IWD: Blackshaw’s Alexandra Ahkey on the importance of female leadership

Celebrated annually on March 8, International Women’s Day recognises the struggles and achievements of women throughout history and their continued efforts to right gender equalities worldwide. 

While highlighting women’s contributions to all levels of society, the campaign theme for International Women’s Day in 2024 is: Inspire inclusion.

Since entering real estate in 1998 as a personal assistant to the principal of an agency, Alexandra Ahkey has had a self-described “laser focus” on providing the best client experience across property management and sales, earning many local and national awards throughout her career.

Today, as principal of Blackshaw Queanbeyan & Jerrabomberra, she is a leading player in the local industry and proudly one of the only property management-based principals in NSW and the ACT.

She is also intent on supporting female representation and development at Blackshaw.

In the spirit of commemorating female achievements across Canberra’s property sector for International Women’s Day, Allhomes sat down with Ahkey to chat about her real estate journey so far and the importance of having women in leadership.

How has your time in the real estate industry been so far? 

Challenging, exciting, fruitful, scary, incredibly satisfying and rewarding!

Have you had to face any challenges, given your gender?

Yes, but more so in the early days when real estate agents were not commonly women. Coupled with my age and my name, “Alex Scott”, people would turn up to see the boss – and when a “she” came out, they were often surprised!

What are the goals and milestones you have set yourself to achieve?

My goals are to continue to provide first-class service to my clients. The client experience is of the utmost importance to me. When a client is happy, it’s the ultimate high. A great side effect is repeat and referral business.

What are you most proud of in your career so far? 

I’m most proud of growing a solid reputation as a trusted and knowledgeable professional who is juggling a growing business and a family while retaining great staff and clients.

What do you want to see change regarding female representation in the industry?

More, more, more! I think women are more widely accepted today, and we are empathetic, strong multitaskers who can get the job done!

What are your thoughts on the importance of female leadership, mentors and role models? 

They are super-important. The ultimate in leadership is mentoring others, so sharing advice, support and your expertise with other women is a must. It’s also a good feeling.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

IWD is a special day to recognise the barriers women have broken, how far things have come and how bright the future looks.

What is your advice to the next generation of wonderful women thinking about real estate as a career path?

Do it! You can have a fantastic, exciting, fast-paced, flexible and rewarding role in an industry that can give as much to you as you are willing to give to it.

This article is part of Allhomes’ Spotlight Series for International Women’s Day 2024, recognising influential women in Canberra real estate who are creating positive change for the industry and broader community.