In the week of International Women’s Day we are sharing the stories of just some of our colleagues who inspire us. Zara Nabavi explains why she is keen to leave a legacy for women starting out in their career journeys.

Be proud of the space you occupy and fill it to its edges.

I heard this at an International Women’s Day event when the panel was discussing how easy it can be to accept being underestimated. It’s the best advice I’ve ever had.

Sometimes it feels that women in the workplace have to fight harder to be heard, especially in historically male-dominated industries like property or tech. But when you feel supported by your team and see the culture continuing to change and improve, you’re reminded that it’s well worth it. 

My mother’s story has been a real inspiration. In the early 1980s, at a time when there were tumultuous relations between Iran and the US, she travelled halfway around the world, from Tehran to Oregon, to study for a PhD in astrophysics. Her independence and determination were traits I have always admired and hope to emulate today.

I really enjoy maths and that enjoyment translated into a specific interest in statistics and research. After studying for an MSc in psychology I went to work for a newly established web hosting company between travelling in South America and Asia. Then on returning home, I joined Savills in the residential finance team as an assistant management accountant.

I became fascinated by trends in the property market, and making sense of them, and that led me to take up my current role as residential data manager in 2019 – a position that had not previously existed within the business. I’d like to begin working with other divisions too in time.

I get a huge amount of satisfaction from work, but my greatest achievement so far has to be competing in a charity boxing match to raise money for Cancer Research UK. To date, matches like the one I participated in have raised over £21 million and so I’m incredibly proud to have been even a small part of that.

To go back to that advice. It can be tempting to shrink yourself down in order to avoid rejection or failure. I hope that if we all strive to fill our space now, we will create more for the women that come after us. 

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
• Take ownership and never give up

Further information

Contact Zara Nabavi