19 Jun Q&A with Katy Billany on joining the Women in Estate Agency board

Katy Billany, Sales Director at ASAP, has been appointed to the board of Women in Estate Agency, joining the organisation as it enters its next stage of growth.

Following the official announcement from WiEA, Katy reflects on what the appointment means to her, why supporting women across estate agency is so important, and what she hopes to bring to the role.

What does being appointed to the WiEA board mean to you?

It means a great deal to me. I’ve loved being part of the WiEA community over the last few years, and I’ve seen the impact it has had on the industry in that time. One of the things I admire most about WiEA is that its impact feels like something the whole community is part of. The board has provided incredible leadership and direction, but everyone involved feels like they are contributing to something meaningful together.

To now have the opportunity to play a more active role in that is something I’m really excited about.

What are you most looking forward to bringing to the role?

I have spent more than 18 years working across the property sector, including in commercial strategy, market intelligence, data and technology-led services for estate agents and property professionals. In my current role as Sales Director at ASAP, I also work closely with agents and industry partners, so I see the pressures and challenges they and their staff face every day.

I have built strong relationships across the sector, particularly on the supplier side, and I hope those connections can be useful in supporting WiEA’s wider work and helping to continue the momentum it has already created.

Most importantly, I’m looking forward to contributing more actively, not just as part of the community, but by dedicating my time, energy and experience to helping shape the future success of WiEA.

Why is supporting women in estate agency important to you?

Because while the conversation around representation has improved massively, in many cases, we still need actions to properly follow the words.

During my time at TwentyCi, I spent six years as the only female board member, which gave me a very real understanding of why representation at senior level matters. While the industry has made real progress in how it talks about diversity and inclusion, there is still more work to do to ensure that progress is reflected consistently across leadership teams.

Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to champion other women, whether that’s through mentorship, support, encouragement or simply trying to be a positive example.

How has your experience shaped the perspective you will bring to the board?

My experience has given me a broad view of the industry, from agents and suppliers through to data, technology, sales progression and client services.

Working across different parts of the sector has shown me how much can be achieved when people share ideas, challenge old ways of thinking and work together with a common purpose. It has also given me a strong understanding of the pressures businesses and individuals across the industry are facing, and why support, visibility and opportunity matter.

I hope I can bring that perspective to the board, alongside my relationships across the sector and my understanding of how different parts of the industry can work together to support positive change.

What conversations would you like to see more of across the industry?

I’d like to see more honest conversations about representation, progression and what meaningful action really looks like.

There has been a lot of positive discussion around inclusivity and diversity, and that is hugely important, but the next step is making sure those conversations lead to real action.

That means looking at leadership, opportunity, visibility and the support available to women at different stages of their careers. It also means recognising the value of different experiences and career paths, and making sure people feel confident to step up, contribute and challenge themselves.

What advice would you give to women looking to progress their careers in estate agency or property?

Back yourself, even when something feels outside your comfort zone.

Some of the most important moments in a career come from being willing to do the difficult things and put yourself forward, even if you do not feel completely ready. I think that would probably be the one piece of advice I wish I’d been given earlier in my career.

In the past I thought I needed to have all the answers, or tick every box, before stepping into certain opportunities. With experience, I’ve learned that growth often comes from saying yes before you feel entirely comfortable, then backing yourself to learn, adapt and deliver.

Confidence is not something you magically arrive with. It builds through experience, through doing difficult things, and through proving to yourself that you are capable of more than you might have thought.

I would also say to find the right support around you, whether that is through mentors, colleagues, peers or communities like WiEA. Having people who encourage you, challenge you and remind you what you are capable of can make a huge difference.

Progression is not always linear, but confidence grows through experience. The more women see others stepping up, contributing and leading, the more it helps create space for others to do the same.

Katy looks forward to supporting WiEA’s continued growth and helping the organisation build on the impact it has already made across the estate agency sector.

You can read the full WiEA announcement here: https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/06/key-new-board-changes-at-women-in-estate-agency/ .