Challenges for both men and women are the same. As long as you are focussed and committed, there is no problem big enough, shares Tithi Tewari, Founder and Managing Director, SmartVizX on the occasion of international women's day in an exclusive interaction with 99acres.com.
1. What led you to choose real estate consulting as a career?
I have always been someone who questions the status quo and keeps seeking beyond the regular. With over 18 years of global experience in the construction industry, I first-hand witnessed the difficulties in design communication and the challenges to communicate design intent through limited means such as 2D drawings, static 3D renderings and timed walkthrough. Hence, Trezi came into existence. Trezi is the world’s first Virtual Reality (VR) platform that connects architects with building product manufacturers and their customers. Launched in 2018, Trezi transforms design communication, experience and collaboration in the building industry. I find immense satisfaction in improving workflows and efficiencies by creating something of value for the investors, professionals and myself.
2. What has been your support mechanism in a real estate career?
My leadership and entrepreneurial qualities have been my real support. The ability to start something of my own and believing in it even when no one did, helped me sail through my lows.
I believe in having a vision and a perspective on things. As an entrepreneur, I am always multitasking and managing time. I juggle between jobs, but still, have an eye for detail. I am grateful to be blessed with these qualities; however, I always strive to evolve and adapt to changes. Moreover, Gautam, my partner in work and life, has also been the vital support. He always stood by me in all the professional as well as personal challenges.
3. What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
I got the chance to work and grow with people who have significant experience in the field of product management, engineering, marketing and sales. Each day at Trezi is a learning experience. Further, retaining the core team despite facing the typical challenges of a startup is also a matter of pride for us, and our team consists of international talent as well. However, the biggest achievement for us was to be India’s first company to launch a Virtual Reality (VR) product that is successfully competing with the global options. The client base of Trezi includes India’s topmost architects, infrastructure developers, co-working companies, large enterprises, developers and manufacturing firms.
4. Are you content with your career choice?
Absolutely and I look forward to work every day. For me, the feeling that we at Trezi are creating something new each day is the real motivation, but it's an exhilarating emotion to do something for the first time. To be an innovator and juggle different things as an entrepreneur is strenuous but exciting and rewarding as well.
5. What kind of challenges did you face in this male-dominated field?
I have never viewed the industry in this way at all. This field has no shortage of really successful female professionals. Challenges for both men and women are the same. As long as you are focused and committed, there is no problem big enough. I agree that there are certain additional responsibilities for a woman on the personal front, but there your support system helps you pull through.
6. Do you feel the general perception of women in the real estate sector has changed over the years?
I am not sure what the perception of women in real estate used to be. However, what I would like to say is an extension of my previous response that I have never felt lesser in the profession in any way. As a focussed professional, I knew what I want. If as a professional you do not achieve what you have been entrusted with then you can be sure that the general perception of you will not be great and it does not matter whether you are female or male.
7. Any suggestions for other women foraying into real estate?
I have been a big follower of the Bhagavad Gita for a good part of my life, and I firmly believe in the saying ‘Thy right is to work only, but never with its fruits; let not the fruits of action be thy motive, nor let thy attachment be to inaction.' Be it any realm or industry, give your best, and the best will come to you.
