Inspiring Women in Business - Debbie Ingram

Speaking with Debbie Ingram made two things clear: women working in male-dominated industries face unique challenges and barriers, but they also bring unique perspectives and strengths to the workplace.

Paving your own way in a male-heavy industry such as the property industry is pretty much unheard of. But Debbie did it.

Debbie had a knack for business from the age of 9 when she’d visit her Grandfather’s business that sold leather cloth, mattresses and hot water bottles among other things. She’d leverage sales with customers at such a young age, offering sales and discounts to increase sales as though it were second nature. Her family were impressed by her skill and craft at such a young age.

Her Grandfather admired her drive and told her, “go and become an estate agent, all you need is a telephone and a desk” which had stuck with her for many years to come. Even after a telephone and a desk became a laptop, wifi and a mobile phone. The faith her grandfather had in her stuck with her.?

Debbie started her first job in Estate Agency at the age of 16 (three years after her grandfather's passing)?by the age of 18 she was headhunted to help start up an office in Hendon for a leading firm of Estate Agents. In 2004, after her youngest son started full-time school, she set up her own business.?

Debbie specialises in off market sales of upper end residential sales and has built a reputation for herself in Hendon, Mill Hill & Finchley. Debbie’s unique selling point is her ability to match buyers with properties without having to go online to look for buyers.

“Our core values are that we like to go above and beyond for our clients, we treat every instruction as if it's our only instruction and look after our clients from beginning to end.?We only want to treat people how we would want to be treated.?Our passion, enthusiasm and tenacity knows no bounds.?Our attention to detail is second to none and we never give up."

Despite a lack of female role models and mentors in the industry at the time, Debbie started her business, and was able to bring a fresh perspective to the industry. Till date, this has proven to be her trademark. Although there was no female role model she could look up to at the time, the strong male role models in her life such as her husband, father and grandfather and now her two grown up sons, instilled confidence in her, constantly encouraging her.

Woman are often more attuned to the needs of diverse groups of customers or stakeholders, bringing a valuable perspective, which is something Debbie’s clients largely appreciated. Being a woman in the property industry gave Debbie the edge that a male-orientated industry just couldn’t deliver, she embodies a feminine energy which was evident in her attention to detail.

Women tend to have high levels of emotional intelligence, this can be a valuable skill in leadership, as it allows women to build strong relationships with colleagues and clients and create a positive work culture. This was another one of Debbie’s Unique selling points.

"I think being a female with a big heart and being able to empathise with your clients is a huge advantage.?In my career my clients really liked the fact that they could relate to me as a person. In my industry it's also quite unusual to be a woman running their own business so I think many corporate clients on the development side were intrigued as to what I could deliver."

Debbie shared a special memory with us, a silent milestone, before her late father had major surgery six years ago she took him on a trip to show him all of her sites and everything she had achieved, her father was in disbelief. Sometimes the wins aren’t a medal or plaque, it is the moments.?

Debbie pointed out that a common hurdle for women in business is “learning to say no” and explained that while it was difficult at the beginning, she now doesn’t tolerate rude clients.?

“I now have a policy 3 strikes and out”

Debbie added that this was only possible due to the solid foundation she had built over the years. She also emphasised that you must be prepared to sacrifice your lifestyle for the first year, advising not to "run before you can walk.”