All aboard!
2 August 2018
It was a cold morning and an early start, but that didn’t stop over 60 professional women attending Women on Boards, a breakfast event hosted by REINSW president, Leanne Pilkington and REINSW. 
This event represented a platform for professional women in the real estate industry, and beyond, to learn how to step into leadership roles on boards. It was a gathering of experience, skill and tenacity for the shared benefit of all women looking to advance their career.
The future is bright

A panel of leading ladies discussed women on boards, led by Being Bold director, Caroline Bolderston.

The panel consisted of REINSW president Leanne Pilkington, REINSW past president Christine Castle, non-executive director of Steadfast Group and CommInsure Anne O’Driscoll, general manager (sales strategy) of News Corp Rachel Savio and REINSW board member Linda Rudd. Each woman discussed their journey to becoming a board member and the value it has brought them professionally and personally.

“I understood I could do it, but it was a question of whether I wanted to do it,” says O’Driscoll. “I reflected about where I wanted to be professionally and decided I would give it a go.

“Now I’m on the board of five different companies and I think about how I can make a difference in each of those companies every day. If you want to build a board career, you must look at what you can bring. And your commercial, property and marketing experience is invaluable.”

Savio’s journey was similarly proactive.

“Like Anne (O’Driscoll), I decided in the next ten years I’d like to be sitting on boards as a non-executive director. I realised if that’s what I wanted to do, I needed to be proactive and get some experience. 

“I joined Women on Boards and started attending industry events. I’ve only been in my position for 18 months, but it’s very fulfilling. I’m getting my board experience and learning a lot through the diversity of the members. I can’t overestimate the importance of networking and opening the door to new opportunities.”

Giving back

For Rudd, the motivation was giving back.

“I’ve been in the real estate industry for over 15 years,” she said. “It has supported and fostered my career and development, and I wanted to give back. 

“If you work in the industry, you must consider contributing back because when you’re part of the narrative, you can guide how your industry operates.”

When asked why there aren’t more women on boards, Pilkington said: “If I’m anything to go by, it doesn’t occur to them that it’s something they could, and potentially should, do.

“I never wanted to stand out because I was always part of a male-dominated workplace and industry. I didn’t want to separate myself. But you can’t complain about a problem if you’re not willing to be part of the solution. So instead of asking yourself ‘Why?’ you should be asking ‘Why not’? 

“Certainly, when I was watching the president as the deputy president, knowing I was next in line, there were times when I thought “I can’t do that’. But it turns out I can.”
Finding the time

When asked about the personal commitment required to sit on a board, Rudd said it does take dedication.

“Contributing the time is an essential element of being on a board. It does take time, focus and attention. Before you commit, you have to make sure you can make the allowance of time.”

Savio agreed. “Like many women here, I’m juggling a career, a family and striving for a board career. It’s challenging, so you have to decide to pursue a board career and what that future looks like for you.”

For women who think they’re not ready for a board position, the panel suggested other ways to gain experience and confidence.

“Committees, especially REINSW committees, are a great stepping stone,” said O’Driscoll.

Castle agreed. “I made my way onto the board through REINSW chapter committees. I was the chairman of the Real Estate Sales chapter committee. It was a very good learning curve and allowed me to learn the ways of the REINSW, which is so important. You must get to know your own industry. That’s what gave me the confidence to go for the board position.”
 

Aspiring for more

But why should women aspire to be on boards?

“It’s all about bringing different skills to the table,” says Savio. “You can’t underestimate the value you can offer through the expertise you’ve developed in your career.”

Castle continued: “A lot of you here today would ask ‘Why me? What do I have to offer?’. But ladies, you have a lot to offer. If someone else highlights your attributes, that should be good enough to inspire you to strive for more.

“You’ve got to rise up, get out there and own it. You’ve got to do it yourself, but the rewards are fantastic.”

And when you have those moments of self-doubt, Rudd reminded the audience that they all have experience, insight, a point of view and an opinion. “And that’s always valuable.”

Pilkington added: “You will probably spend your first couple of board meetings not saying much, but you get over that very quickly. This is all about giving women the confidence to take the next step – whatever that is for them.”
Want more?

Do you know all of your member benefits?

You could be missing out.

View all member benefits