Laing+Simmons has seen the rise of a unique, organically grown collective called “She Sells,” an initiative for female agents that started as a simple WhatsApp group within the company.
This network of women agents, who originally connected through the company’s Elevate mentoring program, has grown into a powerful platform for support and collaboration.
The program wasn’t strategically planned but has developed naturally as women sought deeper connections and shared experiences. As Jacqui Barnes, Laing+Simmons’ Head of People and Growth, explains, “She Sells” came about through the real, human connections that grew organically from the mentoring program, which pairs participants based on personality rather than job role or experience.
“A WhatsApp chat became catch-ups before and after work, which morphed into weekly online meetings, and most recently, the first-ever She Sells retreat,” said Ms Barnes, and this progression underscores the demand for spaces where women can safely discuss struggles, brainstorm solutions, and celebrate their successes, both personally and professionally.
The initiative has already demonstrated its power beyond simple support. Some Laing+Simmons offices are leveraging “She Sells” as a recruitment and retention tool.
“In recruitment, some of our offices have drawn on She Sells as a way to attract talented women to their team. But once involved, it has also proven an effective retention tool by enhancing both the job satisfaction and personal engagement of those in the group,” said Ms Barnes.
A recent She Sells retreat in the Hunter Valley exemplified this by focusing on personal development through exercises like the “science of character.”
According to Ms Barnes, “It was about helping women fine-tune their own understanding of leadership, empathy, and curiosity.” The retreat allowed the participants to reflect on their strengths and areas for growth, fostering a sense of belonging and offering an environment where they could work through challenges as a collective.
“We don’t want to overlay a corporate theme; our role is to guide and facilitate the initiative so the women driving it can fully reap the benefits provided by their peers.”
