While it captures a historical truth about our industry, this framing misses the mark on how we actually create positive change.
After nearly a decade in real estate, I’ve learned that true progress isn’t about tearing others down – it’s about building everyone up while maintaining high standards.
I’ve worked in male-dominated environments both inside and outside real estate.
Yes, as a woman, you often feel pressure to work harder to prove yourself.
But I don’t subscribe to the “pro-female, anti-male” narrative that sometimes dominates these discussions. The reality is more nuanced, and the solutions need to be too.
At Ray White Ascot, where I head up growth and performance, some of our highest-earning agents are women.
This isn’t because we lowered the bar – it’s because we raised expectations for everyone while creating genuine opportunities.
The old excuse that “women earn less in real estate” simply doesn’t hold up when you look at our top performers.
The message is clear: if you want to achieve something, go out there and get it.
This isn’t just about gender – it’s about creating an environment where anyone with drive and energy can succeed.
When I’m interviewing new associates for our office program, I make a conscious effort to consider a diverse mix of candidates.
But here’s the important bit: you have to be right for the role.
I can teach skills, but I can’t teach energy. That’s the non-negotiable quality we look for in every candidate, regardless of their background.
The transformation we need isn’t about pushing anyone out – it’s about pulling more talented people in.
Real estate sales often gets a bad rap, but it remains one of the few careers where your earning potential is truly uncapped.
This opportunity should be accessible to everyone with the drive to seize it.
Creating this change requires a delicate balance; You need to challenge the status quo while building bridges, not burning them.
In my career, I’ve learned that relationships are everything. When you’re trying to shift mindsets or introduce new ways of doing things, you need to demonstrate value and build trust.
Change doesn’t happen through mandates – it happens through showing people a better way forward.
The next generation of real estate leaders isn’t defined by age or gender—it’s defined by energy and vision.
I’ve seen this firsthand in our office, where we’ve created a culture of mutual respect and high performance.
We celebrate each other’s achievements and work together, even in a highly competitive market.
This didn’t happen by accident – it required intentional effort to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
But let’s be honest: this journey isn’t always smooth.
There are still days when you face subtle biases or outdated assumptions. The key is to respond with professionalism and results, not resentment.
Every challenge becomes an opportunity to demonstrate what inclusive leadership really looks like in practice.
Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about the future of real estate.
The industry is evolving, and new perspectives are being welcomed into leadership roles. But this evolution needs to happen thoughtfully and respectfully. We need to acknowledge the experience of industry veterans while creating space for fresh approaches.
The real estate industry I want to leave for the next generation – including my own daughters if they choose this path – is one where success is determined by what you bring to the table, not what you look like or where you came from.
It’s an industry where respect flows in all directions, and where hard work and results speak louder than anything else.
Breaking the glass ceiling doesn’t require breaking spirits. It requires building a bigger, better house where everyone who’s willing to put in the work can find their place to shine.
Hear more from Katie on the Elevate Podcast
