International Women's Day 2024

This International Women's Day, we are recognising some of our successful women across the business. With women making up 55% of our workforce, our diversity as a Group has shaped us to be the company that we are today.

These women have embarked on their own career journeys and their advice is truly invaluable. Take a look at some of their insights below.

Roxanne Alleyne - Lettings Branch Director, Kennington

If you could share a coffee or a meal with a female who has inspired you, whether they are current or a person from history, who would that be and why?

Kelly Holmes. She was deaf until the age of 3 and learned how to speak by lip reading. At 12 years old, she began her athletic training but joined the army at 18. Nine years later, she returned to athletics full time. She competed at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004 and, at the age of 34, became the oldest woman to win either the 800m or 1,500m. Her determination, hard work, perseverance and love for the sport are very admirable. She is a true role model.

What creates a sense of belonging for you in the workplace, and what impact does that have on you?

Being part of a team is so important. We all have one clear goal: to show up with a positive attitude every day and try our hardest in everything we do.

Tell us about a time when you were empowered in your career. What was the result?

I have had a couple of moments that have stood out and empowered me. Winning top negotiator in my first full year when I was a lettings negotiator and then going on to win second and third position in two consecutive years. Whilst in my first year of moving to the Kennington branch, I took on many challenges - learning a new patch, managing a large team and growing as a person myself. We then went on to achieve a company record and invoiced an impressive £1.375 million!

Lauren Field – Senior Property Manager, Lettings Property Management 

If you could share a coffee or a meal with a female who has inspired you, whether they are current or a person from history, who would that be and why?

This would be my nan, she is one of the biggest inspirations in my life, she inspires me every day and is the most hard working lady I know and takes everything in her stride. She has always been my number one supporter along with encouraging me in everything I do. She has taken me under her wing and has made me the woman I am today, so I thank my nan every day and I hope I make her proud.

What creates a sense of belonging for you in the workplace, and what impact does that have on you?

Being connected with my colleagues in positive and authentic ways. Having a happy, healthy office culture where everyone has a clear understanding of their objectives as well as that of the company.

Making time to listen to each other's needs and feeling supported by my managers equips me with the right tools and training to get my job done to the best of my ability.

Having meaningful conversations and empathy to ensure everyone can feel confident to be their selves at work. This includes myself as being part of the LGBTQ+ community and has made me feel very welcome and believed in.

Tell us about a time when you were empowered in your career. What was the result?

This was when I was given the freedom and trust to take on new challenges and progress to the next level of being a senior property manager for London Bridge. This has now made me feel I can start my journey and work hard to progress to the next level in my career.

Chelsea Gregory Brown – Lead Field Systems Trainer 

If you could share a coffee or a meal with a female who has inspired you, whether they are current or a person from history, who would that be and why?

If I had to choose anyone it would be my Godmother, she has been someone I've looked up to my whole life and I wouldn't be the person I am today without her. Having her as a role model growing up helped motivate me and want to strive for better opportunities that I could have only dreamt I would achieve.

What is it that creates a sense of belonging for you in the workplace, and what impact does that have on you?

Supportive leadership. Being part of a workplace where leadership provides support, I would say impacts my confidence, motivation, and overall engagement in my job.

Tell us about a time when you were empowered in your career. What was the result?

Receiving a nomination and winning a KFH Way Award. It was an acknowledgment of the effort I've dedicated, providing me with a deep sense of achievement.

Georgia Henthorn, Compliance Assistant, Block Management 

If you could share a coffee or a meal with a female who has inspired you, whether they are current or a person from history, who would that be and why?

I would choose to share a meal with Rosalind Franklin, a British chemist and X-ray operator whose work was central to the understanding of DNA. Despite her significant contributions, her work was often overlooked during her lifetime, and it was only after her death that she received the recognition she deserved.

I find Franklin's perseverance in the face of adversity truly inspiring. Her story serves as a reminder that even when faced with obstacles, it's possible to make groundbreaking contributions to your field. It would be such a privilege to learn more about her experiences, her determination, and her approach to problem-solving, which I believe would be incredibly valuable in my own personal and professional development.

What is it that creates a sense of belonging for you in the workplace, and what impact does that have on you?

In the workplace, a sense of belonging for me is created by straightforward communication and honesty. It allows for clear expectations, reduces misunderstandings, and builds trust within the team. This environment makes me feel valued and motivates me to do my best work.

Tell us about a time when you were empowered in your career. What was the result?

A significant moment of empowerment in my career came when I transferred roles within KFH, moving from direct management of blocks of flats, over to a role in our newly formed Block Management Compliance department. A move undertaken to better align my career with my passion for helping others.

One particular instance that stands out was when I was newly assigned to the role and encountered a newly instructed KFH building that had been facing recurring safety issues over the previous years. I took the initiative to conduct a comprehensive review of the building's safety protocols and identified several areas for improvement. I then proposed and implemented new measures, which reduced risk and improved the building for those who call this block home.

This experience was incredibly empowering because it very quickly demonstrated the direct impact I could have on people's lives in my role. It gave me a profound sense of satisfaction knowing that my work was contributing to people's safety. The result was not only a safer environment but also a boost in my confidence and a reaffirmation of having made the correct career decision for the long term.

Rianna Watson - Senior Lettings Negotiator, Canada Water

If you could share a coffee or a meal with a female who has inspired you, whether they are current or a person from history, who would that be and why?

Definitely Beyonce! She is the most hardworking female I know. She is constantly breaking records, she is already at the peak of her career and is still pushing the boundaries. She is inspirational on every level.

What is it that creates a sense of belonging for you in the workplace, and what impact does that have on you?

I believe a sense of belonging is having a manager who offers me full support and makes the team feel welcomed and valued. This, coupled with having a team that works together and cares for each other despite being in a competitive market, really makes me enjoy my job/work environment.

Tell us about a time when you were empowered in your career. What was the result?

I felt empowered when I recently won the Lettings Rising Star award. It was a big achievement for me and it is now pushing me to aim for another award!

Yasmin Vedat – Sales Assistant Manager, Marylebone  

If you could share a coffee or a meal with a female who has inspired you, whether they are current or a person from history, who would that be and why?

I would choose Coco Chanel because her timeless designs and pioneering spirit in fashion continue to inspire me.

What is it that creates a sense of belonging for you in the workplace, and what impact does that have on you?

For me, a sense of belonging in the workplace is fostered by a supportive and inclusive environment where my contributions are valued, and I can be my authentic self. When I feel like I belong, it boosts my morale, increases my motivation, and enhances my overall job satisfaction. It also encourages collaboration, creativity, and a sense of camaraderie among colleagues, ultimately leading to better productivity and performance.

Tell us about a time when you were empowered in your career. What was the result?

A pivotal moment in my real estate career in Dubai was when I was given the reins to lead a luxury residential project's sales and marketing efforts. With the freedom to innovate, I poured my passion into the strategy, connecting with clients on a personal level. The result? Surging sales, excited investors, and a newfound sense of confidence and fulfillment in my role.