THE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
“We are actively working to enhance our policies and programs and continuously approve our approach not only to retain our exceptional female talent but also attract more women to our platform.” Amid WPT’s catalogue of activities, the network has raised close to $10,000 for women’s charities. There are plans to expand the network into other JLL country offices, and with a global workforce of
earning professionals once they returned from extended leave. As well as advocating for women who are established in their professions, JLL’s WPT is engaging with university and high school students to promote a career in property, hoping to entice a new generation of diverse minds and talent. Alongside this external outreach, WPT has hosted some 400 clients at events across JLL’s offices nationally tackling themes around unconscious bias, industry cultures and the power of mentoring. These events and initiatives are receiving the attention and support of some of the industry’s most senior female figures. Among those, Charter Hall chief executive Carmel Hourigan, who was recently in conversation with JLL’s Victoria managing director Kate Pilgrim for a client networking event that celebrated WPT’s one year anniversary. Pilgrim, who is also co-head of tenant representation at
over 100,000 people, the impact of this cannot be underestimated. Caitlin Uren, JLL’s head of ESG and outbound superfund coverage for capital markets at JLL, who is another founding member of WPT, says she is proud to see so much meaningful progress. “It’s an incredible feeling to connect with so many women in our industry who are passionate about gender equality. We are immensely proud to have created a community where ideas can be shared and real change can be actioned.”
JLL, returned to the company earlier this year after a two- year stint working at Charter Hall where she was inspired by Hourigan’s leadership. She says it was JLL’s commitment to backing women in senior positions that influenced her decision to return. “I wish there were groups like WPT when I started in agency 20 years ago,” Pilgrim says. “We’ve come such a long way in breaking down barriers for women in this space and this initiative is taking it to the next level.” WPT’s activities and aspirations continue to grow. A mentorship program is underway that will involve women from both within JLL and outside of the company. There are internal training initiatives to support women into transaction roles. Also, focus group sessions, in collaboration with JLL’s senior diversity and inclusion figures aim to share direct feedback from women in JLL across sales, leasing, tenant representation and valuations, with senior leaders to affect change. “At JLL, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment where women can build long, successful careers,” says Luke Billiau, JLL’s head of capital markets.
October / November 2024 – 25
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