EG’s Future Leaders programme was launched as a project to help showcase the many talented women in the real estate sector. A response to too many “manels” and not enough diversity at events across the sector, EG sought to create a programme to not only enable women in the industry to become more visible but to also create a community of cross-sector future leaders and develop a new era for real estate. One of inclusivity, of better, bigger ideas, of greater impact.
Since that first iteration the programme has evolved to be more diverse, welcoming future leaders from all under-represented parts of the sector, not just gender. This year it evolves again, becoming a must-attend event for absolutely everyone in real estate.
This year Future Leaders is about so much more than diversity and inclusion. The event, which takes place on 9 June at the Royal Institution, W1, will feature seven presentations based around real estate’s transformation. Anyone in property wanting to make sure their business thrives in the new normal should put this date in their diary.
Here, the magnificent seven share what the programme means to them and give a sneak peek into what we can expect to be moved into action on 9 June.
Hattie Charlier-Poole Henley Investments
“I hope the programme is going to unlock a sense of belief in my own ability. Being so ill last year – I had six months of cancer treatment – shook my trust in myself and my ability, and by equipping me with the skills to channel, develop and express my ideas, I hope the Future Leaders programme will help me build back some sense of self. For the industry, I hope that following the programme I will be able to challenge current thinking to drive forward change and improvement at a project, business, and industry level. I love working in this industry and hope that I can contribute positively to improvement in some way.
It’s important the industry listens and watches because it demonstrates the true value of inclusion, collaboration and what can be achieved when people from across the industry are given a voice and the tools with which to express it. It’s an opportunity for views and experiences that aren’t usually shared to be heard, and for people in the industry to gain an insight into perspectives that are different from their own. As an industry, we can drive improvement in performance, inclusion and experience, but only if our views are challenged and new ideas are expressed. This is the forum to do that.”
Charlotte Glazier Islington Council
“It is wonderful to have been chosen as an EG Future Leader. I was so excited to attend the first session – it was incredible. I have discovered many stories inside of me vying for attention that now need to be contained. I have a daughter, who is a toddler, and I really want her to experience nature in the city. The time is now to transform and green our public realm together on a scale like never before. I’m really excited about my current path and keen to share developments with you, where I hope to inspire, energise, motivate and encourage you by looking through a new lens of the possible.”
Rosie Oulton Nuveen
“I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to stand up and speak to representatives from across our industry at an event like this. If just one person hears my talk and thinks differently about building design and social impact afterwards – or better still, designs their next building differently – then I will know that what I’ve said has made a difference to our industry. That would be an amazing achievement.
Even in the few sessions I’ve had with my cohort, I’ve had my preconceptions challenged and my eyes opened. I hope that our talks inspire debate and conversation, and maybe even transformation. I’m learning that it’s only by showing up and engaging with these important topics that you can be part of the change.”
Rhys Bufton Taylor Wessing
“I’m really excited to be given a platform by EG to discuss how I think the real estate industry can be transformed for the better. It’s a fantastic opportunity to share my thoughts on how we can improve the diversity of talent coming into the industry as a whole. It’s also been a privilege to have the benefit of expert coaching during the programme and I hope to utilise these newly acquired skills during the course of my career to help further develop future talent.”
Ese Emefe JLL
“I am physically uncomfortable at the thought of speaking in front of so many people and I feel that is a real sign that I need this opportunity to grow and to broaden my horizons in this career. I began my career in real estate at 19 as an apprentice and feel that beginning so young has had a strange impact on my ability to feel like an integral member of any team. While I do not feel like I am a quiet individual, I do feel like I am navigating being both a young professional and trying to find my voice as a young adult, who just so happens to be in a professional world.”
Belawal Hussain Roundhill Capital
“The South Asian diaspora, particularly those from a Pakistani heritage, are some of the most underrepresented groups in wide stream media and entertainment, let alone construction and real estate. The diversity of roles I have undertaken have allowed me to acknowledge how fortunate I have been in having supportive mentors pushing me forward. I want to continue learning. I have the foundations to become a Future Leader through spearheading LGBT diversity & inclusion at every workplace. In helping to continue my personal growth, you are not only helping one person in the industry but helping grow a whole community. This opportunity will allow me to continue to champion diversity being part of success. This cohort is so diverse and the initial conversations have been so inspiring.”
To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@eg.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @EGPropertyNews
