The construction and infrastructure industry has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but the role of women has seen significant evolution over the years. Historically, female participation was largely confined to administrative and sales roles, with few opportunities for advancement into management or technical positions. However, the industry is gradually changing, with more women breaking barriers and taking on leadership roles. Rema Menon is a pioneering force in the real estate industry, with a remarkable career spanning thirty-five years. When she first entered the field, women were scarcely seen, particularly in management roles. It was predominantly a man’s world, with female participation limited to front desks and sales desks. Despite these challenges, Menon quickly proved her mettle, demonstrating exceptional sales skills and outstanding performance, which earned her six promotions in a single year. By the age of 24, she became one of the first female Deputy General Managers in the real estate industry.

Menon's career is marked by significant achievements and leadership roles. At Shipra, she spearheaded a pioneering joint venture between the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) and a private real estate firm, earning a Gold Medal for her efforts. Her tenure with Ambience provided her with deep insights into retail real estate, which became her forte. Under her guidance, Ambience became one of the first mall developers to implement zoning, setting a precedent for the industry.

Currently, as the Vice President of Parsvnath Developers, Menon continues to innovate and lead. She has introduced the concept of transit shopping to the Indian market, transforming metro stations into vibrant shopping centers. This initiative has inspired many developers across India to adopt similar ventures, cementing her role as a trailblazer in the construction and infrastructure industry. Let’s hear more from her.

Could you share with us the areas of expertise you've honed throughout your leadership journey in the real estate sector?

I've had the privilege of delving into various facets of real estate, including sales, marketing, leasing, land acquisition, and stakeholder relations. My passion for real estate has driven my engagement in every sector. In the early 1990s, I established my own firm and successfully catered to corporate housing needs, delivering nearly 15 welfare group housing societies in the NCR region. Unfortunately, the venture had to cease operations due to misunderstandings among partners. Land acquisition and leasing, particularly in commercial and retail spaces, have been areas of particular interest for me. Each project presents a unique challenge, requiring a deep understanding of the local catchment area and consumer spending patterns. I find it immensely rewarding to navigate the intricacies of each location, leveraging its inherent strengths while addressing potential challenges.

Please introduce us to Parsvnath Developers. What are the primary responsibilities you hold as the Vice President of the company?

Parsvnath Developers is a publicly listed company headquartered in Delhi. As a real estate developer, Parsvnath specializes in promoting, constructing, and developing various real estate projects, including integrated townships, residential and commercial complexes, multistoried buildings, shopping malls, IT parks, hotels, and special economic zones, among others. With a pan-India presence, the company has left a significant mark in the real estate sector.

In my role as Vice President, my primary responsibility revolves around leasing both commercial and retail projects developed by Parsvnath Developers across India. This encompasses a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to overseeing rent collection, addressing customer grievances, managing legal contracts, and handling other issues pertaining to these developments.

What have been the most critical challenges you encounter as a leader in real estate? How do you overcome these roadblocks?

The real estate industry has traditionally been seen as a man's world, making it challenging to establish a niche. However, as the saying goes, nothing is impossible. I have navigated this path through hard work and sincerity. While the journey has been fraught with obstacles, I have also encountered many supportive individuals who helped me along the way. I firmly believe that not all challenges are meant to hinder progress; some are meant to strengthen and guide you. My approach has always been to persist, not stopping when tired, but only when the task is completed.

Could you highlight the most important professional milestone you have achieved throughout your career? What has been your success mantra over the years?

I have achieved multiple milestones in my career. Early on, while working with Maruti’s authorized dealership, I managed sales in foreign exchange and corporate deals, earning a gold medal for converting the Delhi Police's official vehicle fleet from Jeeps to Gypsys. Another significant achievement was receiving a gold medal from GDA Shipra for pioneering the concept of joint ventures and successfully selling approximately 1,160 apartments directly to end-users within three months of launch, bypassing middlemen. My success mantra has always been integrity and hard work.

In today’s tumultuous business landscape, how can real estate leaders 'future-proof' their organizations?

Stay updated with technology and be quick to adapt to societal changes. Being a team player is crucial; you can't achieve success without motivating your team members. Practice the art of advancing your senior team members to the next level and training your juniors to reach your level. I refer to this as the 'pull and push' method.

Rema Menon, Vice President, Parsvnath Developers

Rema Menon, Vice President of Parsvnath Developers, has over 35 years of experience in real estate. She has excelled in sales, marketing, and leasing, pioneering joint ventures and innovative retail concepts. A trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, she champions integrity, hard work, and team motivation.

Educational Qualification. A graduate from Delhi University, MBA from IGNOU, PGDM in PR and Marketing from YMCA, LLB from CCU, Meerut and presently perusing Doctorate from Rush Ford university, Switzerland.(A JV with IIM Ahmedabad).

Awards of Recognitions won so far. Rema was awarded as Top Real Estate Professional of India 2014-15, Franchise and Real Estate award in 2021 and 2022, Retail excellence award by Indian Retail Submit in 2006., Top India women Leader award by World women Leadership congress 2023, Women super achiever award 2003, 10 best commercial leaders award in India 2020 and more.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs/ business leaders. Dignity is more important than anything in life, trust yourself, don’t be in a hurry .There is no short cut to success, hard work and perseverance can make you achieve anything and everything. Don’t struggle to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt.