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Promoting women in property: Shelley Phillipson

January 30, 2017

Stantec's Marketing Manager, Shelley Phillipson recently spoke to the Property Council of Australia about the challenges facing the industry and how we can continue to promote diversity

What advice would you give to future leading women in property?

Hold true to yourself.  I was once told ‘Never wear your hair down’ in professional situations, ignoring that advice was the best thing ever. Being yourself gives you confidence that you can’t fake.  It is what can make you stand out and succeed.

What are the greatest challenges you have had to overcome in your career to date?

Each job I’ve had has brought about different challenges.  Working in professional services marketing, the biggest challenges you face are the stereotypes surrounding women in marketing. People often assume you ‘fell’ into it and often underestimate the strategic value the function can bring.

What can/ should the industry be doing to promote women in industry?

I believe we are already seeing a shift in thinking across the industry. We are seeing more senior female leaders in our companies and we are understanding the value different types of thinking different individuals can bring.  We should continue to raise awareness around the benefits of diversity and share strategies that have been successfully implemented to promote diversity.

What do you think are the biggest issues affecting the property industry?

I think red-tape is a big one. We need to be encouraging development in WA and moving to a 100% private certification process would significantly aid this.  Building a sustainable future is also an issue.  I would like to see more government assistance to make sustainable development more economically viable.

Why did you choose to be involved in the Property Council and what are your thoughts on our various diversity initiatives?

I chose to be part of the Property Council as I believe we need to come together as an industry to make change happen.  Being part of the Diversity Committee I think the various initiatives being rolled out are all great steps forward to building a more cohesive, diverse industry.

Read the full interview on Property Council of Australia.

Shelley Phillipson

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