The real estate landscape has drastically changed for women over the last 10 years. Today women leaders have proved their mettle by vigorously taking up challenging roles and foraying into the sector.
The success of a company depends on how diverse its leadership is. Square Yards- the largest real estate platform in India- has always maintained a diverse and inclusive work environment. Thus, it comes as no surprise that it has a sizeable number incredibly talented women leaders who have excelled in their roles and are quashing the notion of real estate being a male-dominated industry. These women leaders have been the pillar of strength and have played a significant and critical role in helping the company achieve its goals.
Like any other industry, real estate has its own set of challenges. On the occasion of Women’s Day, Square Yards spoke to the top women leaders in the company about their accomplishments, struggles, and how they have thrived in a male-dominated industry. Here are the excerpts from the conversation:
Name- Kanika Gupta Shori
Designation- COO and Co-Founder, Square Yards
“There is no ‘Hero’ without Her. It is not just one day but our history that celebrates the efforts of women in shaping a brighter and more equal future.
I believe that gender is just one aspect of our identities and yet we end up defining our roles, both at home as well as work, on the basis of it. Irrespective of our genders, it is our capabilities and personalities that make us a good leader. At Square Yards, this has been the core value on the basis of which we choose our leaders.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, as a leader at Square Yards I wish to spearhead action towards accelerating equality at work. Women have time and again proven their irreplaceability in all walks of life and thus the efforts of our women need to be celebrated daily.
Having said that, I would definitely add that being high on the emotional quotient, women leaders do bring in a sense of empathy into the system along with the ability to multi-task and adapt to the dynamic nature of a business.”
Name – Rabiah Shaikh
Designation – CBO, Global Markets, Square Yards
Associated with Square Yards since May 2015
“Although the odds are against women to lead, it brings an even greater passion and belief to overcome all obstacles and break through those glass ceilings!
I believe gender should not be a factor when considering leadership roles, it should be solely based on the individual’s strengths, skills, and abilities, as women are equally as qualified as men to lead. But unfortunately, there is still a long way to go to bridge the gap between this disparity and imbalance of power, which I hope I will be able to contribute to.
With that being said, I believe women make great leaders as they are naturally empathetic and have emotional intelligence which are essential leadership factors in driving and motivating people. Women are pragmatic and can easily pivot and adapt to complex situations more effectively.”
Name: Sreeja Nair
Designation: Head of HR-Talent Acquisition, Square Yards
Associated with Square Yards since July 2016
‘’Leadership has nothing to do with gender; growth, mindset, and optimism kept me going.
I never really entered real estate thinking that its a male-dominated industry. I always looked for challenging roles. At Square Yards, I was surrounded by innovative thoughts and risk-taking minds. Growth mindset and optimism in challenging times were some of the factors, that keep me going in this industry.
My experience has taught me that irrespective of your gender, impeccable work ethic and authenticity can win many battles. Agility towards change management, managing a team, personal well being and career growth are some of the balls you need to keep juggling.”
Name: Shubhi Jain
Designation: Associate Principal Partner, Square Yards
Associated with Square Yards since May’16
‘’ Their innate care-giving abilities make women leaders great at multi-tasking.
I never thought that just because real estate is a male-dominated industry it should be any deterrent for me to enter into it as long as the role is enriching.
Women being caretakers are innate multi-taskers and are equipped to handle various situations with ease. They possess emotional intelligence and are also empathetic. This helps them in resolving conflicts and in managing teams.”
Name: Chahat Puri
Designation: Head-HR/Compensation and Benefits, Square Yards
Associated with Square Yards since May’2020
”Blessed with multi-tasking abilities and good interpersonal skills help women cope and excel in a male dominated market.
Being in the real estate industry, which primarily is a male dominated market, comes with its own set of challenges. This drives me even further to push myself to create a name for myself. Being in Square Yards, I have been lucky enough to get such opportunities where I have been able to prove my work and dedication.
Each woman is an inspiration for someone. Being a good leader has nothing to do with your gender and everything to do with hard work and time management along with managing priorities. There is no substitute to hard work irrespective of your gender. Stay focused, surround yourself with knowledge, work with passion and there will be nothing to stop you from scaling new heights.”
Name: Ritika Shori
Designation: Principal Partner, Square Yards
Associated with Square Yards since December’ 2013
”I hope that one day we’ll be able to do away with International Women’s Day.
I truly wish that one day in the future there won’t be a need to specially reserve a day for talking about women’s struggles and successes.
That one day our future generations will question that why we ever needed such a day at all. To achieve that day, I hope we continue to make our mark, ensure our voices be heard and carry on with undoing the norms set against us.”
