WOMEN REDEFINING LEADERSHIP IN REAL ESTATE
BINITHA DALAL – Founder & Head Mt K Kapital – Fund Raising at Rustomjee Group in an exclusive interaction with H&B Media Networks
“The real estate industry has traditionally seen fewer women in leadership due to deep-rooted perceptions of it being male-dominated, demanding extensive networking, long hours, and a hands on operational approach. However, these stereotypes are gradually dismantled as more women enter the field and prove their capabilities, excelling in leadership roles”
What inspired you to establish India’s first real estate fund management business, Mt Kapital?
After gaining a strong foundation in real estate and carving out a niche in finance, I always dreamed of creating a financial platform dedicated to investing in real estate as an asset class. Having witnessed pivotal events like the global financial crisis, RERA, GST, demonetisation, and various regulatory changes, I saw firsthand how these shifts brought capital raising and management into sharper focus. These experiences played a significant role in honing my financial prudence and teaching me to turn chaos into a catalyst for success. This journey ultimately inspired the creation of Mt Kapital the creation of Mt K Kapital, a fund management business with a unique vision: to foster a genuine and enduring partnership between real estate and financial services by delivering value at every stage of development. Our mission to bridge the gap between financial expertise and real estate development distinguishes us. Traditionally, funds in this space have been led predominantly by financial services professionals. However, a deep understanding of the complexities and risks of real estate comes only with hands-on experience in developing and selling properties on-site. At Mt K Kapital, we take a cross-functional approach combining financial expertise with development know-how to deliver superior returns while offering a comprehensive solution that includes development oversight and risk mitigation.
How has your journey as a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated real estate industry shaped you?
My journey as a woman leader in the male-dominated real estate industry has been both challenging and rewarding. Growing up, I was fortunate to be nurtured in an environment where equality was a way of life. My parents instilled in me the belief that my gender is not just a strength but a defining force, encouraging me to dream boldly and pursue my ambitions with unwavering confidence. Their support shaped my resilience and allowed me to step into spaces where women were often underrepresented. I’ve been mentored by visionary leaders like Mr. Boman Irani, Mr. Chandresh Mehta, and Mr. Percy Choudhry throughout my career. Their guidance taught me to see challenges not as obstacles but as stepping stones to growth. They inspired me to face adversity head-on and embrace my dreams with determination and purpose. Yet, breaking into a male-dominated industry like real estate has not been without its hurdles. For over 17 years, I’ve often been the only woman or one of very few at industry meetings, conferences, or panels representing my company and the sector. For a significant time, I was the sole active female member at CREDAI MCHI, a stark reminder of how rare women’s leadership was in real estate. These experiences demanded resilience and a relentless commitment to proving that expertise, vision, and determination transcend gender stereotypes. Thankfully, the tides are shifting. In recent years, I’ve witnessed more women stepping into leadership roles in real estate and excelling — an evolution I celebrate and advocate for passionately.
“In traditionally male-led industries, women often feel pressured to overperform to have their voices heard or their abilities acknowledged. Persistent biases paint women as better suited for roles with less responsibility—an outdated and unfounded stereotype.”
How has your experience reshaped your perception of women in business, and how does your leadership style emphasise the value of their contributions to the organisation?
My journey has given me a deep understanding of women’s challenges in the workplace despite their immense potential. I’ve also witnessed many women friends and peers struggle to balance professional and personal responsibilities. For example, some hesitate to request time off for family obligations, fearing it might cost them opportunities for advancement. This imbalance shouldn’t exist. Organisations must cultivate environments where employees feel secure in prioritising their personal lives when needed without fearing professional repercussions. In traditionally male-led industries, women often feel pressured to overperform to have their voices heard or their abilities acknowledged. Persistent biases paint women as better suited for roles with less responsibility, an outdated and unfounded stereotype.
In reality, women excel in multitasking, bring unparalleled emotional intelligence, and offer unique perspectives that enrich decision-making and team collaboration. Their ability to approach challenges holistically often makes them indispensable assets in leadership and execution. As a leader, I see it as my responsibility to challenge these stereotypes and build an organisational culture that values and empowers women.
Why do fewer women hold leadership roles in the real estate industry, and how do you look at inspiring others through your journey?
The real estate industry has traditionally seen fewer women in leadership in real estate has often been seen as male-dominated, demanding extensive networking, long hours, and a hands-on operational approach. These were traditionally seen as barriers for women. However, these stereotypes are gradually being dismantled as more women enter the field and prove their capabilities, excelling in leadership roles. While progress is evident, there’s still a long way to go in creating a truly inclusive environment that actively encourages women to pursue and thrive in real estate careers.
As for my journey, I initially leaned toward the education sector, contributing to establishing Rustomjee Business School. However, upon joining the real estate business, I discovered a profound and unexpected love for the industry. Real estate is unique—it leaves an indelible mark on the earth and across civilisations, from ancient cave homes to cutting-edge skyscrapers and even futuristic habitats on Mars. This sector stands at the intersection of history, progress, and the human need for shelter and belonging.
What inspires me most about real estate is its timeless relevance. Homes and spaces are at the core of human existence, evolving alongside societies and technologies. Being part of an industry that shapes the fabric of our lives is incredibly fulfilling. This profound connection and my passion for finance and problem-solving propelled me to embrace leadership in this field. Through my journey, I aim to inspire others to see real estate as a career and an opportunity to contribute to something enduring and meaningful. I hope to motivate women to break through barriers, challenge norms, and lead confidently in an industry with immense growth and innovation potential.
