Decode’s Divya Mehta is passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our industry. Find out why she’s a secret star.
Divya Mehta, Deputy Managing Director, Decode Group
Three words to describe my job… Gratifying, challenging and humbling.
When I explain my role to people outside the property industry, I say… FAQ: What do you do for work? My answer: I work for a construction company. FAQ: What do you do for them? My answer: A little bit of everything.
My three daily work essentials are… A learner’s attitude, my diary and a good coffee.
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt in my role… Leadership is about bringing out the best in people. It’s when you work for the people and not have them working for you.
My career motivation is… Working for a business that has 22 nationalities within, seeking to bring out the best in others while continually discovering my own strengths.
My advice to others considering a career in my field… If you enjoy a dynamic environment and making things happen, the construction industry will never disappoint you.
The building or project that embodies what I do… The Micro Unit Complex in St Mary’s – a social housing project Decode delivered in partnership with Wentworth Community Housing. This provides vulnerable women over the age of 45 with a welcoming and caring living environment. It is heartwarming to know that we have directly contributed to safer and more secure living conditions for 16 women.
The inspirational quote I live by… Look for meaning and purpose within your role – the results will show.
This year I’ll be… Working harder to change the statistics of working mothers in the property and construction industry in addition to pushing the agenda continually towards diversity, inclusivity and belonging.
Who nominated Divya? Kiki Heffernan, National Membership Manager, Property Council of Australia
What makes Divya a Secret Star? “I had the pleasure of meeting Divya last year after she had returned from parental leave. I found Divya’s attitude towards work refreshing, empowering, and reassuring – being a working mother at an executive leadership level is survivable. Divya also sits on the NSW Diversity and Inclusion Committee and is a strong advocate for championing women’s interests within the property industry. I look forward to seeing the great outcomes and positive change Divya and her colleagues will make over the next few years for our industry.”
Property Council members, do you work with someone who is deserving of recognition? We’re looking for the property industry’ ‘secret stars’. They might have an unusual job, be running an innovative project, have been a team linchpin for decades or a new addition that is shaking things up. Drop us a line to [email protected]