In the dynamic realm of retail property, women are increasingly making their mark, reshaping landscapes and redefining industry standards. In this special SCN feature, we invited nine trailblazing women who are at the forefront of the property industry. From leasing to funds management, customer and asset management, these leaders exemplify resilience, creativity and expertise in their respective domains. Their journeys and experiences not only inspire but also challenge traditional narratives, paving the way for future generations…
Manuela De Rossi joined Lendlease in 2021 and is currently the Head of Leasing for Retail. Manuela leads a team of retail leasing experts across Australia and oversees the strategic direction and execution of leasing across Lendlease’s portfolio of shopping centres and mixed-use precincts, both those that are operational or in development.
Tell us about your career path and how you got started in retail property?
Prior to joining Lendlease, my experience in retail spans more than 30 years working at several companies in the sector including Mirvac, Walker Corporation, Byvan and Westfield.
My first job out of school was at Westfield in Adelaide as a receptionist. I managed to get the job out of 240 applicants which was a big deal back then.
Our State Manager at the time was ex-Army and really knew how to build a great culture, ensuring everyone was well trained and had a sense of purpose, pride and respect. I was lucky enough to work across four different assets in various roles during my eight years at Westfield. I have very fond memories of those years and it was a great training ground and introduction to an exciting industry and leasing, which I’ve never left.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For me, it was deciding when to start a family. Our industry in the past has been traditionally male dominated, and it was harder for women to break through to an executive level. You had to work harder to get noticed. I worked late most nights, and always pushed myself to go the extra mile. I remember my husband saying to me at 34, “if you want to keep working these hours and I know how much you love your job, so I don’t want to stop you, can we look into freezing your eggs until you are ready”. That was a shock to me, as I was always chasing the next big project at work and so focused on that rather than taking time out to have a family. Now, it’s great to see that there are so many more opportunities for women with support and flexibility for anyone wanting to start a family and maintain their careers.
Macarthur Square, NSW
Tell us about someone who has inspired you?
I’ve worked with so many inspiring leaders over my 30 years in shopping centres and a stand-out would be Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz as CEO of Mirvac. I had never come across a CEO like Susan before: so transparent, approachable and visible – she would regularly sit with different divisions in the office so could well be sitting next to you one day, as a way to understand how all the divisions worked and to know the people that worked there. Not only did she quickly set and execute a clear vision and strategy, but she is also so down to earth and always articulated the ‘why’ and the ‘purpose’ for doing what we did, while emphasising the importance of living the company values. A great culture was created under her inspiring stewardship, and we accomplished a lot, and created some great places. Hence why I worked there for 14 years I’d say!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
‘Perfection is the enemy of progress’. Sometimes you can miss the opportunity if you sweat too much on the detail and miss the bigger picture and the market turns. I think early in your career you can fall into this trap for fear of failure, but as you get older and wiser, you realise you need to move fast to keep up momentum and, as long as you start, you can always pivot into a new direction.
What are your top tips for the next generation of female leaders?
Don’t stay in a job where you feel uncomfortable or have no trust with the people you work with. To do your best work you need to be focused on the job, and not on company politics. Being set up for success by your manager or senior leaders is also important; if something is preventing you from doing your best work you need to speak up. Be open and honest; they may not be aware and it’s in their best interests to support you.
What motivates you to keep going?
I am motivated by having a purpose to what I do and am passionate about delivering on the strategies I set. It’s such a great feeling when a strategy you have been a part of is executed successfully. I also really enjoy what I do, I am blessed with an awesome and supportive experienced team in a great company and great assets to work on, with fantastic retail brands to collaborate with. Retail is so dynamic and ever changing – I am never bored, always problem solving and focused on results.
Victoria Cross precinct, NSW
How do you manage self-doubt?
With age you realise that self-doubt is just yourself putting you down and no one else. You can do the job you are employed to do as you were selected for a reason, so you just need to get on with it and deliver. Also, when I do have one of those negative days or weeks, I tend to exercise more or have a coffee (which I don’t normally drink) to give me an extra shot of energy or endorphins. It could be a walk with the dog in the morning, 6.30am yoga or a soy latte! A girls’ night is always a great fix for the heart and ego too.
What is your most memorable career moment?
It’s hard to name one as I’ve been in the industry for so long and worked on so many great assets, projects and bids.
When I first started with Lendlease I was selected to participate in our Global Talent Program called Ignite, which saw me travel to Chicago and New York to visit our mixed-use precincts and meet members of our Global Executive team. That was a great way to start my Lendlease career.
Also leading the leasing strategy to achieve 98.5% occupancy for our APPF Retail portfolio has been a rewarding achievement for myself and the team.
Some earlier career highlights that were all challenging, exhausting, fun and rewarding would be from my time at Mirvac working on the vision, strategy and leasing for Broadway Sydney Level 2 Fusion of Fashion and Food, the fully leased Tramsheds redevelopment and South Eveleigh precinct.
Proudest career moment?
There’s a few! But I’d have to say it’s always watching team members I’ve had the opportunity to lead, achieve their goals and ambitions.
What excites you about the future?
I don’t look too far ahead these days, I’m just excited about this year, and what I need to achieve both at work and personally, with my family and team.
This exclusive SCN feature is shared with the industry with thanks to Redpath Partners
Premium members can view the full feature in the latest edition of SCN magazine
