Success is often celebrated. But rarely do we talk about what sits behind it.

For the past six years, I, Asha Agarwal, have worked as an independent consultant through Inspire New Homes — supporting local authorities, housing associations, and private developers to deliver successful new homes sales strategies. It’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career.

But it’s also been one of the loneliest.

The Reality of Independent Consulting

When you work independently, there’s a side no one prepares you for. There’s no ‘home’ team, you move between organisations, you embed yourself into projects, deliver impact… and then leave.

And then you start again.

You build strong relationships, but you’re always slightly on the outside. Always the consultant. Never fully part of the team.

This is the reality many high-performing professionals experience — particularly in the social housing and property sector — but few openly talk about it.

Why Community Matters More Than Ever

That’s why becoming part of the Women in Social Housing (WISH) London Board has meant more to me than I ever expected.

I didn’t just join a board. I found a community. A support system. A place where I truly feel part of a team again.

In a sector like social housing — where collaboration, purpose, and people matter — that sense of belonging is powerful.

Celebrating Women Who Inspire

The Women Who Inspire Awards 2026 was a powerful reminder of why this community matters so much.

The room was filled with inspiring women — not just achieving success, but actively lifting others as they rise.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came from our headline speaker, Leanne Pero MBE, founder of Black Women Rising UK. Her story of building a programme that supports over 800 women of colour living with cancer — and raising over £1.1 million for vital services — was both moving and motivating.

A huge congratulations to all of the award winners, whose work continues to shape the future of housing:

  • Inspirational Woman of the Year: Bali Kaur Nahal – Estuary Housing Association
  • Rising Star Award: Fehime Karolina Karamanoglu – Mullaley
  • Project of the Year: The Hyde Group – School Uniform Project
  • Team of the Year: Clarion Housing Group – Social Value Team
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Donna McCarthy – Devonshires

And to everyone shortlisted — your impact across the social housing sector does not go unnoticed.

Events like this highlight the strength, diversity, and leadership shaping our industry today.

The Leadership Behind the Community

A special recognition must go to those who brought the event to life — particularly Anneka Gill and Sanja Topalovic, alongside the wider WISH London team.

And a heartfelt thank you to Hony Premlal, who is stepping down as Chair after four incredible years. Her leadership, energy, and commitment have left a lasting legacy within WISH and the wider housing sector.

Opening Doors for the Next Generation

What stayed with me most that night wasn’t just the awards or the achievements. It was the reminder that not everyone walks into a room feeling like they belong. I know I didn’t.

That’s why my mission has evolved. Today, it’s not just about delivering successful sales strategies or driving performance across developments. It’s about people.

  • Supporting those earlier in their careers
  • Building confidence in future leaders
  • Sharing knowledge and real industry insight
  • Opening doors that once felt closed

Because success shouldn’t feel isolating and no one should feel like they don’t belong in this sector.

From Independence to Impact

After years of working independently, I can honestly say — I’ve found my place again.

And now, through Inspire New Homes and my work within WISH, I’m focused on helping others find theirs.

Because when we create spaces where people feel supported, seen, and empowered — we don’t just build careers.

We build a stronger, more inclusive future for housing.

About Inspire New Homes

At Inspire New Homes, we work with housing providers and developers to maximise sales performance, improve customer journeys, and deliver successful new homes across the UK.

But our mission goes beyond homes. We believe in building communities — not just for residents, but for the people shaping the future of housing.