Victoria Whitelaw, Doyenne Ambassador, Northern Region
What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a woman in this field, and how did you overcome it?
In 2019, I knew I didn’t want to be on the front line of Property Management anymore, but I didn’t want to leave the company I worked for or the sector. However, I didn’t have a clue what to do.
Luckily, I had a supportive boss. I was honest with them about the situation, and they, along with other senior members of the company offered me an opportunity to move into a project management role within our H&S department.
I have been there ever since and I must remind myself constantly that it wasn’t luck that brought me the opportunity, it was the fact that I had worked hard and shown my employer I could contribute to the success of the business in other ways.
Most recently, I took maternity leave (2021) and the return to work was just the hardest time in my life. My daughter was poorly, I had completely lost myself, my brain didn’t function the same way, I was a totally different person, and I felt so alone. I am so fortunate that I have supportive superiors, so that when I eventually plucked up the courage to talk to them about how I was feeling, they were right there with me, supporting me and encouraging me. I certainly would not be where I am today without them (shout out to you!)
Can you share your happiest memory from your time in the industry?
There are a few but it has to be winning Young Property Manager of the Year at the News on the Block awards in 2012! I was 21/22 and it cemented the fact that I found something I was good at that I enjoyed.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
I think everyone finds this challenging, but I am committed to coming to work every day, giving each day my absolute all and then knowing I can leave to spend time with my family having given it my best.
We are moving into a new world of being more flexible on working hours, so as I manager I encourage my team to take breaks and take part in important family events and I must lead by example!
What motivates you to get up and go to work every day?
My daughter and my husband, for the life we are enjoying together.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life or career?
My Mum, she is such a hard worker, she will set her mind to something and achieve it. Professionally I try and keep that with me in everything I do, and it is something I want to instil into my daughter.
At work, there are so many inspirational women in the company I work for, I am proud to work for R&R and I am so proud of the fact we have a strong female-led senior leadership team.
I report to a female who is well respected in her field, and she reports to another female who is well known and respected in our industry who then reports to our female CEO – a powerhouse of women!
What's a personal goal you are currently working towards?
I am on a health journey, I have a long road ahead, but I am so proud of how far I have come already in 2024, watch out 2025 I am coming for you!
Would you rather have the ability to speak all languages fluently or be a master of every musical instrument?
I love music, that is a really tough question, I think the master of every musical instrument – music transcends languages.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I can’t choose one, no way. Maybe if I could only eat one meal, I would choose a roast haha.
If you could have any fictional character as your best friend, who would you choose and why?
Without a doubt it has to be Lesley Knope from Parks and Recreation, I identify with her on so many levels haha but wish I could be as organised as her.
How do you unwind after a long day at work?
Usually, I chat with my 3-year-old daughter about the most bizarre things but when I get time to myself it would be a walk in absolute silence – how often are things in our life just quiet? I love the quiet.
What recent book has had an impact on you and why?
Show me the bodies: How we let Grenfell happen by Peter Apps, although I still to this day haven’t been able to finish it. It is such a difficult read but so important for anyone in block management.
I set up and ran the EWS1 project for our portfolio, the Grenfell fire took place on the same day as my birthday so in some way, doing the job that I do feels like it was meant to work out like that for me. I am very proud of everything we are trying to achieve for our clients and residents, to do everything we can to make sure people are safe in their own homes.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I have lots of family in Perth Australia and right now they are having a tough time, I would fly there and give them all the biggest hug.
What's your favourite inspirational quote or mantra?
Keeping it simple, it must be – don’t worry about the things you cannot change – although I spend every single day doing the exact opposite!
What is the biggest lesson you have learnt in life?
That sometimes it is okay to say No.
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