In this time the real estate industry has seen a dramatic transformation towards gender equality, with women rising in the ranks and being fairly represented in this industry. Their successes ought to be celebrated and women should feel at liberty to follow in their footsteps.
Elizabeth McKenzie, MD and licensee of Fine & Country Midrand and Knysna, says, “My love for beautiful fabrics, furniture and exquisite homes inspired the inherent ‘sales woman’ in me to explore real estate. On the road I have walked, I can without reservation say to young women thinking about real estate as a profession, ‘Go and do it. Make sure you are the best you can be and know that it is a truly financially empowering profession where, in time, your network has no barriers’.”
Regarding barriers to advancement in the industry, she says, “In today’s world, women are perfectly positioned in real estate. Tapping into their feminine side to portray the beauty, the lifestyle and a genuine reflection of the area. The well-informed female real estate agent is on par with her male counterparts.”
Looking at the highest levels of leadership in the real estate industry, she says that her perception is that the real estate industry is predominantly manned by women.
Regarding what facilitated her career advancement, she says, “I tapped into my ability to interact with my clients on their level. I have positioned myself in the top end of the market where there is an expectation from the seller and buyer.
"Presentation of yourself is key; you have exactly 30 seconds to make a good impression!”
Her best achievements in the real estate industry, she says, are, “I was blessed to sell two properties last year to one high profile individual. It was an exceptional experience, I learnt an awful lot on how to manage and negotiate on behalf of both parties.”
When asked if she had encountered notable barriers or gender-based disparity along her career path, she said, “Not at all. That is a mindset. Present yourself with authority and you will be just fine!”
She concludes that the real estate industry and women in particular can learn from the experience of female leaders and that they are most fortunate to have a female CEO in Linda Erasmus. She is a wife, a mom and a business leader. Those qualities are absolutely the domain of women - ones that are used to achieving at the highest level.
