Barry Plant champions women's leadership in real estate, every day
As International Women's Day approaches, the Barry Plant Group reaffirms its commitment to gender equality and diversity within the real estate industry. The group's unique approach to fostering female leadership and equality within the team is recognised every day of the year.
As International Women's Day approaches, the Barry Plant Group reaffirms its commitment to gender equality and diversity within the real estate industry. The group's unique approach to fostering female leadership and equality within the team is recognised every day of the year.
With a female CEO and several women in key leadership roles, Barry Plant sets an example of nurturing women's success, not just talking the talk, but in concrete actions.
CEO Lisa Pennell says her first priority when taking on the role in 2023 was to build a high performing team and so she was excited to uncover untapped female talent in junior roles, three of whom have now taken on management roles in the group.
“One of the challenges with women is that we are less likely to ask for a promotion or a raise and more likely to wait for that tap on the shoulder - the problem is, unless a leader is actively looking, real talent can easily be overlooked.”
Emma Smith, the Digital and Associates Manager, demonstrates the potential for growth into leading roles within the franchisor. Starting as a receptionist in 2019, Emma's journey showcases her diverse expertise, from customer service to project management, to leading teams both locally and internationally.
“I’m grateful to have built strong relationships in the network with directors and the wider team,” Ms Smith said.
“I have grown a lot professionally with Barry Plant, learned a lot about myself, and am continually learning.”
Ms Smith shares her experience of growth and empowerment within the company.
"Compared to past experiences, Barry Plant has definitely fostered growth and presented opportunities for me, particularly in the past year since our change in the leadership team” she said.
“With the support of all members of the leadership team, both male and female, I have been able to uncover skills and strengths I didn't know I had, and in times of doubt, I have been supported and empowered.
Barry Plant's Finance Manager Krissie Doyle is a wife and mother of two young boys. Her journey with Barry Plant began just four months after the birth of her second son. Initially tasked with general bookkeeping duties, Krissie has since transformed her role, enriching her skills and broadening her responsibilities. Over the years, she has diligently expanded her expertise across various finance domains, showcasing remarkable growth and commitment to excellence.
"I started in 2016, and after my initial interview, one thing was clear - they understood that I was a mum first and that would take precedence, which was reassuring and a positive start to my career at Barry Plant,” she said.
“I worked in the legal industry for 12 years prior to real estate, and I knew then that the real estate industry was very male dominated.
“But over recent years I have noticed the growth of female leaders within our organisation, which is fantastic to see and be a part of.”
Barry Plant Operations Manager Amanda Gattuso also emphasises the importance the company places on diversity and equal opportunities within the industry.
“While it feels a little cliche, one of the things that sets Barry Plant apart is its focus on inclusion,” she said.
“With over half of all its employees being female, the Barry Plant Group supports women at all levels of their career including Administration, Property Management, Sales and Business Ownership, and it's wonderful celebrating their achievements at all stages of their career.”
Ms Gattuso’s journey began in 2012 as a corporate receptionist, and she has since stretched her professional knowledge and skills by taking on roles including customer service, training coordinator and events manager. She was also the executive assistant to the CEO and most recently, she was appointed as operations manager in 2023.
“The company's commitment to its employees has remained constant throughout my time,” she said.
“Barry Plant is a fantastic workplace, and I'm proud to be a part of a high-performing team.”
As International Women's Day approaches, the Barry Plant Group celebrates the progress made in empowering women in real estate. However, we recognise that true change requires ongoing commitment beyond symbolic gestures. We encourage not only female leadership but all forms of diversity across our network, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.