Leading where few women tread: a decade in PropTech

When Helen Peach first entered the PropTech sector a decade ago, she brought something unexpected: a background in biology, SME marketing at Royal Mail, and an entrepreneurial spirit that would help shape the future of building automation.

Today, as part of the senior leadership team at Atamate Building Intelligence, Helen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from working at every level of the company - she's helping to redefine what's possible in an industry traditionally resistant to change.

An Unconventional Path

Helen's career trajectory into PropTech wasn't straightforward. After completing her biology degree, she gained experience across several small companies before landing at Royal Mail, where she eventually headed up SME marketing. But the bureaucracy of a large organisation began to feel stifling and that's when a chance meeting with a software entrepreneur changed everything.

Ten years later, that decision to take a sideways move into PropTech has positioned Helen at the intersection of two male-dominated industries: buildings and software.

Navigating Male-Dominated Industries

Helen's experience has given her a unique perspective on gender dynamics in both sectors.

"I've spent 10 years trying to find female software developers," she reflects. "It's really hard to recruit and attract people into the sector. It's the same for mechanical and electrical engineering, too."

While being a woman in these industries hasn't necessarily provided advantages, Helen notes it has certainly had novelty value. There's often surprise when she dives into the technical details of devices and software. But in a small business, understanding every aspect of the operation isn't optional - it's essential.

The Power of a Sideways Move

Unlike many who climb traditional career ladders, Helen's success came from lateral thinking. Her experience at Royal Mail had already established her professional credibility before she made the leap into PropTech. This perspective makes her particularly interested in the experiences of young women starting out directly in the PropTech space.

"It's different for people like me who took a sideways move into the sector," she acknowledges. "I'm curious to see how it feels for young women starting out in construction."

A Generational Shift

Helen sees positive change on the horizon, particularly through the eyes of her own daughters. "They believe they can be what they want to be," she says. This generational shift suggests that young women today will be more likely to push back against workplace inequality than previous generations.

But Helen is clear that change needs to happen at multiple levels. Schools must do better at showcasing building and construction careers beyond architecture. While more young women are studying mathematics, this isn't yet translating into engineering or software engineering careers at the rate it should.

The Role of Industry

Companies must step up, Helen argues. They need to amplify messages about opportunities and show up at careers evenings. Equally important is communicating that fulfilling careers aren't limited to big-name companies - smaller businesses often offer more enriching environments where individuals can truly make an impact.

An Inspiring Future

Despite the challenges, Helen is optimistic about the future for women in PropTech. The push towards net zero and rising energy prices are driving unprecedented change in an industry that has historically resisted innovation.

"There are so many opportunities today, so much innovation and new technology," she says. "My advice to female leaders is: go for it!"

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Behind Helen's confidence and success stands an extraordinary role model: her mother, an 81-year-old chemist and Oxford academic who was told by colleagues that women don't do science. She ignored them, pursued her career, and raised four children.

"She's a force of nature," Helen says. While acknowledging that the idea of "having it all" isn't always realistic, her mother's example proves there's a way through if you don't listen to those who say you can't.

The Atamate Advantage

At Atamate, Helen is a true jack of all trades within the senior leadership team. Having worked at every level of the company over the past decade, she brings an invaluable breadth of knowledge and hands-on experience that few leaders can match. Her diverse background in marketing, technology, and operations - combined with her unconventional career path - has uniquely prepared her to tackle whatever challenges the business faces.

As construction technology continues to evolve and the industry faces mounting pressure to innovate around sustainability and efficiency, leaders like Helen Peach are proving that diverse backgrounds and perspectives aren't just valuable - they're essential.

Want to see how Atamate can help you make your buildings more intelligent? Book a call with Joe.