THE WOMEN OF WAKEFIELDS

This Women's Month, we're celebrating the women at the heart of our business. Our people's stories will provide a glimpse into Wakefields Real Estate - a business that values diversity, encourages inclusion, and, above all, inspires people and teams to succeed. This is Jivanee’s story.

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What strategies have you found effective in overcoming any gender-related challenges in advancing your career??

I try my best to stay up to date with industry trends and developments.?I believe in my abilities and value as a real estate professional.?Besides the EAAB/PPRA requirements, I ensured I was on top of my game by completing the Diploma of Advanced Property Practice, Certificate of the Residential Specialist (CRS) and completed a course in Commercial & Industry Brokerage. I am confident in interactions with clients and industry professionals, and I have cultivated a strong personal brand that demonstrates my expertise and skills.?

Can you share any significant milestones or accomplishments in your career that have inspired you and opened doors for other women in the industry?

I commenced my career with Wakefields over 30 years ago as an estate agent on the Berea and quickly achieved Diamond Achiever status, moved into management about 16 years ago and during this period was appointed a director.?I led the Malvern sales team of Wakefields and put it on the map by being the top branch for about 4-5 consecutive years and it remains a significant branch in the company. Now I am back in my hood, leading the biggest sales team in Wakefields and I am determined to restore this branch back to its former glory.

In your experience, what are some unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to the real estate industry, and how can these qualities be harnessed for collective success?

Women bring a unique set of strengths and perspectives to the real estate industry, which can greatly contribute to collective success. Some of these qualities include communication skills, empathy & emotional intelligence, multitasking and organisational skills.?Women are often perceived to have a natural ability to focus on detail, which is crucial in real estate transactions that involve complex legal, financial, and contractual aspects.?Attention to detail can help mitigate risks or oversights that could lead to serious repercussions.

What advice would you give to women who are just starting their careers in the real estate industry, particularly in terms of navigating challenges and seizing opportunities?

Educate yourself – applied knowledge is power.?Embrace continuous learning.?Real estate is a dynamic industry that is constantly evolving. Stay updated on new technologies, market trends, and best practices. Continuously seek opportunities to learn and enhance your skills.?Confidence is key!?Believe in your abilities and value, and don't be afraid to assert yourself and speak up. Trust your instincts and take calculated risks when necessary.

How do you approach decision-making and problem-solving, and what strategies have helped you succeed in making tough choices?

To make informed decisions, I try to understand the information or analyse the data – evaluating options and consider various factors to reach the best possible outcome.?Defining a problem helps me understand the root causes to identify possible solutions.?I also believe in the power of collaboration and won’t hesitate to reach out to experts or individuals with diverse perspectives to gain insights and consider different angles to make well rounded decisions.

What role do you believe mentorship or sponsorship played in your professional growth, and how do you pay it forward by supporting and mentoring others?

I was very fortunate that I had awesome predecessors and absorbed a great deal from their mentorship and guidance. Mentorship is a valuable resource to upskill and empower individuals and I sacrifice a great deal of my management time in a proactive and influential role to provide new recruits with a structured training programme, sharing knowledge and skills, guide their development and navigate through challenges to quickly achieve success. By being a successful agent and a manager, I can impart practical experiences to avoid costly mistakes and identify opportunities to accelerate professional growth.