CELEBRATING THE POWER WOMEN OF INDIAN REAL ESTATE

For Garima Jajoo, leadership has never been about breaking barriers simply to provea point. It has always been about creating an environment where people can grow, contribute and thrive. Working in India's traditionally male-dominated real estate industry has shaped a leadership style rooted in authenticity, resilience and empathy. Rather than trying to fit into established expectations, she chose to lead by staying true to herself and by believing that lasting success is built through people as much as performance.

"One of the biggest challenges that shaped me is motherhood. People often see it as something that slows your career down, but for me, it made me a far better leader. Leadership, much like parenting, is ultimately about helping people grow," she says.

That experience transformed the way she approached leadership. Motherhood taught her to trust her instincts, remain patient, focus on what truly matters and balance competing priorities without losing sight of the bigger picture. Those lessons stayed with her throughout her professional journey, where earning credibility and finding her voice required perseverance. One of the achievements she values most is helping build a workplace recognised as one of the best places to work, including for women, in the real estate sector. It reflectsa culture where people, regardless of gender, are valued, supported and given equal opportunities to succeed. While she believes the conversation around women in leadership has evolved significantly, Garima feels meaningful progress depends on creating systems that make equality the norm rather than the exception. Women, she says, are still expected to prove their authority before it is readily accepted.

"What has changed is that we are no longer asking whether women belong at the top. What we have not yet finished is building the pathways that make their arrival ordinary rather than exceptional," she says.

Garima believes women have broadened the definition of leadership by bringinga longer-term perspective to decisionmaking. Rather than treating people and performance as competing priorities, she believes the strongest leaders understand that sustainable growth comes from balancing business success with integrity, culture and the well-being of people. As she reflects on the future of real estate, Garima believes organisational culture will become the industry's greatest competitive advantage. Companies that build transparent, people-first workplaces will attract exceptional talent, and those teams will ultimately create stronger businessesand better homes. Among the women who have shaped her life, Garima draws inspiration from three generations. Her mother instilled compassion, optimism and quiet generosity. Her motherin-law exemplified resilience, commitment and unwavering strength. Her daughter, meanwhile, reminds her every day to stay curious, embrace joy and lead with humanity.