Sarah Stephen is the co-founder of R&S, a real estate company based in Knightsbridge. With 15 years of experience in the property sector. As a public speaker, she advocates for visibility and financial empowerment for women. She actively participates in discussions and panels that emphasis true empowerment, which encompasses not only financial security but also confidence and equitable access to resources. Sarah champions the notion that one’s background or gender should never dictate their potential. In addition to her work in real estate, Sarah is a trustee of the Hill Hub Foundation. This foundation is devoted to equipping individuals from less privileged backgrounds with essential skills, financial literacy, and the knowledge to discuss money confidently. Through her advocacy and leadership, Stephen is determined to play her part in creating a more equitable and promising future for women. She speaks in this interview on empowering women for financial freedom.

⁠Take us through your journey to becoming one of London’s leading property advisors.

I have always held a deep conviction that my purpose lies in making a meaningful impact. Nigerian born, from a young age, I witnessed the challenges and disadvantages faced by immigrants in the UK particularly regarding housing, which now I know often stemmed from their age at arrival, low paying jobs, and poor living conditions. This observation ignited a passion within me that I didn’t fully recognise at the time. I have a creative flair and an appreciation for the arts, which inspired me to pursue a career in acting. I secured a place at the BRIT School and went on to perform at the National Theatre, culminating in an unforgettable experience at the Old Vic, where I participated in a remarkable 24 hour play under the direction of Kevin Spacey, the artistic director at the time. At 16 I began working in the West End, gaining experience at iconic fashion houses Selfridges, Harrods, Burberry, and Versace. This immersion in the luxury sector taught me what world class service truly looks and feels like, a stark contrast to the socio-economic challenges I had seen in immigrant housing. My journey took a pivotal turn when I discovered Foxtons Estate Agent, through a friend who was interviewing there. Eager to join, especially after passing my driving test and wanting their amazing mini car, I applied. During my interview, I was told that my background in retail might not equip me for the competitive real estate industry. I laughed nervously and said “can’t” was not in my vocabulary, and that I had the stamina for the challenge. They took a chance on me, and the rest is history.

Over a decade at Foxtons, I discovered personal will, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to delivering on my promises. I consistently successfully transacted multi-million-pound deals, becoming one of their top and most creative negotiators before being promoted to Sales Executive. Foxtons taught me that consistency is key, you cannot fake it in this industry. With a background in the arts and luxury brands, along with my experience in real estate, I gained a unique perspective on the people economy and wealth.  Armed with this experience and having left the company, I co-founded R&S, a buyers’ agency dedicated to assisting buyers in acquiring the finest real estate in the UK, with a particular focus on Prime Central London.

⁠How does your organisation’s mission connect with your passion for women’s visibility and financial empowerment?

Real estate is a significant accumulator of wealth, and women need more financial independence. In the UK, it ranks as the second-largest wealth accumulator after pensions. Women tend to live longer than men but often have less money. The cost of living disproportionately affects women, as we typically earn less. I frequently observe that while women are encouraged to be ambitious, but not too ambitious above their station or male peers. They can have dreams but they dare not have dreams above their class. This reality makes it essential for women to make their money work for them, emphasising the importance of putting their money to work. The profile of our clients primarily consists of wealthy men, and I aspire to be a visible female leader in this space, encouraging more women to engage with real estate and take proactive steps toward financial empowerment. Recent data indicates that women currently control 32 percent of global wealth, and projections suggest that over half of the world’s wealth will be controlled by women within the next decade. We are becoming the new face of wealth.

However, being the new face of wealth is only impactful when we create a plan to preserve and grow it. It’s estimated that 53 percent of assets controlled by women are currently unmanaged, largely because women are less likely to engage with wealth advisors. In the realm of real estate, my team and I strive to be visible and provide solutions. As a woman, I understand that the outdated notion that women desire luxury items like handbags no longer reflects our true aspirations, we seek security and diverse options for our futures. Being economical with the truth is no longer acceptable, the old days we compared ourselves to our brother and sister, now with the power of the internet we can see what women are capable of doing.

Many women struggle with financial confidence. From your experience, what practical steps can help women gain more control over their finances and investments?

With the meteoric rise of women in higher paying professions and leadership roles, it’s crucial again to acknowledge that women often have different financial goals than men. There is a real yearning for long term stability, which explains the surge in membership communities designed for women, where conversations about money are becoming increasingly open. This shift is a clear indication that the status quo is changing. Globally, we’re witnessing a seismic shift in power dynamics. According to Forbes, women are poised to inherit 70 percent of approximately $124 trillion in what is being termed ‘the great wealth transfer’ over the next 5 to 30 years. The taboo surrounding discussions about money is slowly fading. Many of the most astute businesswomen in our lives, our mothers and aunts recognised the importance of collective prosperity through initiatives like the ajo (or pardner) scheme, which enabled them to start businesses and thrive. My advice is to join these communities and speak up. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, consulting with a financial advisor is more accessible and affordable than you might think. The rise of social media has accelerated the breakdown of social barriers, particularly those that have historically kept women out of exclusive circles. By taking these steps, women will emerge stronger, more empowered and confidence in their financial journey.

What unique challenges have you faced as a woman in this industry, and how have you navigated them?

Let’s be honest, real estate is still very much a man’s world. Some of the finest and fiercest negotiators I’ve encountered have been women, yet there simply aren’t enough of us in the room. In this day and age, it’s not normal to be the only woman present when crucial decisions are being made. As a woman in this field, the weight of constantly navigating spaces where you have to prove your worth over and over again is exhausting. We need more women to get involved and form their own conclusions. As with everything, growth starts small. I once read a book that helped me reframe the challenge of being the only woman in a room. I realised that many great leaders I admire were pioneers in their fields, often the first and only. While they lift others up to join them, they continuously strive for excellence and remain committed to proving they are qualified for the job.

What advice would you give to women entrepreneurs who want to thrive in male-dominated sectors?

Black women are the fastest growing demographic of entrepreneurs, and many of us see entrepreneurship as a vital pathway to wealth creation. My advice? Take the big swing or leap, just do it! I’ve learned that nobody remembers the consistent, reliable employee, they remember those who make a significant impact. They remember the woman who speaks up, the one who swims against the tide, and the one who adds an extra zero when negotiating. However, there’s a caveat, you must first invest actively in your own development. You need to commit to the tedious work of improvement and become anchored in your expertise. You have to aspire to be the best in your field. I recall my time at Foxtons, where I had to make at least 50 to 70 calls within a three-hour window each day, ensuring that each conversation was meaningful. My diary was filled with appointments; it was a snapshot of my business. When I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I knocked on 50 doors a day, asking sellers if they would consider selling through me. I sent countless emails, often without receiving replies, yet I remained undeterred and never felt entitled. So, what’s the secret? Know your “why.” Start with the problem and offer a solution. Focus on what you can do better than anyone else in the industry, and strive to gain a deep understanding of that niche. Make your message so simple that even a child could understand it.

⁠You’re a strong advocate for women’s visibility, confidence, and financial independence. In your view, what are the biggest barriers that still hold women back globally?

The problematic narrative that society has perpetuated about women that we are less interested in financial literacy poses a significant barrier, and this notion has been heavily critiqued. Unfortunately, this narrative has led some women to internalise the myth that they are simply bad with money. Visibility is critical in changing this perception. We can see this clearly today with the rise of women leaders and CEOs who control billions across various sectors and openly discuss their successes. These women are unapologetic about their vision, articulating it clearly and coherently. Their track records are transparent, and I believe they are actively calling women to action, signaling that now is the time to change the narrative because they are doing it.

Were there defining moments in your own life that ignited your passion for women’s empowerment?

From a young age, my competitive spirit drove me to question why I couldn’t do certain things, was it simply because I was a girl? This desire to challenge societal norms has been a constant throughout my life, leading me to advocate for women’s empowerment, even if I didn’t initially recognise it as such. Becoming a mother was a significant catalyst for me. I felt an urgent need to work harder to prove that motherhood was not a disadvantage and that I still deserved consideration for promotion. Women should be encouraged to re-emerge, whether from having children, facing failures, dealing with disappointments, taking career breaks, or caring for aging parents. Meanwhile, men are often celebrated even after making significant mistakes. I frequently remind women that life isn’t a fairy tale, Prince Charming is not coming to rescue us. We don’t need to achieve economic perfection to understand why women accumulate less wealth so it’s essential that we adapt and thrive, rather than merely survive. The pain I feel for women is visceral, and it birthed my “why.” I know that many women experience private struggles and meltdowns. While we can’t control what life throws at us, we can choose how we react. This understanding became my guiding light.

What is your life mantra.

There is always a way out. I love this quote by Jim Collins. You must retain unwavering faith that you can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, and at the same time you must confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.