Women's History Month Q&A with Nicola Jacks

Mentoring and Advocacy in the Workplace 

March 8, 2025 marks the celebration of International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” Central to this vision is empowering the next generation as catalysts for lasting change. In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, SitusAMC asked employees how they help empower girls and women in their communities and the workplace. Nicola Jacks is a Vice President of Human Resources for SitusAMC. 

Q: How did you get started mentoring young women, and why? 

A: I spent my career working in mostly in male-dominated industries. When I started out I didn’t have many role models at the top and I faced my own struggles—finding my voice, competing, and learning how to navigate these spaces.  

My first real initiative in supporting women started in 2015 when I set up a women’s network at a large law firm. I teamed up with a partner to bring in guest speakers, set up mentorship schemes, and sponsor events and activities to bring women together. I’ve continued to do that in my other workplaces, building similar initiatives and fostering networks that support women’s professional growth. 

Q: What does mentoring look like for you today? 

A: At SitusAMC, I’m actively involved in the Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN), in which I focus on mentoring and career development. I'm always happy to share knowledge, career advice, industry insights and to make connections that facilitate opportunities. My background in recruitment and brokerage taught me that relationships are everything, and I’ve carried that lesson forward in my mentoring approach. 

Right now, I’m informally coaching two women: one at the beginning of her career, who is working on job applications, interviews, and learning to negotiate; and a senior professional, who is navigating career challenges and promotions. 

But mentoring isn’t just about structured programs or formal schemes—it’s a way of operating. It’s about advocating for others, sharing leadership opportunities and embodying those values in daily interactions. You don’t have to be in a leadership position to lead. As they say, you can create change by being the change. 

Q: What is the most rewarding or meaningful aspect of mentoring for you? 

A: Seeing people grow, break through barriers, move forward with confidence and achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling. I'm also a mother of two young girls, and I try to teach them about career and financial responsibility. When they say things like, “I’m going to work like Mummy and be good at my job,” I know my efforts are making an impact. I help them navigate some of the stereotypes women face. For example, when my eldest daughter told me someone called her bossy, I told her, “You’re not bossy. You’re a leader.” 

Another rewarding aspect is helping women set boundaries. Women often feel pressure to be everything to everyone, but we only have so much time and energy to give. No one will respect your boundaries if you don’t respect them yourself. Guiding women to recognize and act on that is meaningful. 

Q: What’s your favorite piece of advice for women starting out in their careers? 

A: If you’re in a hybrid or remote role and don't have an opportunity for those “water cooler” moments, go create them. Treat your work environment as if it were your office—show up on time, always have your camera on, and make an effort to connect. Instead of sending a Teams message or an email, pick up the phone. Set up regular chats with co-workers—maybe a coffee chat every couple of weeks or a wine chat late on a Friday. If a colleague lives nearby, suggest working together from an office or even a library. 

You have to be proactive in building relationships. Opportunities don’t just come to you—you create them by putting yourself out there and forming meaningful connections.