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Yardi RISE, an internal initiative aimed at empowering women in the real estate sector, returned for its November event in Milton Keynes – hosting an inspiring session focused on women’s health and well-being, with themes that resonate deeply across personal and professional spheres. Guest speaker Nicky Double, Risk Management Transformation Lead for EMEA at a global professional services firm, highlighted two key challenges many women face: imposter syndrome and the importance of making time for yourself. The event also included an empowering self-defence session with Sam Medjbeur from Next Level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a group mood board activity that allowed Yardi members to define what female well-being meant to each of them.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome: A Silent Barrier
Double’s personal and professional journey offered a relatable lens through which to understand imposter syndrome. She shared her experiences of self-doubt, particularly in high-pressure environments and the fear of being “found out”. As a neurodiverse professional and someone who navigated a non-traditional career path, from joining as a secretary to becoming a transformation leader, her reflections underscored that imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate.
Double encouraged the group to identify their “superpowers” – unique strengths that ground confidence and silence self-doubt. For her, it is being a “fire starter”, someone adept at dismantling inefficiencies and rebuilding processes. Recognising and owning such strengths, she argued, can provide a “cloak of invincibility” in challenging situations.
She also highlighted practical tools, such as evidence-based reflection – tracking contributions and positive outcomes to build a reservoir of confidence. This approach enables incremental steps toward confidence, starting in safe environments before extending into larger, more intimidating areas. In addition to this, Double emphasised the importance of creating supportive networks where women can mentor and uplift each other. By enabling others to find their voice, we collectively challenge the status quo, fostering an environment where imposter syndrome loses its grip.
The Importance of Making Time for Yourself
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal aspirations is an ongoing challenge, and Double openly discussed how failing to prioritise self-care can exacerbate stress. Sharing her experiences of dropping varying activities – such as running, walking her dog, or going to the gym – that helped her manage stress when life became overwhelming. And advocated for the FranklinCovey method of time management, a structured approach to balancing work and personal life. Double discussed how by blocking time for self-care alongside professional commitments, women can avoid the trap of over-commitment and the resulting stress spiral. Writing down goals and creating realistic schedules, she noted, also reinforces accountability and ensures personal well-being doesn’t fall by the wayside.
Another highlight was Double’s focus on celebrating accomplishments, no matter how small. From ticking items off a to-do list to acknowledging personal achievements, these actions provide dopamine boosts, which Double explains can enhance well-being. By “being our own cheerleaders”, we foster resilience and recognise our inherent value.
Her final message on this topic was simple yet profound: “Cut yourself some slack.” The societal expectation for women to “have it all” is unrealistic, and recognising that perfection is neither achievable nor necessary can be liberating.
Empowerment Through Self-Defence
To complement the discussion on mental and emotional health, the session included a physical empowerment segment led by Sam Medjbeur from Next Level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Medjbeur’s self-defence workshop was more than a practical lesson. It was a reminder of our ability to protect ourselves and stand confidently in our personal space.
Participants learned techniques to respond effectively to potential threats, fostering a sense of safety and autonomy. This segment was a perfect example of how physical activity can intersect with mental well-being, leaving attendees feeling both stronger and more empowered.
Mood Boards: Visualising Well-Being
The session concluded with a collaborative mood board activity, where participants reflected on what well-being means to them. Using visuals and words, groups explored ideas like mindfulness, balance, health and connection. This creative exercise not only provided insights into personal goals but also fostered a sense of community, as everyone shared their vision of a healthy, fulfilling life.
Yardi RISE – Where Community Matters
The November RISE session was a powerful reminder that health and well-being are multifaceted and require intentional effort. From addressing internal barriers such as imposter syndrome to making space for self-care and empowerment, the tools and insights shared are vital for personal growth.
As Double concluded, “Understand your superpower, acknowledge what you’ve achieved and empower others.” By doing so, we create a ripple effect – building stronger individuals, supportive communities and a more inclusive workplace culture.
About Yardi RISE
Yardi RISE was created in 2022. It’s an internal event for women at Yardi to Recognise, Inspire, Showcase and Empower each other. For more information, visit Introducing Yardi RISE or check out the hashtag #RiseWithYardi on socials.
