Blazena Grossmann:​ I started at Hines 10 years ago to build up our Risk Management function in Luxembourg and our Regulated Investment Management function in Europe. Like any role, you get questioned and challenged a lot, especially if you are building something new from scratch. Real estate is very ​ much a consensus-based sector, so you need to convince lot of people about your ideas and get them comfortable with your courses of action. Once you earn trust, I have found you are given a lot of space to be creative, make decisions and put your ideas into action.

Ruth Jackson:​ I have had the ability to shape my career around my own interests by working on a wide variety of projects, which have given me exposure to different aspects of the sector. The great thing about real estate is that you have the freedom to find your own path if you work hard and are motivated to achieve success.

Fiona Hipkiss: From my personal experience, real estate is a career path that can go in in any direction you choose, depending on what gets you motivated. My advice to anybody, particularly women, is that you don’t need to do business in the same way as other people. If you’re confident in your abilities and have experience, you should manage working relationships in the way that is best for you.

Elena Vakali:​ It has definitely come a long way since I started 15 years ago. For starters, it is much more diverse and transparent today. I have found that working in the industry has allowed me to make a long-term impact on the built environment, to shape future cities, for generations to come, which is a legacy anyone would cherish. It is also a highly innovative industry and it is interesting to see the direct impact of innovation on the way we live and work.

Francesca Orlandini: It has been a great experience. Of course, you must prove you are capable of doing your job, but your expertise is what counts.

Vanessa Gelado:​ I have such a passion for what I do which is a great place to start. No two days are the same, there are constant challenges and hurdles to cross, but the overwhelming feeling of delivering your vision is indescribable. My advice would be you need a lot of commitment and resilience to see things through from start to finish and things won’t always be perfect but that’s ok as long as you’re doing your best and giving your all. Another key facet is to grasp opportunities when they come along, there is no need to fall into the trap of imposter syndrome, take things on and you’ll learn during the journey. After all, learning is part and parcel of being human and a well-rounded real estate professional.

Mary Edmunds:​ My experience has been that real estate is as much about people as it is about buildings. With mutual support and teamwork, the goals of this complex business are met and celebrated. Historically, the industry may have been male dominated. Today at Hines, we have global female leaders and a Co-CEO who come from a background in real estate development. The experience I have had at Hines is one of inclusion and advancement. Through mentorship and sponsorship, I have also been supported by important leaders and peers at Hines.