IWD is an opportunity to take a step back, and reflect on the experiences of women and girls

Ahead of International Women’s Day, we caught up with women across our business to discuss their career paths, working in regeneration and placemaking, and what IWD means for them.

We spoke with Ella Woodward, Development Manager in the North West, about this year’s IWD theme – ‘Accelerate Action.’

Human geography, and the connections between people and places, is what first drew me into the world of real estate and regeneration. I studied town planning before shifting focus to surveying, becoming an RICS Chartered Surveyor.

I pursued a graduate training role in land and development consultancy. Although I enjoyed it, I always wanted to be closer to actual delivery of projects and be involved all the way through.

I knew that working for a placemaker would be a chance to contribute alongside the various teams involved in regeneration. This includes everything from contractors, funding partners and designers, and of course the occupiers who choose to invest in the spaces we create.

Joining Muse in the North West has enabled me to do this. Everyone has the opportunity, and responsibility, to work on regeneration across various sectors from start to finish.

The culture of the business was also attractive. It’s open, collaborative, and our partnership approach applies just as much internally as it does across the work we do with our external partners.

As a Development Manager at Muse, I’ve had the chance to be part of major regeneration. This includes leading-edge workspaces like Eden in Salford, bringing new jobs, economic growth and investment to places which need it.

International Women’s Day is a good opportunity to take a step back and reflect on the experience of women and girls in the UK and across the world. Not just in a corporate environment, but in every day experiences.

With the theme ‘Accelerate Action’ it is more important than ever to have conversations which might feel uncomfortable – challenge the status quo, be an ally, and be the one to take action.

For businesses like Muse, we can do our bit. Having women in leadership roles, and providing mentorship is critical. Ensuring men in leadership roles are well versed on the issues that women may face is also key. It’s encouraging and empowering to work alongside other talented women – especially in a sector which has historically been male-dominated.

As a business we can – and are – leading by example. Providing opportunities for our own team but also creating economic and social value through regeneration which lifts communities. These are often communities which have been left behind by growth.