Ladies in Real Estate (LiRE) was started by Adina David as a way for women in the London property industry to meet informally once a month. As of May 2022, the network has now grown to over 1,100 members who meet over breakfast for networking once a month.
Their mission is to provide opportunities for women at all levels working across the sector, to provide support, mentor, and build personal relationships with each other.
Adina David, Executive Director at MGT Investment Management, took the concept across the Atlantic following her move from New York to London in 2016.
The 50/50 concept was introduced to the network when male junior colleagues of David’s were questioning the network, and jokingly suggested starting their own club. In David’s eyes, they had a point. There was a lot of noise about promoting gender balance but not necessarily education as to why these networks are important.
The goal of the 50/50 concept is to enable the wider industry to act as allies, and for every opportunity to be equal – not to take any opportunities away. A supportive attitude is critical for the success of achieving workplace parity, rather than one of resent. There is room at the top for everyone, and every gender needs to be part of the conversation to make that happen.
Unlike other events which shine a light on women, the 50/50 breakfast aims to provide a real-life example of what gender balance looks like within the industry with a proportionately balanced room.
Adina David commented, “The 50/50 Breakfast is the result of our desire to try out a very simple idea in order to make a bold statement, which is to turn the current conversation on gender equality on its head and say that both men and women should be acknowledged, celebrated, supported, promoted, and hopefully we can all come together and appreciate each other equally.”
The concept is organised with the hope that if we normalize equal representation at industry events, we can move closer towards gender equality in the workplace.
The June 2022 event sponsor is deverellsmith, property recruitment and talent solutions firm for the real estate and construction industry.
Andrew Deverell-Smith, company CEO and Founder, commented “The need for change is happening right now, particularly in diversifying the property industry. It’s the third year we’ve sponsored the 50/50 breakfast as the concept remains an important part of deverellsmith’s agenda. We’re always seeking ways to support positive change especially when it involves talent within the industry.”
Man or woman, working in property, anywhere in the world, is a tough gig. Everyone in the industry knows the qualities needed to succeed and how important it is to network.
Join the 50/50 breakfast on Wednesday 29th July at The Refinery, Regents Place, 5 Brock Street London.
