Katie Ridley

Group Sales Director, John Shepherd

1. Personal & Professional Journey

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the property industry? 

I started my career in a completely different sector of sales and quickly fell in love sales as a whole, I’ve always had a fascination with property due to the way it shapes lives, communities, and cities. My first real step into the industry came through a trainee role at a national agency, and from there, I quickly realized I’d found my passion. From a young age I was interested in property and peoples home, a quick look through the letterbox while I was helping my nan on her paper round to having a consistent desire to move or update our interiors. Our industry isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s the motivation, reasoning and lifestyle you get to learn about your clients that makes it rewarding.

What inspired you to pursue a career in property? 

The variety. No two days are ever the same. I’ve always been drawn to fast-paced, people-centric environments where I can solve problems and help people make life-changing decisions. Property ticked every box.

How has your journey with Lomond evolved so far? 

It’s been incredibly rewarding to see where I started and how my career, confidence and knowledge has shaped me. I’ve grown both professionally and personally. Lomond has given me the platform to step into leadership, work on high-impact projects, and contribute to a company culture that genuinely values innovation and inclusivity.

2. Role & Impact

What does your current role involve, and what do you love most about it? 

My role is a blend of strategic oversight and day to day leadership, ensuring the team is supported, goals are met, and standards are high. What I love most is the people. Seeing team members grow, celebrating wins, and facing challenges together, that’s the heart of it for me.

Can you share a project, deal, or moment you're especially proud of? 

One standout moment was co-leading a complex acquisition that expanded our regional footprint. It involved navigating tricky negotiations, aligning multiple stakeholders, and ultimately delivering a great result for the business and our clients.

How do you feel your work is making a difference in your team, region, or community? 

By creating a supportive, high-performing environment, I believe I’m enabling people to do their best work, that they can be proud of, which directly impacts the quality of service we offer our communities. Whether it’s helping someone find their first home or investing in revitalizing a neighbourhood, it all matters.

3. Leadership & Representation

What does it mean to you to be a Lomond Women Representative? 

It’s a privilege, I have always surrounded myself with strong woman within my family and friendship group, I am truly proud of the people closest to me and to able to contribute is an honour.  Being a part of LOMONDwoman has allowed me to align that within my work environment to be a part of another group of woman I stand proudly beside.

Why do you believe representation and visibility of women in property leadership is so important? 

Because visibility breeds possibility. If you can see it, you can believe it. Diverse leadership creates more inclusive decision making, better business outcomes, and stronger teams.

Have you had any role models or mentors who have helped shape your path? 

Absolutely. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors, both male and female, who’ve pushed me to think bigger, trust my instincts, and stay authentic. One former manager, when I first started in the industry, was a perfect blend of mentorship, leadership and created and environment which I was sad to leave when I took my next steps in my career. I couldn’t not mention the two leading ladies in my life who have shown me and made me who I am today- they are fierce, ferocious and funny, I have learnt to never doubt myself and do everything with confidence, to which I have my mom and nan to thank.

4. Challenges & Growth

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the industry, and how did you overcome them? 

There have been moments where I’ve had to prove myself more than my peers or navigate assumptions about leadership style. I overcame these by staying focused, backing myself, and building a strong network of allies and mentors.

How do you stay motivated and resilient in a fast-paced and competitive environment? 

I am nothing without my team, which is why I surrounding myself with the best, taking time to reflect, and celebrating small wins keeps me grounded and energized.

To answer this question honestly there are days of joy and days of pressure which are evitable in such a face pace environment, on those days where resilience is key, I remind myself that when I look back will I be proud if I persevered- if so then I continue.

5. Empowerment & Advice

What advice would you give to young women starting out in property or leadership roles? 

Don’t wait to feel 100% ready, take the risks, learn on the job, celebrate your wins with confidence and accept your defeat with grace, learn how to learn- keep educating yourself.  

What’s one mindset or habit that’s helped you succeed? 

Consistency over perfection and education over ego. Showing up, doing the work, and staying curious has taken me further than trying to get everything right the first time.

How do you support and uplift other women in your team or network? 

By actively mentoring, advocating for development opportunities, and creating space for honest conversations. Sometimes, it’s simply about being available and listening.

6. The Bigger Picture

What changes would you like to see in the property industry to better support women? 

More flexible pathways into leadership, transparent career progression, and a stronger focus on inclusive leadership training. It’s also about normalizing conversations around equity, not just equality. I think clearer community from companies on maternity leave, I find a lot of woman will press ‘pause’ on their career aspirations until they have a family, this can leave behind years of growth and learning.

What are your hopes for the future of women at Lomond? 

That we continue to see more women stepping into roles the aspire to be in, driving innovation, and shaping the culture. I’d love Lomond to be known as a leading force for gender equity in the industry.

How do you think initiatives like Lomond Women help create meaningful change?

They provide visibility, support, and a sense of belonging. When women connect and share their experiences, it builds collective momentum and accelerates progress.

7. Personality & Passion

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

I’m a big believer in balance. I love exploring the outdoors, reading (with a glass of vino), and spending quality time with friends and family. Travel is also a big passion of mine.

If you could describe your leadership style in three words, what would they be? 

Empathetic. Decisive. Inclusive.

What’s a quote or mantra you live by? 

“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” It’s a reminder that courage often comes after action – not before.