5 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
Priya is the Founder and CEO of The Luxury Property Forum, the official forum for the luxury property sector. Over the years working as a senior construction lawyer on some of the world’s most prestigious and high value luxury development projects she connected various people in the luxury property industry, and from these introductions, long lasting relationships have been forged. In 2019, after identifying the need for a niche networking group, she established The Luxury Property Forum which brings together highly experienced and devoted members of the luxury property community handpicked from every discipline. In the same year she became a mother and whilst navigating a pandemic and multiple lockdown built forum that facilitates the advancement and continuous growth of the luxury property industry, through developing strong business collaborations and cultivating growth opportunities as well as sharing knowledge, experience and contacts.
What would you’d love to share to encourage other women to start their own business?
Starting a new business is never easy however having a clear vision of what you want to build and why you want to build it is essential. There will always be naysayers who will give you a tonne of reasons why your idea will not work. Some will have merit, some will be simply drenched in negativity. For those which merit, it may mean going back to the drawing board and having to rethink your approach. However, keeping positive and keeping a team of people around you who will not only champion you but those which challenge you as well. It is also important to be true to yourself and know how far you are willing to push yourself.
As entrepreneur your work is never done and as a CEO the responsibility to keep going rested with me. However, becoming a mother at the same time meant that at some point that laptop had to close and I had lean on team. It is important to build a team around you who you can trust and are as passionate about your mission as you are. Starting business and making it successful is hard. It takes graft, thick skin and open mind. It also takes being kind to yourself, accepting the support around you and the resilience and positivity to keep going.
What are your 5 top tips for entrepreneurial success?
Build the right team and build the right network – Surround yourself with people who challenge and champion you –
Have a clear mindset of what you want to build and why you want to build it. However all visions are malleable and should amenable to change to make them better.
Don’t be afraid to get knocked down – there is an opportunity to learn from every challenge
Be your own cheerleader – if you aren’t going to believe in yourself how can you expect others to believe in you?
Be kind to yourself – close your laptop, have some downtime….. it will still be there tomorrow
Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?
My wonderful mother – Kiran Upadhyaya
My amazing sister – Reshma Upadhyaya
My dear friend and LPF Head of Events – Victoria Forbes Watson
My dear friend and LPF Head of Membership – Sameera Desai
My dear friend and LPF Marketing Consultant – Jenny Naylor
What is your favourite saying/inspirational quote?
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”
Oprah Winfrey
Website & Socials
https://www.theluxurypropertyforum.com
