International Women’s Day 2026: The Moments That Changed Everything
To mark International Women’s Day, PrimeResi invited senior figures from across the prime residential sector to reflect on the decisions, risks and pivots that shaped their careers. From sliding doors moments to leaps of faith, the piece captures the inflection points that changed everything – and what came next.
We’re proud that two members of the Middleton Advisors team – Hollie Byrne from our Estates & Special Projects team, and Rhianne McIlroy from our London Buying team – were among the industry leaders featured. Here’s what they had to say.
Hollie Byrne
Estates & Special Projects, Middleton Advisors
An early career commitment
“The most transformative decision in my career came at its very beginning. Choosing to study Rural Enterprise and Land Management at Harper Adams University and ultimately qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor, fundamentally shaped my professional path, not only with the qualification but with the network of people I met. That early commitment set the direction for my career and provided the foundation on which everything since has been built.
My time at Harper Adams enabled me to achieve my RICS qualification, an internationally recognised accreditation that has opened doors to a wide range of opportunities within the property industry. Beyond the qualification itself, the experience was invaluable for the network I created within the agricultural and property industries. I met many like-minded peers and formed life-long friendships, many of whom continue to work in the industry today. Those connections remain an important part of my professional life and I am still in touch with several of them in my day-to-day role at Middleton Advisors.”
Rhianne McIlroy
Prime Central & South West London, Middleton Advisors
Moving to London
“The decision to move to London undoubtedly had the greatest impact on my professional life – and life in general. Following an 8 year period of working on luxury cruise lines, I took a risk to further myself and my career in a place bigger than my hometown. I landed in an agency, which led to a successful career in sales and subsequently in buying, none of which would have happened in good old Northamptonshire!
As a result, I was able to meet people from a much more diverse set of backgrounds; women in particular, who had big thoughts and visions and a genuine belief in themselves to make things happen. The progression I have seen in myself and my career over the last 10 years has been amazing and I’m excited for the 10 years to come.”
Read the full article featuring all contributors on PrimeResi: primeresi.com
