Three Women Shaping the Property Sector

The property sector has grown substantially in the past decade with the value of homes hitting $10 trillion, propelling residential developments paired with industrial and commercial to match.

Although there are constraints on labour, there is a segment of the workforce willing and able to contribute that is growing year-on-year.

In building, construction services and engineering, women make up 26 per cent of the industry, including 12 per cent of the upper quartile, according to WGEA Data from the Australian Government. 

This jumps to 50 per cent in finance with 34 per cent in the upper quartile, and 52 per cent in property operators and retail estate services.

This diversity is driving the property sector, giving fresh perspectives, providing companies greater input and output while shaping the future of the nation.

This is done in many ways from crafting the message, shaping design and crunching the numbers to leading development teams.

The Urban Developer spoke to three women working in the industry about its future direction and more as we mark International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress

Kerry Balci

General manager, strategic planning and delivery for Stockland Halcyon

“I believe we need more men in leadership to act as sponsors, rally for, or champion the careers of women, and women should lean into this process,” Balci said.

“I think this helps to better empower women in the industry, and I’d like to see more women having greater self-belief in their skills and ability when they get a seat at the table, as they have very valuable insights and a great contribution to make.

“We can also all find ways to support women in their quest to build their confidence and self-belief, and create a truly inclusive environment.

“There’s more work to be done in demystifying and re-educating what the modern property sector is like.”

For Balci it is working on the national land lease communities portfolio for Stockland Halcyon after working for the group for 17 years.

“We’ve seen strong demand for land lease communities in recent years; currently there’s around 2000 homes under development across 10 of our actively trading communities,” she said.

“We have a continued focus on development activity in this portfolio, with five new communities launched since July 2023 and up to seven further launches expected by the end of this financial year, so it’s a busy and very rewarding role I’m privileged to be in.”

Julia Walsh

Chief operating officer, Uniti Group

“While we’ve made strides in the sector to improve diversity and inclusion, and conversations like this are important in overcoming barriers, as a leader you need to be able to have open conversations and be invested in every touchpoint across the employee journey,” Walsh said.

“Having the discipline to keep asking questions, taking feedback, and being prepared to challenge your own thoughts on diversity.”

Walsh leads a STEM company that builds infrastructure fibre to enable automated, intelligent, and secure homes in developments. 

“There’s no doubt that there is a shortage of women in technology-based, STEM roles, however if we create and continue to evolve cultures in the workplace, we’ll be able to attract and retain more women,” she said.

“By becoming a technology subject matter expert myself, I enjoy encouraging other women to do the same.

“Women bring a unique perceptive, but beyond gender, the case no longer has to be made as to why we need to have more women in leadership roles.

“We know it’s important and research has shown that the diversity women bring to an organisation tangibly adds to productivity and success.”

Taryn Paris

Managing editor of The Urban Developer

“Technology has already changed the way we work, with the rise of hybrid working helping to ensure a more inclusive workforce,” Paris said.

“I think artificial intelligence and robots will create a step-change in the industry that will provide opportunity for greater diversity and innovation across the board.”

Paris said the AI space was a big growth area but there was another opportunity to level the playing field and move the needle in the workforce.

“Women are forced to make difficult decisions around caregiving that can heavily impact career trajectory,” she said.

“Ensuring that men are also caregivers and take parental leave would help circumvent the serious hurdles many women face. 

“There has been a big focus on encouraging more women in construction, which has been met with some success, but more needs to be done to create healthy working environments that are inclusive and gender diverse.” 

The managing editor was also looking forward to a women’s boardroom lunch later this year, which will be announced in due course. 

“As a mother of three I hope I am helping to shape a future where women, like my daughters, can be at boardroom tables and it’s not something we have to measure anymore,” Paris said.

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