The “Open Plan” Diversity Podcast with Geeta Nanda OBE and Dalian Wanda

Why does the property industry have such a problem with diversity, or is it all a fuss over nothing? James Max explored the issue as part of Property Week's Open Plan campaign, with Thames Valley Housing CEO Geeta Nanda and Michelle van Vuuren, UK sales & marketing director for Dalian Wanda.

According to Geeta Nanda, the housing association world is made up of around 60% women, yet very few make it to the top of the organisations themselves.

Nanda suggests that the people industry must show a more long-termist approach to investing in people, so that a broad range of individuals make it through the ranks, and not just university graduates.

Van Vuuren, who has had stints at Land Securities and Sellar Property Group, puts a more positive angle on the diversity issue, saying that there is much more tolerance of women and minorities than in the past.

The marketing expert, who started her career in technology, explains what it's like being of South African origin, working in the UK for a Chinese conglomerate.

Listen to the podcast here or subscribe via iTunes: