Stronger Together: Women In Leasehold

Leanne Scott MTPI AsscoRICS

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

Women bring emotional intelligence, resilience and the ability to manage complex priorities, all of which are essential in block management. I’ve seen that women often take a thoughtful, people-focused approach to leadership whilst still making decisive decisions. That combination of insight and clarity is, in my experience, what drives real, lasting impact in this sector.

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

Early in my career, as a young woman in what was a very male-dominated industry, my ideas were often second-guessed, and I had to navigate spaces where women weren’t always expected.

To overcome this, I focused on building my confidence and staying true to myself, learning to speak up even when my voice felt out of place. Over time, it became less about proving myself and more about showing up and contributing meaningfully.

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

The best advice I’ve received and the advice I’d give to other women is to own who you are and your value. Don’t shrink to fit into spaces you’ve outgrown, and don’t wait to feel ‘ready’ before stepping up, as that moment rarely comes.

For me, it’s about staying curious, learning constantly, and trusting yourself. Have confidence in your decisions, and the results will follow.

If you could go back to your first day in this role, what would you tell yourself?

You won’t know everything on day one, and that’s perfectly fine. In property management, there will be bad days … trust me, I’ve had a few! What matters is turning up, owning it and learning from every ‘mistake’ and challenge along the way. Over time, those tough days became opportunities to grow, build confidence and really see what I was capable of. If someone had told me that back then, I think I’d have saved myself a few grey hairs and a lot of self-doubt!

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

I’d love to see more women in leadership roles across the sector, not just in supportive positions. The industry thrives when diverse voices are included in decision-making, and having women at every level brings balance, perspective, and stronger outcomes. I’d also like to see greater mentorship and networking opportunities tailored to women, so those starting out feel supported, visible, and confident to step up early in their careers.