Shaifali Singh

A Journey of Perseverance & Success

Shaifali Singh

Vice President,

DivyaSree Developers

Shaifali Singh is the Vice President at DivyaSree Developers, a leading real estate firm in South India based in Bangalore. In her role as a P&L owner, she brings a wealth of cross-functional and cross-geographical expertise. Her experience spans over 25 years in a diverse real estate portfolio, including leadership roles, equipping her to not only lead teams successfully but also drive diverse functions of the entire real estate cycle. Shaifali began her career as a consultant trainee with Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), a renowned training ground, where she worked with mom-and-pop stores in Delhi. This role sharpened her skills in sales and marketing, with mastery of brand visibility and effective promotion. Her subsequent assignments at Amkette and Lacoste further deepened her understanding of the retail industry. Shaifali credits her eight-year stint at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) for her proficiency and acumen in retail and advisory roles, people management, and communication. At DivyaSree Developers, Shaifali prioritises people, creating a work environment built on trust and positivity, which translates into success for both the company and its clients. Shaifali’s commitment to helping families find their dream homes, whether modest or luxurious, goes beyond mere transactions. Her journey is a story of determination, relentless hard work, and profound personal and professional fulfilment. Inspired by her father, a government employee, she embarked on a career path that combined her passion for dealing with people and her drive for success. Growing up in a small town, Shaifali’s primary goal was financial independence and continuous personal growth. Shaifali was recently conferred the award for Women Achievers in Residential Realty by the 4th Realty+ Women Icon Awards 2024, making DivyaSree Developers proud. She shares further details in an exclusive interview with TradeFlock.

What was your biggest real estate challenge and how did you overcome it?

The most challenging task is managing people, including internal teams, peers, stakeholders, and external partners, including clients. Understanding the complexities of human behaviour is essential, as people often don’t fully understand or articulate their own needs well. I believe in open communication and active listening to gain clarity and understand different perspectives. Encouraging dialogue and creating a transparent environment have often helped me address challenges effectively

How do you manage burnout?

Loneliness at the top is real because you have fewer peers to bounce ideas off of and a greater sense of responsibility. To handle this, I have multiple mentors, both within and outside my industry ecosystem, who provide unbiased and diverse perspectives. Personal time and activities outside of work, like running and reading, are essential for resetting and maintaining balance, and this is the same culture I encourage within my team.

How do you mentor new leaders in your team?

I delegate both work and authority, allowing my team to make decisions and learn from their mistakes. I provide a supportive environment where they know I’ll stand by them, even if they make errors. This approach helps them develop decisionmaking skills and confidence. I also consciously withdraw from decision-making at times to encourage my team to step up and take charge.

How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal interests and hobbies?

Work-life balance is vital for productivity. I prioritise personal space to recharge and gain fresh perspectives by consciously spending quality time with my family and friends. Diverse reading, from children’s literature to poetry like Maya Angelou’s, enriches me. I also encourage my team to take breaks for their well-being, a practice I learnt from mentors.

How have you adjusted your strategies to meet evolving consumer preferences amidst the digital transformation?

Adapting to change requires being “present” and being aware of everything that is going on around you. I engage with industry peers and delve into the root causes of market trends. For instance, since one of the factors impacting Bangalore’s residential boom is startup investments, we focus on launching projects with lifestyle-defining amenities tailored to this demographic. Constant market feedback and engagement are crucial, helping to anticipate and respond to evolving consumer demands. Additionally, we align our communication strategies with current trends, utilising digital platforms and other relevant channels to effectively reach our audience.

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a leader?

My weaknesses include being impulsive and having high expectations of others, often failing to recognise that people’s capacities differ. My strengths are diligence, attention to detail, perseverance, and unwavering integrity and ethics. I’m also very committed to seeing tasks through to completion.

What has been your proudest moment in your career journey so far?

There have been countless fulfilling moments, each as precious as the next. Every day has brought unique opportunities that I’ve embraced wholeheartedly, from starting with simple tasks like photocopying to handling complex portfolios. One of the most rewarding experiences is receiving heartfelt thank-you messages from clients who’ve found their dream homes through my guidance, whether it’s a 2-bedroom unit or an uber luxury villa. These messages constantly validate my work, reinforcing my professional growth and personal satisfaction.

What advice do you have for someone starting their career in real estate or any field?

Embrace every task, big or small—it all builds your expertise. Network widely for support and opportunities. Stay ahead of market trends for informed decisions. And always maintain a healthy work-life balance for sustained success.