You lift your head up, put on your most confident smile, and walk in: in other words, fake it until you make it. But the reality is, you are it — or at least you are as close to it as everyone else in the room.

•   The gender gap is being tackled, but the glass ceiling will take longer to crack
•   'Seeing is believing. We need more female role models in our industry who represent and expand what is possible'
•   'Authenticity is key to forging meaningful business relationships'

The industry has improved over the last decade, but let’s be honest: it still has a way to go before we reach parity — although personally, when it comes to representation, I don’t think it needs to. Ultimately, we’re talking about bricks and mortar, and men have been drawn to this industry for decades, if not centuries. What’s more important than parity is that the women who are in the industry, or are aiming to be, are given the respect they rightly deserve, as well as fair opportunity. 

My advice to women in property, particularly the younger generations, is to hold your own. Be confident that every person in the room started where you did — at the bottom — and you have as much to add to a conversation as anyone else. If you’re not there yet, then just listen and learn, as that can earn you as much respect as talking in many circumstances. 
 
Many employers are now introducing processes within the workplace in an attempt to level the playing field and that’s great to see. However, what we don't want or need is to become the "diversity hire". I don't want a job just because I'm a woman when there is a better-suited male applicant — that would be like winning a card game with a spare ace up your sleeve. 

As much as the industry promotes awareness regarding the male/female imbalance, no one is going to fix this problem for you. Hold your head high, force yourself out of your comfort zone, and it will get easier each time. No faking required.

Are you a woman in the financial services industry keen to get your voice heard? Contact [email protected] — we would love to chat!