”Doyenne” originating from the French language in the late 1800s, means the most respected or prominent woman in her field. Doyenne in Property is a forum dedicated to connecting, supporting, and inspiring women within the property industry. As an ambassador of this amazing group of women I am inherently proud of what the group stands for and what we are trying to achieve.
Fexco Property Services and our associated brands not only support the ethos and encourage involvement from our female colleagues but financially support the annual Doyenne in Property conference which celebrates prominent women across the industry and brings people together to connect and inspire. In both 2023 & 2024, Fexco Property Services has been honoured to sponsor categories at the annual awards that follow the excellent guest speakers during International Women’s Day.
It is no surprise that our industry has been heavily weighted to males in the past. Things are changing slowly, with more females paving the way as leaders in our industry. It is essential that we as an employer, champion woman to help develop future leaders by providing mentorship and career advancement opportunities. I am incredibly proud to work with a group that recognises this importance and allows our teams time to attend such events.
Each year the awards are highly anticipated and judged separately by the ambassadors and/or the co-founders. Both years we have been lucky enough to win several of the awards. Our team has found the verification of the hard work they do hugely rewarding. Our industry is tough, and we can get caught up in the negativity. These days are a great way to celebrate who we are and how much we can achieve.
2025 was a great year with awards given to 5 of our amazing team:
- Outstanding Leadership & Management – Highly Commended – Helen Roberts
- Unsung Hero – Highly Commended – Andrea Barnard
- Rising Star – Winner – Natalie Stride
- Returner of the Year – Highly Commended – Sophie Cundy-Borge
- Returner of the Year – Highly Commended – Stevie Rokovucago
We asked some of them what this meant to them ,
What does winning this award mean to you?
Winning this award is an incredible honour and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that has gone into what I do. It’s a reminder that perseverance pays off and motivates me to continue striving for excellence. It also means a great deal to be recognised by my peers. (Stevie)
Winning this award means so much to me. It’s amazing to have my hard work recognised and it means even more that the award came from Doyenne, who celebrate women in our industry. (Natalie)
Can you share the journey that led you to this achievement?
Along the way, there were challenges that pushed me to grow, as well as moments of doubt that taught me the importance of perseverance. I’ve been fortunate to have the support of mentors and colleagues and without their support, I wouldn’t have had the strength to push through the tough days (Sophie)
With minimal experience in the property industry, I joined Fexco in 2018 as an Assistant Property Manager. I was supported through my TPI apprenticeship and quickly progressed to Property Manager. A couple of years into my journey with Fexco, I transitioned into our Business Development department—an area I was passionate about and saw as an opportunity to grow my career. After a year in Business Development, I became a line manager for the first time, which was a huge personal achievement. At the start of 2025, I was appointed Head of Mobilisation—my proudest achievement to date. (Natalie)
What inspired you to pursue a career in property management?
My passion for property management was inspired by a desire to work in a dynamic industry where no two days are the same. I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving, building relationships, and creating positive experiences for people — all of which are at the heart of property management (Stevie)
Like many people, I fell into the property industry without knowing exactly what I wanted or what to expect. However, I quickly realised that Property Management was the path I wanted to pursue. From the day I joined Fexco, I was fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing team whom I respected and admired—it was their support and inspiration that motivated me to build a career in this industry. (Natalie)
How has the industry changed since you started, particularly for women?
There’s been a noticeable shift toward greater inclusivity and diversity, with more women taking on leadership roles and having their voices heard. It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come, but there’s always room for continued progress. (Stevie)
The property industry has evolved significantly for women over the years, with more opportunities, representation, and recognition than ever before – Doyenne is an excellent example of this. (Natalie)
What challenges have you faced as a woman in property management, and how did you overcome them?
As a woman in property management, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is overcoming stereotypes and proving my competence in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Early on, I often felt the need to work twice as hard to earn the same level of respect and credibility. There were moments where my voice wasn’t taken as seriously, and I had to build confidence in asserting myself. I overcame these challenges by staying resilient, continuously developing my skills, and surrounding myself with supportive mentors and peers who believed in me. I learned to advocate for myself, trust my expertise, and focus on delivering results. Over time, those efforts paid off, and I’m proud to contribute to paving the way for other women in the industry. (Sophie)
I feel that any challenges I’ve faced in this industry based on my gender weren’t direct, but rather stemmed from my own insecurities. I often second-guessed myself and assumed that my male counterparts knew more than I did. Over time, I’ve grown more confident in my role and my knowledge, and I now back myself far more than I would have a few years ago. (Natalie)
What skills do you think are essential for success in property management?
I think the key skills for success in property management are being proactive, a good listener, and highly organised (Natalie)
At Fexco Property Services, we are committed to continuing our support for Doyenne in Property and to championing the incredible women who are shaping the future of our industry. Celebrating their achievements, encouraging their growth, and providing opportunities for connection and inspiration is not just a commitment — it’s a reflection of who we are as a business. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far and excited to see even more women rise, lead, and leave their mark on the property sector in the years ahead.
