In the week of International Women’s Day we are sharing the stories of just some of our colleagues who inspire us. In the final blog of the series, Jane Cronwright-Brown reflects on her journey from ballet studio to the board room and everything in between.
My career has taken me from the ballet studio to the board room.
When I was little dancing was my life. I got into the Royal Ballet School in London when I was 16, which without doubt is one of my greatest achievements, and at 19, I embarked on a musical theatre course. In the end though I opted for a more ‘normal’ life.
I became involved in residential lettings in the 90s and here I am, some 30 years later, head of Savills lettings business, a member of the UK board, and a past president of ARLA, the Association of Residential Lettings Agents.
In many ways these two career paths are worlds apart but there are definitely similarities. Tenacity and, above all, preparation are key. I’ve learned never to pitch a new idea without sounding out the stakeholders beforehand – that way you know the room will be with you when you come to present it. If they aren’t on board, the idea isn’t ready yet.
They say tears make a dancer but I go out of my way to make sure no one in my team experiences that now.
My advice to any women starting in the workplace is never give up. Every day is a new day, and you should always seek someone out who can help you.
And to women who aspire to senior leadership roles I say: speak out and take ownership. Let your manager know your career aspirations, don’t be afraid to ask for it, and put yourself forward for working groups and training courses to make it happen.
Speaking up and offering support are vital. Last year, Savills menopause working group held a hugely successful and informative webinar. I was invited to be involved and suddenly I was sharing my experience of the menopause with everyone, both within the company and on TV. It’s an incredibly important subject which can have a huge impact on day-to-day life – and not just at work, of course. Anyone can help by just being aware of the challenges and supporting colleagues, friends and family who are going through it.
I draw my motivation from everywhere: colleagues and the wider Savills family, as well as through books, programmes and podcasts. There’s a gem of inspiration in everyone.
Read more in our series of blogs for International Women's Day:
- You have to speak up to be heard
- How an International Women’s Day blog changed my working life
- Be realistic: don't set yourself up to fail
- Cancer treatment is hardly the career break anyone envisages
- Maternity leave, lockdown and a little miracle
- Creating space for the women who come next
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