1. How did your career start? Was it planned or did you get into it by chance?

My career started slightly differently to what it is today. My first job straight out of university was a financial auditor at PwC where I learned a great deal of discipline and the foundation for my analytical and financial skills. However, a couple of years into the job, it felt more like a stepping stone in my professional pursuit rather than the career that I hoped to have. I had some interviews set up when I visited the UAE in 2013 and by mere coincidence decided to shift careers and delve into the world of real estate when I was presented with a unique opportunity in this breathtaking country. 

I started from scratch at an entry level position as an administrative assistant and worked my way up to a development officer followed by manager. Fast forward to 2022,  and my hard work and perseverance has made me what I am today, a recently appointed business development director at the age of 31. My roles and responsibilities at a leading physical asset management company have introduced me to the full lifecycle in the real estate industry and I am fortunate to work in this ever-changing and dynamic industry.

2. Have you faced any challenges in your career due to your gender?

It can be challenging, to say the least, to manage approximately 5 million sq. ft. of residential and commercial space with over 5,000 units under management that host the lives and homes of people. This included overseeing the actual assets and the facility management operations from all aspects, especially health and safety. There were instances where I was the only female on a site inspection climbing on some skyscraper’s roof surrounded by a group of all male engineers, supervisors and technicians as you wouldn’t often find a woman working in those fields. Even though they were professional and respectful, being the only woman at that point in time can be intimidating. You have to be up to the challenge, know your limitations and hold your own especially that they were more technically versed on the field than you. I had to spend long nights reading up and researching about FAHUs, FCUs, VFDs, PRVs and all the lovely three letter abbreviations in the facilities management world but with some help and great dedication, you can surprise yourself with how much knowledge you can learn quickly and how much you can rely on your team. 

3. Do you think enough steps are being taken by companies to encourage women to enter C-level positions?

I do. Personally, I am fortunate enough to work in a corporation that sees the potential and added-value women bring to the table. At Eltizam Group, our C-suite are supportive of our career paths and personal growth. With their investment in training and advancement opportunities, the rise to C-level is inevitable and necessary for future business operations, creating diversity to drive innovation. 

Forbes recently published the ‘Middle East’s Power Businesswomen’, where we see women take on C-level positions in the fields of banking, finance, retail, e-commerce and others. These women have paved the way for others to follow suit and have proven that they are up to the challenge. Who knows, the real estate industry might be next in line to give rise to women as CEOs.  

4. Is work-life balance real or fiction?

I have to admit, on some days it does seem like a fairytale, but work-life balance is a matter of personal choices and can be your reality if you wish. There is no one-size fits all formula for work-life balance. Life will throw certain instances your way where one will have to take precedence over the other. There are days where you will spend extended days away from your family or vice versa. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a perfect 50-50 split, it just needs to be one that works for you and your loved ones. Personal fulfillment is achieved when you are proud of both the roles you play, professionally and personally.  

 5. What advice do you have for young women who would like to enter the industry?

My favourite quote that always resonates with me is “Know Your Value - then add Tax and Service Charges”.

It takes hard work to make your mark, no matter what industry; people will judge you and question your abilities along the way but never settle for anything less than what you know you deserve. Never lose your passion, speak your mind (eloquently that is) and don’t let other people tell you that you can’t do it all - because let me let you in on a little secret – YOU CAN!