As we celebrate Women’s Month, we embark on a journey to explore and honour the dynamic and diverse roles that women are playing in shaping the landscape of real estate.
Beverley Gurwicz, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty (Westcliff and Forest Town Area Specialist) and Simoné Muller, Residential Property Manager of @Sandton-Apartments at Acsiopolis Mixed Used Precinct, share their journey into the real estate sector, what inspired them to pursue a career in the field, and what it takes to achieve success.
We asked them a few questions:
Beverley Gurwicz, Lew Geffen
Sotheby’s International Realty
How did you get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field
After studying theatre and drama, I took some time off to visit friends who had emigrated to the US and many of them had started to work in the real estate industry. It seemed a dynamic industry with great potential so when I returned home, I applied for a position with Lew Geffen Estates and was greatly inspired by Lew and his optimism around the industry in South Africa.
I also liked the fact that I could write my own pay cheque – that my hard work would reap rewards and the harder I worked the more the earning potential.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
Having been in the industry for 40 years now, I would have to say that knowledge is king. You need to have more than a passing acquaintance with finance, marketing, economics and psychology to be successful in the industry.
Empathy is also very important – you should be able to put yourself in the other person’s shoes – know the feeling.
Organisational ability is another important attribute as this isn’t a 9 – 5 job and you must be able to juggle work, home and family.
And be prepared to start at an admin level in a well-established agency to learn all aspects of the industry and then progress as you acquire knowledge and skills.
What initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented in the property industry to create a more diverse and inclusive environment?
Most important is access to training and mentorship. On a personal level, I have mentored young graduates from various schools and universities as well as in-house staff who want to move across to selling.
We are seeing this as part of the new initiative going forward in the sector.
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
Today, all individuals in the workplace are geared towards a more relationship-centric and ethical approach to business.
Women are predominantly seen as nurturers – women help others to grow and offer support.
Simoné Muller,
Residential Property Manager
of @Sandton-Apartments at
Acsiopolis Mixed Used Precinct
How did you get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
My passion for property developed when I had an opportunity to run a Luxury Lodge at Londolozi. During that time, I began to understand the value that property can add to the economy, whether it is to provide a platform for conservation like a game farm or to create a new place to call home. This experience drove me to pursue career in property – an industry where I am challenged and given the opportunity to affect positive change daily.
So, when a role at the @Sandton-Apartments located in the Acsiopolis precinct arose I grabbed it with both hands. A new development is a blank canvas and, together with an amazing team we strive to create a harmonious environment for our tenants which in turn builds a successful business for the owners of the development.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
Be passionate about property. Really passionate. And always strive to make each day better than the last, remember the building is made of brick and mortar, but you bring the property to life with who your personality and passion. Property is tough, it will test you, it will mould you, it will make you stronger, it will make you want to be better and achieve more. My advice would be, if you are passionate about property, persevere, be open to constant change – you are embarking on a remarkable journey that will allow you to touch so many lives or become part of history if you are fortunate enough to be managing an iconic landmark!
What initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented in the property industry to create a more diverse and inclusive environment?
I believe several initiatives can be put into action to foster a diverse and inclusive environment in the property sector. These initiatives include:
- Create volunteer DEI training programmes – this will promote a better understanding of how various cultures, genders, ages, and beliefs can better work together to create an environment that is inclusive and promotes harmonious living environments.
- Invest more in the employees to upskill and cross train – they are most valuable asset that your property needs to be successful.
- Property is forever a learning environment – when it comes to appointments, a skills first approach is invaluable.
- Listen and learn from your employees’ feedback – change is critical.
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
In a lot of industries emotions are left at the door, however in property you need the passion and energy to give the building life! Women do this beautifully within the property sector, they don’t look for a house or apartment, but they will hunt for a home where you and your family can make happy memories to last a lifetime. Women have the compassion and perseverance that a building needs to transform it from four walls to an inviting home! They do this every day in the property sector and in their own homes by simply being true to themselves and wanting to create a space which is a haven to escape to and make memories with your family.