Recently, Yardi colleagues from across the globe came together for the first W@Y to RISE virtual event of the year – a session centred on Habit Building, Accountability & Forward Planning. Bringing together perspectives from the UK, US and Europe, the event reinforced a shared commitment to creating a supportive environment where women across Yardi can strengthen confidence, leadership capability and personal effectiveness.
Founded on the principles of Recognise, Inspire, Showcase and Empower, W@Y (Women @ Yardi) to RISE continues to evolve into a global community supporting women in both professional and personal development. What made this session particularly impactful was its honest and practical exploration of how habits are formed and why sustaining them can be challenging.
RISE Panel Included:
- Shaina Fite, manager, Yardi
- JJ Eerbeek-Zhang, associate director, Yardi
- Neille Kommer, director, Yardi
- Shana Winbush, senior manager, Yardi
- Manjusha Shah, director, Yardi
- Georgie Drewery, senior account executive, Yardi – Moderator
Redefining What “Good Habits” Really Mean
Georgie Drewery opened the discussion with an important perspective – habit-building is not about having everything figured out, but about creating a safe space where challenges can be shared openly.
Panellists reflected on how their understanding of habits has evolved over time. Rather than striving for flawless routines, the focus has shifted toward adaptability and balance.
For many, a “successful habit” now means one that:
- Supports multiple roles – professional, parent, partner and individual
- Adapts to changing life stages
- Prioritises reflection over rigid consistency
The consensus was clear – habits must evolve alongside life’s demands. What works in one season may not work in another and this should be viewed as growth, not failure.
Why Habits Fail & What That Teaches Us
A particularly resonant theme was the role of failed habits in shaping future success.
Attempts to maintain routines such as regular exercise or wellness practices often falter, not due to lack of intention, but because motivation alone is rarely sufficient. Panellists shared how introducing structured accountability, such as committing to a personal trainer, significantly improved consistency. The key insight – external accountability can often succeed where internal motivation struggles. Even seemingly simple behaviours such as staying hydrated, illustrated how easily intentions can fall away without supportive structures in place.
Bridging the Gap Between Intention & Action
A practical highlight of the session was the discussion around translating intent into action.
One effective strategy shared was time-blocking for personal development. By scheduling just 35 to 40 minutes during quieter periods of the workday, individuals can create space to reconnect with hobbies, learning or creative pursuits.
While these sessions may not always produce immediate results, protecting the time itself creates forward momentum. This shift from “I should do this” to “I’ve made time for this,” transforms intention into consistent action.
Panellists also noted the effectiveness of visual cues. For example, using a physical desk calendar alongside digital tools made priorities more tangible, increasing follow-through in ways that digital reminders alone often do not. The shared takeaway – meaningful behavioural change often begins with small structural adjustments.
Accountability Without Self-Criticism
As the conversation moved toward accountability, a refreshing perspective emerged – holding oneself accountable does not require self-criticism.
Instead, accountability was reframed as:
- Honest self-reflection
- Showing up even when conditions are not ideal
- Allowing flexibility without abandoning commitment
This mindset shifts accountability from a source of pressure to one of empowerment, reinforcing one of the session’s core messages – participation matters more than perfection.
Tackling Imposter Syndrome
One of the most relatable discussions centred on imposter syndrome. The insights shared were both reassuring and empowering:
- Perfection is an illusion
- Self-kindness grows with experience
- Confidence often emerges through vulnerability
Recognising that imposter feelings are widely experienced helps to normalise the challenge and reduce isolation.
Practical approaches to overcome this feeling included:
- Speaking up, even in small ways
- Seeking constructive feedback
- Measuring progress against personal growth rather than comparison
The Power of Support Networks
As the session concluded, participants reflected on the importance of connection in sustaining progress.
Openly discussing challenges often leads to fresh perspectives and reinforces that individuals are not alone in their experiences. This concept of “building your tribe” closely aligns with the core mission of W@Y to RISE. By connecting women across geographies, W@Y to RISE fosters collaboration, leadership insight and shared growth.
Looking ahead, the message was clear – success is rarely built in isolation. It is shaped through shared experience, open dialogue and collective encouragement.
Through the W@Y to RISE initiative, Yardi continues to empower women globally – helping transform self-doubt into self-belief and intention into sustained action.
Want to learn more about Yardi RISE? Check out our previous posts or follow the hashtag #RiseWithYardi on socials.