LPF Rising Star - Rowena Judd at Burbeck Interiors
In an industry rife with gender disparities, The LPF is committed to positive change, empowering women and making the industry better for the next generation. In celebration of International Women’s Month, The LPF is shining a spotlight on our rising female stars, recognising their talent and potential while addressing systemic challenges for women in the industry. Among these trailblazers and an LPF Rising Star is Rowena Judd, Head of Staging at Burbeck Interiors Ltd.
In the interview that follows, we delve into Rowena’s experiences, shedding light on her journey and need to make the luxury property industry more inclusive and equitable future for the next generation of women.
Rowena Judd
Head of Staging at Burbeck Interiors Ltd
Rowena Judd is a shining example of a rising star in the luxury property industry. Nominated by Grace Willcocks, Head of Commercial at Burbeck Interiors Ltd, Rowena has a professionalism and work ethic that is unmatched, if we could clone her we would. Having been with us since starting as a Junior Stylist, Rowena is the Head of the Staging team of designers. She manages a team of 6 designers and overseas the installations for the majority of our projects. Highly enthusiastic, not only is she an excellent people manager, always going above and beyond for our clients and other team members, she is also an exceptionally skilled designer.
Hi Rowena, so great to have you here. Please could you tell us about your proudest career moment so far?
The proudest moment in my career so far was when I successfully led a team through a staging project at a prestigious address, turning the project around in 6 working days that exceeded all expectations. We faced numerous obstacles along the way, from tight deadlines to unexpected setbacks, but through effective communication, collaboration, and perseverance, we managed to deliver exceptional results.
Overall, this project taught me invaluable lessons that continue to shape my approach to work and leadership, reminding me of the power of collaboration, resilience, and effective leadership in achieving success.
Have you faced moments of doubt in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Certainly, stepping into unfamiliar social environments within my industry has presented its challenges, particularly in moments where confidence wavered. However, I've recognized this as part of my ongoing journey of growth. Through persistent effort and the encouragement to place myself in such situations repeatedly, I've witnessed a gradual improvement in my confidence.
What do you think are the main challenges women face in the luxury property industry, and how can they be addressed?
Combatting Perceptions of Inexperience: Luxury property firms should actively challenge stereotypes and biases that portray young women as lacking experience or expertise. This can be achieved by providing equal opportunities for young professionals to showcase their skills and talents, offering mentorship programs to support their professional development, and recognizing and rewarding their achievements regardless of age or gender.
Supporting Young Women with Imposter Syndrome: Luxury property firms should prioritize creating a supportive and empowering workplace culture where young women feel valued and confident in their abilities. This can involve providing coaching to help overcome feelings of self-doubt, adopting a culture of open communication and feedback, and celebrating their successes to boost their confidence and sense of belonging.
Who has been your biggest supporter, and how have they empowered you?
My biggest supporter has undoubtedly been my grandmother. Throughout my life, she consistently inspired me to pursue a career that I am passionate about, to prioritise empathy and kindness towards others, and to never shy away from going the extra mile in everything I do. She taught me the importance of continuous growth and learning, urging me never to settle for mediocrity but to strive for excellence in all aspects of life.
Reflecting on your journey, what advice would you give to young women starting their careers?
The key lesson I'd like to share with young women is to believe in yourself and embrace opportunities that challenge and push you outside of your comfort zone. It's essential to recognize your own capabilities and have confidence to achieve your goals, even when faced with doubts or obstacles. It is important to surround yourself with people who believe in you and encourage you to reach your full potential. When you show reliability and commitment in everything you do, demonstrating your dedication and professionalism in both your personal and professional pursuits you can overcome any obstacle and achieve success on your own terms.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future?
I'm excited to continue developing my leadership skills and supporting a team that thrives in a safe and empowering environment. I'm committed to promoting a culture of continuous learning and development, where every team member can grow and expand their skillset. I'm passionate about pushing boundaries and exploring new challenges in staging and design. I aspire to be the best at what we do, constantly pushing the limits of creativity and innovation. Whether it's expanding into new areas of design such as yacht staging or taking on challenging projects in different industries, I'm eager to continue pushing myself and my team to new limits.
About The LPF Rising Stars Initiative
In the landscape of luxury property, where challenges often intersect with opportunities, The LPF stands as a force for positive change focussing on empowerment and championing the next generation of female leaders. Through initiatives aimed at promoting, supporting, and protecting women in the industry, we are committed to fostering an environment where talent flourishes regardless of gender. The LPF has a mission to send the elevator down for aspiring female leaders and creating pathways to success. We hope to get to a point that every woman entering the luxury property sector is equipped with the opportunities, resources, and support needed to thrive.
By amplifying the voices of the LPF rising stars and providing platforms for mentorship and growth, we hope to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. We invite the entire industry to uphold these values, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion at every turn. In empowering women, we not only enrich our industry but also pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, where every individual has the opportunity to shine.
GET IN TOUCH
You may get in touch with Rowena Judd or Burbeck Interiors Ltd by referring to the details below:
Rowena Judd
Connect with Hannah via LinkedIn or by sending her an email at rowena@burbeckinteriors.com
Burbeck Interiors Ltd
Unit 3, St Margarets Business Centre
Drummond Place, Twickenham, TW1 1JN
T: 0208 892 4577
M: 07899 798 351
E: info@burbeckinteriors.com