TGt Meets...Katie Fox, Director at Leader Fox Estate & Letting Agents - IWD Special

International Women’s Day 2021 #choosetochallenge

Katie Fox is the director at Leader Fox Estate & Letting Agents. They are an expert estate and letting agents that are situated in Ashley Cross. Read below as we spoke to Katie to get her thoughts on International Women's Day 2021.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #choosetochallenge – what would you choose to challenge when it comes to gender equality or inequality this year? 

In our business there are not that many women in senior/managerial positions as it is still a very male dominated industry.

Thinking of your own experience in the world of business – which inequalities, if any, have you experienced personally or witnessed around gender?

I think being a working mum has the most inequalities as it is a huge ‘struggle with the juggle’ especially children's school holidays, sickness and more recently ‘lockdown’. In my previous positions with employers I always felt pressure to get the right balance but ended up feeling a sense of guilt on both sides ie being off during school holidays or leaving early because the nursery had called to say my daughter was ill. On the other hand I felt guilty for missing out on precious time with my daughter in order to progress my career.

What do you think women offer in particular to the world of business?

We can most definitely cope with the ‘struggle of the juggle’ and always get things done. I also think we have a more compassionate/sensitive approach to things which can be an advantage in some circumstances

What do you think men offer in particular to the world of business?

I think men leave their emotions on the table and make fairly quick and swift decisions.

Can you name up to three women in business or in your organisation or in the wider business community that you admire? 

Lucy & Sophie Maidment of Store & Secure they are amazing inspirational business owners and well ahead of their competition. They’re are both very level headed business women with huge ambition.

Jemma Harrison & Anna Maria Dew #buywearswaprepeat they are both school mums but set up their little boutique a couple of years ago with guilt free, sustainable shopping in mind. They have grown and grown their business and now have an online shop to adapt to the latest restrictions/lockdown. Amongst other things, Jemma also runs her own cosmetic clinic whilst being a mum of three and Anna Maria works at the school with two children herself. They are busy working mums but they handle it with ease.

Can you name up to three men in business or in your organisation or in the wider business community that you admire? 

Ryan Woolfenden, my business partner in our 4 ½ year journey, he has shown me you are never too long in the tooth to learn and that I can be wrong lol. He is a wealth of knowledge (probably due to the million of aspirational books he has read). I have grown in the last few years more than in my whole 20 year career. He is an inspiration always bringing fresh and dynamic ideas to our business and ensuring we are always two steps ahead. I would even say he is a mentor to me (and my amazing team). 

Andy Lennox of Zim Braai and founder of ‘wonky table’, throughout lockdown he has campaigned not just to save his hospitality business but to help others too. I have enjoyed watching his journey and I know he will make a great come back when he can.

Do you think women who start their own business experience more challenges than men? 

As before, I think if you are a mother sadly we face more challenges i.e childcare etc, luckily I have great support from my business partner Ryan and the team.

Now a little bit about being based in Poole and your Covid-19 experience…

Describe Poole in 3 words…

Lifestyle, Coast, Community

Where’s your favourite place for an out of office/remote meeting?

I love Maison Sax especially in the summer with its lovely provincial garden area.

What do you most love about working in Poole?

I have grown up in Poole and worked in Ashley Cross for most of my working life so I love knowing most of the locals and being part of the community. I have set up a page #WeLoveLocalBH14 to help support local businesses and have great plans for when our small businesses can return to the high streets.

How do you think Poole and local businesses will bounce-back once lockdown is eased?

I think if we can all continue to support one another we have got this! Fortunately everyone wants to live by the sea so when they can the tourists will be back to fuel our local economy.

How has Covid-19/Lockdown affected your business and what are your plans for the year ahead as we start to move out of lockdown?

Dare I say despite some very sad stories our industry has been very busy, in fact one of our best years to date. I suspect we will see a knock on effect to this later down the line but are making hay while the sun shines.

To find out more about Leader Fox Estate & Letting Agents please visit their website here.