FIVE MINUTES WITH ...
VANESSA MURRAY
VANESSA MURRAY , ASSET MANAGER AT LONDON DEVELOPER STANHOPE , RECENTLY LAUNCHED A NEW FEMALE MENTORING SCHEME , COINCIDING WITH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN ’ S DAY , TO ADDRESS THE ACUTE DISPARITY BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS WITHIN THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY .
Q . TELL US HOW THE IDEA OF MENTORING CIRCLE CAME ABOUT ?
» I have worked with some really brilliant young women throughout my career who struggle to promote themselves within their own roles leading to a lack diversity at senior leadership level . I wanted to create an accessible platform for young women to connect with inspirational female leaders within the property industry at this key early stage of their career journey which is where the idea for Mentoring Circle originated .
Q . WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS ?
» We are targeting women with a maximum of 18 months ’ post qualification experience who are looking to progress their career and build on their existing skillset . The premise of the scheme is to retain and promote female talent and to reinvigorate an industry which is typically associated with the ‘ pale , stale , male ’. The only requirement of our mentees is a willingness to learn , to be engaged and to become the best version of themselves within their current and future roles .
Q . HOW CAN THE CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY ATTRACT MORE WOMEN , ESPECIALLY IN SENIOR ROLES ?
» If we are to ever disassociate the profession from being a stereotypical ‘ boys club ’ let ’ s
16 April 2021