pay and flexible working arrangements is more crucial than ever. We know that many women expertly navigate professional ambitions alongside personal responsibilities, and a lack of flexibility can sometimes hinder their career progression. So, let’s use our platforms to enthusiastically share success stories of flexible working models from our own teams or networks. We can also champion transparent salary bands and advocate for regular pay audits to ensure true gender pay equity. If you’re a manager, be open to discussing and implementing flexible hours, remote work options, or compressed workweeks where feasible. Your advocacy in this area can genuinely improve work-life balance for so many and help us retain incredibly valuable talent within our industry.

Push for Sustainable and Ethical Practices

Beyond advocating for gender equality, our industry has a significant role to play in championing sustainability and ethical practices. From passionately advocating for energy-efficient homes to actively encouraging responsible land development, every one of our voice’s matters. You can suggest incorporating sustainability considerations into your property listings and marketing materials. Let’s educate our clients on the amazing benefits of eco-friendly homes and advocate for the ethical sourcing of materials in new builds. This not only demonstrates a deep commitment to a broader societal good but can also genuinely differentiate your agency in today’s competitive market.

Your Authentic Voice for Influence

Your personal brand is your reputation, your unique offering, and ultimately, your most powerful tool for influence. It’s all about how you genuinely present yourself, the values you embody every day, and the consistent, authentic message you convey to the world.

• Define Your Niche and Expertise: What ignites your passion? What area of estate agency do you shine in? Whether it’s championing sustainable property, providing invaluable support for first-time buyers, or excelling in commercial real estate, really homing in on your niche allows you to become a recognised authority. This credibility will amplify your voice when you’re advocating for positive change within that specific area.
• Craft Compelling Narratives: People connect with stories, not just statistics. So, share your personal experiences, your challenges, and your triumphs. Did you overcome a particular hurdle in your career? Do you have a story about how flexible working positively impacted your life or a colleague’s? These narratives make your advocacy relatable and genuinely inspire others.
• Be Authentic and Consistent: Your personal brand must be authentic to who you truly are. There’s no need to try and be someone you’re not! Consistency across all your platforms – from your LinkedIn profile to every in-person interaction – is absolutely key to building trust and credibility.

Use Different Platforms to Share Your Message

Once you’ve found your message and built your powerful personal brand, it’s time to leverage the diverse platforms available to you.

• Social Media: LinkedIn remains a powerful professional networking tool for sharing insightful industry perspectives, thoughtfully commenting on relevant articles, and actively participating in discussions about gender equality and industry trends. For sharing more personal stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work, and highlighting initiatives you’re passionate about, Facebook and Instagram can be wonderful platforms. And for concise, impactful statements and engaging in real-time conversations, X (formerly Twitter) is ideal.
• Industry Events and Conferences: Speaking at industry events or participating in panel discussions offers a fantastic, direct platform to share your views and influence a wider audience. If public speaking isn’t your comfort zone, actively participate in Q&A sessions or strategically network to connect with decision-makers and share your valuable insights.
• Local Community Groups: Your influence isn’t limited to just the professional sphere. Enthusiastically engage with local community groups, charities, or business networks. This can be a powerful way to advocate for ethical property development, highlight important affordable housing initiatives, or promote sustainable living practices right within your local area.
• Blogging and Content Creation: Consider starting a blog, contributing compelling articles to industry publications, or even creating engaging short video content. These platforms allow you to delve deeper into topics you’re passionate about, share your expertise, and truly establish yourself as a thought leader. Our very own WiEA info-hub is a fantastic example of how content can empower and inform our community, and you can be a part of that too!

The Power of Leading by Example

The journey of advocacy is often illuminated by the paths of those who have walked it before us. Imagine the powerful impact of stories from women who have successfully:

• Implemented mentorship programmes that propelled other women into leadership roles.
• Negotiated flexible working policies that transformed their team’s productivity and well-being.
• Lobbied local councils for more sustainable building regulations.

Real-world examples serve as powerful inspiration, demonstrating that change is not only possible but is already happening, passionately driven by the dedication of women within our sector.

Join the Movement: Together We Thrive

At Women in Estate Agency, our strapline isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a rallying cry: “Together We Thrive”. We believe in the power of women to achieve amazing things, and we are dedicated to providing the network and support they need to succeed. We advocate for a more diverse and inclusive industry where women and men are valued and respected equally. We are here to raise everyone up and together to improve the sector for all. We are a driving force for positive change, challenging outdated norms and creating a fairer playing field across our sector. We see a brighter future, and we are determined to get there.

Your voice, your experiences, and your unwavering commitment to positive change are truly invaluable. Whether you’re just embarking on your career or are a seasoned professional, you absolutely have the power to influence. By embracing our collective strength, sharing our stories, and actively advocating for the causes we believe in, we can shape a more inclusive, equitable, and progressive future for the entire estate agency industry.

Join us in shaping this brighter future. Find your community, find your power, and together, let’s thrive.