You are Worth It: How to Seize Opportunities in the face of Doubt

Building Up Women In Property

I recently spoke with a powerful woman in our industry, and we talked about the progress we've made. There are so many more opportunities for women than there used to be. But even with all these openings, women still hesitate to step into leadership roles. It's like there's an invisible barrier stopping them from grabbing that promotion or stepping into the spotlight.

And you know what? I think I've cracked the code. It all boils down to self-worth.

Unlike self-confidence or self-esteem, self-worth is about recognising our inherent value as human beings, independent of external circumstances or others' opinions. It's about believing that you are worthy of respect, recognition, and all the incredible opportunities this industry has to offer.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Our industry hasn't exactly made women feel valued. The gender pay gap is a glaring example, and let's not even get started on the way society undervalues stay-at-home mums. These messages can chip away at our self-worth over time which makes us doubt our abilities and downplay our achievements.

Maybe you find yourself constantly crediting your mentors or sponsors for your success, instead of owning it yourself. While it is important to acknowledge the support we’re given, we need to be loud and proud about ourselves. The same goes for accepting awards or promotions. It's not about feeling obligated to "pay it forward" or somehow prove you deserve it. It's your moment to celebrate your achievements. You earned it!

So how do we break free from this? I like to think of it as a success trifecta: self-worth, confidence, and visibility.

1.) Knowing who you are, what you want, and what success looks like on your terms is a strong foundation for success.

2) Believing in your abilities and your resilience to keep growing and take on challenges.

3) Let people see your skills and ideas! Don't be afraid to speak up and share your expertise. That's how you build credibility and recognition.

Becoming the best version of yourself takes time and effort, but trust me, it's worth it. So step out of your comfort zone. Explore your relationship with self-worth. Seek out opportunities to grow and be recognised. The property and construction industry needs your unique voice and your incredible talent!