Breaking Barriers: Women in FM Leadership
Facilities Management (FM) is an industry that keeps the world moving—yet when you look at leadership teams, women are still extremely underrepresented at director and senior levels, with only 15% of these roles filled by women!
Historically a male-dominated field, FM is gradually evolving, but there’s still a long way to go…
Why Representation Matters
The statistics speak for themselves: studies have shown that companies with diverse leadership teams perform better, with higher profitability and improved employee retention. McKinsey’s Diversity Wins report found that organisations in the top quartile for gender diversity are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability compared to those in the bottom quartile.
Women bring unique strengths to leadership—empathy, agility, adaptability—which are invaluable in an industry that requires problem-solving and resilience. Yet, for many, the path to leadership in FM can feel unclear or even unachievable. The good news? There are more opportunities than ever before to break through those barriers!
How Women Can Progress in FM
One of the best ways to advance is through coaching and mentorship. I’ve personally worked with an amazing coach, Louisa at One Feather Coaching, who has helped me push past fear and self-doubt while staying true to myself. Having a coach isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about unlocking your full potential and navigating challenges with confidence.
Mentorship is another powerful tool. Plan B, an initiative designed to support women in FM, provides a free mentoring programme where experienced professionals help guide and inspire others.; there are many other similar programmes out there. I’ve recently signed up to Plan B and can’t wait to get started! What’s interesting is that mentors often gain just as much insight as their mentees, so as I grow in my career, I hope to pay it forward by mentoring others.
The Power of Community & Networking
There’s real strength in numbers, and connecting with other women in FM can be a game-changer. There are some fantastic groups and events out there that offer opportunities to network, learn, and grow, some examples are:
IWFM Networking Events – A great space to share experiences and learn from others.
Tomorrow Meets Today – An event I recently attended that connects rising stars with industry leaders.
FM Connect - A networking group dedicated to sharing knowledge and success within FM.
We Are The City – An organisation dedicated to advancing women’s careers across multiple industries, including FM.
The more we connect, the stronger our collective voice becomes. One of my goals this year is to attend more networking events (which is totally outside my comfort zone!)
Investing in Learning: Knowledge is Power
I have promised myself to never stop learning (regardless of my age or title), I will never sit and decide that I know enough.. There’s just so much to learn, especially in this ever changing world…
One of the most valuable things not only women but everybody can do to progress in their careers is to never stop learning. Fortunately, there are plenty of free resources and webinars that provide professional development without breaking the bank. There are so many companies out there often hosting free webinars on leadership, networking, and industry-specific skills. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and YouTube also offer countless free courses on topics ranging from project management to negotiation.
Some additional ideas for continuous learning include:
Attending industry conferences and events to stay updated on trends and innovations.
Joining online communities or discussion groups where we can share advice and experiences.
Listening to podcasts focused on career growth and leadership.
Signing up for newsletters that deliver useful career tips and inspiration straight to your inbox.
By making learning a consistent part of your journey, you’ll be better equipped to seize opportunities and face challenges head-on.
Balancing Career Growth with Family Life
While societal expectations have shifted, many women juggle full-time jobs, childcare, household responsibilities, and personal ambitions, often with little structural support.
The truth is, balancing a leadership career with family life is possible, but it becomes easier when workplaces acknowledge the challenges women face and actively support them. The more women we have in leadership roles, the more we can advocate for policies that benefit everyone—like flexible working, parental leave equality, and workplace cultures that recognise the value of work-life balance.
The Future is Female (and Inclusive!)
FM is evolving, and we have the power to shape what comes next. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for a leadership role, your voice and contributions matter. By supporting each other—through mentorship, networking, and simply showing up—we can create a future where women in FM leadership isn’t the exception but the norm.
So, let’s challenge expectations, open doors for the next generation, and keep pushing forward. The future of FM is diverse, dynamic, and ready for change. Are you? 🚀
