Stronger Together: Women In Leasehold

Robyn Thorpe ATPI

What is your current role in the block management sector?

My current role within the sector is that of a trainee property manager, and my career path will be to progress to a property manager and then a senior property manager.

What keeps you motivated?

What keeps me motivated is knowing I’m trying my best to be the best I can be and always trying harder. Getting positive feedback from once-frustrated leaseholders is a pleasure to achieve.

Can you share a project, challenge, or achievement you’re especially proud of?

I’ve recently obtained my level three qualification, which I’m over the moon with and currently on the waiting list to complete level 4. I have also just completed a major roof work project, which had been ongoing for two years. Completing a project is a great achievement for a property manager. 

How do you feel your work is making a difference in the wider industry?

I think my work helps map a path for other property managers, in hopes they see the positive feedback I’m trying to achieve and aim for and therefore create a domino effect. 

What do you think women bring to the block management sector that’s particularly valuable?

I think women bring a great attitude to the block management that succeeds and is proven to show positive outcomes. In this industry, we come across a lot of not-so-nice situations and maybe challenging leaseholders. In these situations, we thrive and step up to any challenge given to us.

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in this industry, and if so, how did you navigate them?

I’ve noticed in the industry, maybe because of my name being for both a man and a woman, that a male leaseholder will be somewhat shocked when it’s a woman who manages their building and not a man. I overcome this by showing them I am fully capable of running their block, and who knows, someday the world! But I’ll stick to block management for the time being! 

Robyn, we love this, go for the world! : )

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received, or that you’d give to other women in block management?

Tell myself not to be scared and not to doubt myself, because you’re about to be an amazing person within the industry, someone to be proud of and someone who’s going to never stop achieving because you’re capable. 

What positive changes would you like to see for women in the sector?

In my workplace place it’s mainly women who dominate, which is refreshing, for that to be a standard and be widely known that we are capable of doing an amazing job. My director is a woman, and alone she sets the standards of you can achieve everything and anything by believing in yourself, asking for help and thriving! 

Thank you, Robyn, for taking the time to speak with us and our Doyenne community. We can't wait to see what you continue to achieve over the coming years. We are all beside you, cheering you on as you progress.

Show your support by connecting with Robyn