League Of Her Own | Women Who Rise With Heart

The greatest key to success when juggling multiple things is limiting what and who occupies my headspace. You must make a conscious decision to spend your precious time with people who bring value. To avoid complete depletion of your energy you can't waste time on things that aren't deserving of it.

Elegant candour.

These two words are synonymous with a remarkable woman who defines success both personally and professionally as the power of her relationships. Leading with heart, for her, is about maintaining these relationships in a way that is honest, sustainable, and synergistic.

When interviewed for this feature, Group MD of DG Properties, Alexa Horne, emphasized that although honoured to be regarded as a woman breaking barriers (and one who passionately advocates for gender balance at that) she holds equal esteem for single men juggling everything at this intense time of global uncertainty.

Yes, she's a single Mum raising two children as well as heading one of South Africa's premier boutique real estate brands as a woman in her 40s, but she's ultimately about the human story.

The reality is I couldn't be happier. I feel so fulfilled from every perspective; I've got two incredible kids and an unbelievably supportive partner, family, and girlfriends. And the business I lead is showing solid growth. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's how to leverage change. Ultimately, we all need to inspire each other to be - and always be - human beings breaking barriers.

As a LLB graduate from the University of Cape Town, her impressive career spans roles at renowned firms like Investec and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. In addition to now being at the helm of DG, Alexa is a top-producing agent in the luxury realty sector, her well-honed financial and legal skills making her a formidable player. With a finger on the pulse of Cape Town lifestyle and an influential national network, Alexa delivers a multiservice package to her clients. She continues to grow the DG team, since the beginning of the pandemic sixteen new agents have joined the company.

With her tenacity, confidence, and dedication complimented by a vivacious "can do" attitude, getting to know Alexa is much more of an opus than it is a privilege. She lives with her family in Upper Claremont.

'Breaking down barriers.' What does this mean to you?

Beyond the financial definition of success, true success is about breaking barriers in relationships. With clients this means being hands on, serving them with humility and focused efficiency. With my team it means leading by example, remaining empathetic but always demanding excellence. And with my loved ones it means making time - and when making that time being present, available, and connected.

What message do you have for fellow female leaders like yourself?

Being a successful woman in business takes sacrifice, determination, and focus. The key is to work with what you have, then innovate. By getting into the shoes of an agent I not only fully understand their struggles but can prove to them what's possible by first doing it myself. Since becoming MD of DG, my focus on the Southern Suburbs where I've resided all my life has seen our brand expand significantly there. Our transactions in the area now account for a notable portion of group sales. My goal is to emulate the longstanding success of the Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl teams who continue to dominate in those territories. As a group we're also currently spearheading 28 developments in niche areas across the city

.What has been your greatest challenge during the pandemic?

Personally, it was managing anxiety of the unknown and creating a structured environment for my children. Professionally it was pivoting a business heavily reliant on face-to-face interactions to all our agents operating online and support staff working from home. Dogon's stellar sales and rentals during all lockdown levels is testimony to our adaptive success. When many businesses were folding, we not only survived, but grew.

How do you take care of your mental and emotional health?

Exercise and running are my therapy. I'm also very strict with myself. Self-discipline and self-care go hand in hand because they're about maintaining balance. You must take care of yourself before you can take care of others.

How do you feel you are leading DG differently and what's next for the group?

Despite having very different leadership styles, we're both about empowering those who work with us. So, it's not so much about doing things differently to DG, but rather complimenting her vision with mine for the success of all. What's next? Apart from my focus to expand DG on the Western Seaboard, it's continuing to stay focused on our own change and be the best version of ourselves by constantly innovating and adapting to meet our clients' needs while maintaining a happy team.

For a woman who champions all humans breaking barriers, this woman breaking barriers by building her business interaction by interaction proves that relationships are the bricks and mortar to success. Alexa also reminds us that being in a league of her own is not about being set apart - but rather being at the heart of it all, paving the way for others.

Alexa Horne MD, DG Properties

082 349 7799 | alexa@dogongroup.com