At The Momentum Group we are proud to employ a diverse team, and have many amazing women working within our business.

Ahead of Woman’s Day on Sunday, Cath Riseborough our Group Services Manager has shared her thoughts on her career so far and on women in property.

What is the best advice you were given when you started out in the industry?
I would say it was to believe in myself. There are a lot of technical terms in property, especially within a business like The Momentum Group that covers the full range of property services, and it would be easy to lose confidence when you don’t fully understand some of the more technical aspects of what we do. I’ve also seen statistics showing that men are far more likely to apply for a job even if they don’t meet all the criteria. So, it is taking that attitude and backing yourself!

How important is it to inspire and support the next generation of women in property, and how are The Momentum Group helping to do this?
I think it is incredibly important. At Momentum, we’re really keen to employ apprentices and graduates as a way of growing talent organically. As the property industry becomes less male-dominated and more diverse, it’s even more important that younger women feel they have role models they can look up to. We have an initiative called Young Momentum, which includes all our team members under 30. We’re currently looking into how we can develop it further, so it becomes an even better platform for younger colleagues to share feedback and ideas.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a woman in leadership, and how has it shaped the way you lead today?
I can think of a few, but I would say the most important has been to speak up and share as many ideas as you can. I think people are often afraid to challenge the status quo, but in many organisations, processes and ways of doing things have just evolved, often without much thought or planning. Taking a step back, reevaluating and suggesting alternatives can be really valuable. I hope I encourage others to think of different and potentially better ways of doing things too.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally, and how do you think organisations can celebrate it in a way that drives lasting change?
While I think International Women’s Day is an important moment in the calendar, it’s really what happens every day that drives change. For me, the most important thing is creating workplaces that are fair and that recognise people based on merit every day.

Name one woman you feel particularly inspired by.
It might sound a bit cheesy, but I’d have to say my mum. She worked in HR for a retail company in apartheid-era South Africa and fought to ensure people were treated fairly despite the racial laws at the time. Growing up, I learnt how important it is to stand up for what’s right and make sure people are treated fairly.