Written by: Marianne Rawlins, Communications Manager
We talk to Sarah Maylor, Curo’s Development Director, about her leadership journey in a male-dominated sector.
What inspired you to embark on a career in development?
My family has always been involved in construction and engineering. My grandfather was a bricklayer who built hospitals, and my father was an engineer who managed BT's properties in London.
Originally, I trained and worked in advertising and design in London, running my own media production company. But when I relocated to the South West, I realised the local advertising firms didn’t have the same calibre of international clients, so I decided to retrain.
I worked on managing portfolios and investments for high-net-worth individuals, focusing on small-to-medium-sized businesses. We explored property investments, in particular working with a registered provider to develop affordable homes.
It was an exciting proposition, so I approached Yarlington (now Abri) to explore rural development. We worked on this joint venture and, after 18 months, Yarlington invited me to join their Development Team. At the same time, I completed a Masters in Real Estate Investment at UWE Bristol.
Do you have any highlights from this time?
I progressed to Head of New Business, working on some incredible projects. One that stands out was building shared-ownership properties for young adults with Down syndrome. Many of the parents were concerned about what would happen to their children when they were no longer around. We built eight homes in a cul-de-sac, each with rear gardens that had no fences, so the residents could meet up in a safe space. Seeing the relief on the families’ faces when they knew their children would be cared for was incredibly rewarding. It’s these smaller, community-focused schemes that have had the most significant personal impact on me.
What challenges have you encountered working in a male-dominated sector?
I can sometimes be underestimated, though I’m never quite sure if that’s due to my height! It can occasionally work to my advantage as it takes the spotlight off me. I’ve learnt that if I keep my head down and deliver results, such assumptions don’t last long. The sector, especially land, can be driven by egos, money and arrogance. I prefer to stay focused on getting the deal done.
When I first started in construction, I was usually the only woman in the room, which could be intimidating. But I quickly realised that there are many allies in the industry – male and female – if you seek them out.
I’ve always had a mentor or coach. Surrounding myself with strong, capable women and men has allowed me to make mistakes in a safe space and learn lessons. One that I carry with me in high-pressure situations is: ‘failing to prepare is preparing to fail’.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I’m incredibly proud of the Development team at Places and Enterprise, and everyone who works behind the scenes.
I was drawn to Curo by the exciting work happening at Mulberry Park, Bath, and the innovative housebuilder model it had adopted. At the time, the land for Mulberry Park had just been acquired, and the business was focused on growth.
What fills me with pride is the fact that the team has not only succeeded in expanding the business but has also delivered over 1,600 affordable homes over the past eight years. They’ve also acquired all the land on which we’re currently building homes for market sale. Seeing their success is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Which women in the public eye inspire you and why?
There are so many! Anna Whitehouse, aka Mother Pukka, inspires me with her advocacy for flexible working. Through her campaigning she’s shown how flexibility isn’t about working from home – it’s about inclusion. I believe that the responsibility of raising children should not rest solely with mothers. Greater workplace flexibility would allow more women to rise to senior positions and, ultimately, influence decisions at Board level.
More recently, I’ve been deeply moved by Gisele Pelicourt. The way she has reclaimed her story and shifted the shame onto her attackers is courageous. It will help other women feel empowered to speak out if they are attacked.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
I’ve always been ambitious and assertive – qualities that can sometimes be seen as challenging. But one of the best pieces of advice I’ve had is never dim your light to make others feel more comfortable. There’s nothing wrong with ambition. Don’t be afraid to take up space.
What would you like to achieve next?
I love learning and developing. I’ve recently started looking for my next Board role. I used to be a Board Member at North Devon Homes and the experience was so beneficial to my day job.
What would you say to a woman who’s just starting out in her career in development?
Find a mentor and a coach – I am who I am today because women and men throughout my career have invested their time in my development. Seek mentors who can provide insights, encouragement and honest feedback. Understanding your Insights Discovery Profile can be incredibly valuable. Knowing your strengths and areas for growth will help you communicate effectively with different personality types and adapt under pressure.
Credibility matters in this sector – take time to understand the technical aspects so you can engage in informed discussions and navigate on-site challenges with confidence.
Finally, learn how to have difficult conversations. Conflict is inevitable, but addressing issues early makes them easier to manage. Practise having tough conversations in a safe space, whether at home or with trusted colleagues.