As representatives from the global real estate sector descended on Cannes earlier this month, Real Estate Balance once again flew the flag for diverse and inclusive workplaces on the French Riviera. Joining more than 70 of our members at MIPIM were our Managing Director Sue Brown, our Chair Jo Davis, our Board members Clarence Brown and Andrea Ruckstuhl, and our Head of Events Vicky Gill.
Working with MIPIM organisers RX Global both before and during MIPIM, our aim was to stimulate debate about how to create workplaces where people of all backgrounds have access to equal opportunities and can unlock their potential and thrive.
EDI Networking Breakfast at Copal Beach
Our MIPIM began with an in-depth discussion on the topic of ensuring real estate careers are accessible to women, moderated by Akanksha Soni, News Editor at Estates Gazette.
The speakers were:
· Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor, Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, Greater London Authority
· Thomasin Renshaw, Managing Director, Greystar
· Clarence Dixon, Global Head of Loan Services, CBRE
· Jo Davis, Principal and UK Executive Chair, Avison Young and Chair of Real Estate Balance
After attending the session, Susan Freeman, a partner at Mishcon de Reya, commented on LinkedIn about the fantastic turn out of industry women at this event:
“Another MIPIM, another easyJet return flight to Luton. I’d be surprised if there were even 30 women passengers on board, which was last year’s tally. Fortunately this wasn’t reflected at all in the events I attended in Cannes which were all well balanced – apart from the Greystar Real Estate Balance breakfast which was predominantly female!”
RX’s Equality of Opportunities in Real Estate at Main Room, Gare Maritime
Hosted jointly with RX Global, this two-hour session discussed visibility, women on boards, equal pay and transparency, unconscious biases, development, diversity and culture, and talent.
The discussion tables were led by:
· Sandra Roumi, General Manager, CoStar Group France
· Gesa Wilms, Managing Director/COO, Deka Immobilien
· Alison Beddard, CEO, CREW Network
· Christel Zordan, CEO, Société de la Tour Eiffel
· David Sleath, CEO, Segro
· Beverley Kilbride, COO, LaSalle Europe
Breakfast gathering on the Norton Rose Fulbright boat
We were delighted to hold a breakfast gathering for our member senior leaders – which has become something of a MIPIM tradition – generously hosted on the Norton Rose Fulbright boat. Guests from across the industry discussed ways to make real estate leadership more balanced and inclusive.
Attendees were:
· Kevin Boakye, Lead – Talent Acquisition & Culture, Hines
· Sue Brown, Managing Director, Real Estate Balance
· Steve Coulson, Founder & CEO, Kitt
· Jo Davis, Principal and UK Executive Chair, Avison Young and Real Estate Balance Chair
· Jane Hollinshead, CPO, CWG
· Mike Hood, COO, Landsec
· Thomasin Renshaw, Managing Director, Greystar
· Matthew Richards, CEO, JLL
· Rob Walker, UK Real Estate Leader, PwC
· Philippa Widman Eversheds Sunderland Partner
· Damian Wild, Managing Director, ING Media
Speaking after MIPIM, Sue Brown said she was hugely encouraged by the passion and commitment expressed by attendees at Real Estate Balance events:
“The demands on our business leaders and workforces have never been greater, meaning there’s never been a more important time to talk about how we make our workplaces work for everyone. There was a real passion and energy at MIPIM to share solutions and move things forward. I’d particularly like to thank RX Global, Greystar and Norton Rose Fulbright for giving us the opportunity to drive conversations about creating a fairer future in real estate.”
