_Natasha Greenhead: “It’s vital we don’t cut new mothers out of the workplace”

For Knight Frank's Inspirational Women series, Natasha discusses her apprehension about returning to work post-maternity leave and the financial barriers many women face in returning to work.

March 07, 2024

Natasha Greenhead, reflecting on her nearly 15-year journey in law, finds herself at a place filled with pride. As a new mum, the return to work post-maternity leave brought a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. However, she soon realised there was no need for nervousness. Reflecting on her return, she shares, "I was able to pick up where I left off, reconnecting with colleagues and getting stuck into big projects. I feel really proud of that."

Thriving in a dynamic legal landscape

For almost six years, Natasha has worked as an Associate in Knight Frank's Legal team, revelling in the dynamic nature of her role. She thrives in a department that values innovation and champions entrepreneurial ideas, often demanding swift action. Despite the fast-paced environment, she attributes her successful return to the support and flexibility provided by her manager, herself a working mum. "I feel fortunate to have a really great boss,” she says. “She knew how to support me. She knew what to say. She probably knew more of what I needed than I did because it was a new experience for me.”

Strength and guidance throughout the journey

Contrasting her current experience with previous roles at City law firms, Natasha focuses on the strength and support she has encountered throughout her career. Her first job after university, at a small, female-owned business, served as an inspiration for pursuing her goals. Remaining in touch with a former boss from a previous legal role, Natasha values the continuous guidance she receives, noting, “Before I joined Knight Frank, when I was weighing up job options, he would always pick up the phone and give me great career advice. I’ve always been hugely grateful for that.”

Advocacy for gender equality in the workplace

While recognising Knight Frank's efforts in supporting female colleagues with caregiving responsibilities, Natasha emphasises the need for improved gender representation. Recognising that only 7% of Proprietary Partners are women, she advocates for continued efforts to bridge the gap.

Natasha applauds the positive steps taken by Knight Frank, particularly the enhanced family leave policy introduced in 2023. However, she also suggests further exploration of childcare vouchers to address the financial barriers many women face in returning to work. “So many new mums who are excellent at their jobs either don't return to work at all because they financially can’t, or they return to work on reduced hours. It means that those people are being cut out of the workplace and potential career progression.”

Navigating financial barriers

Looking to the future, Natasha hopes to see increased uptake of enhanced parental leave by both men and women at Knight Frank, nurturing equality and career progression. She shares an optimistic outlook, saying, “I hope that we're going to hear more positive stories about people who are taking up these kinds of policies because, for them to work, men must take the leave as well as women to make it equal. And I can already see that starting to happen. It’s an encouraging step."