2023's Most Pioneering Real Estate CEO
GQ South Africa|August - September 2023
Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty, talks to GQ about her real estate journey and suceeding in a male-dominated industry
2023's Most Pioneering Real Estate CEO

GQ: What initially attracted you to the real estate industry, and what made you decide to pursue it as a career?

Yael Geffen: I never actually wanted to join the family business and fought it for a long time! My late grandmother, Aida Geffen, was the doyen of the property industry in South Africa and my parents, Lew and Sandy Geffen, followed in her footsteps to open Lew Geffen Estates in 1982, which became Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty.

Although I was expected to follow in their footsteps, I wanted to experience more before settling down. After graduation, I decided to travel abroad, intending to stay for only a few months. However, my short hiatus became a six-year sojourn, during which I lived and worked in New York City and Los Angeles.

When I returned to join the family business, it was with considerable global experience garnered in high-powered US advertising and marketing firms. However, I was still expected to start at the bottom as an apprentice, where I was groomed under the guidance of my father and my late brother, Barak.

Denne historien er fra August - September 2023-utgaven av GQ South Africa.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August - September 2023-utgaven av GQ South Africa.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA GQ SOUTH AFRICASe alt
I am Legend
GQ South Africa

I am Legend

For 40 years, Toyota has produced an iconic 4x4. In 2024 it's received a subtle, rejuvenating facelift - and more. The Land Cruiser 76 is made for Africa.

time-read
1 min  |
August 2024
Alternative Investments
GQ South Africa

Alternative Investments

We take a look at how alternative investments offer a diverse range of opportunities beyond the traditional, with a particular focus on venture capital

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
THE HEART OF A CHAMPION
GQ South Africa

THE HEART OF A CHAMPION

AYABONGA KHAKA IS A RIGHT-ARM medium bowler for South Africa's national cricket team, and earned a national contract with Cricket South Africa in 2018.

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024
THE DEFENDER OF HOUSE
GQ South Africa

THE DEFENDER OF HOUSE

From his debut album Golden Power to the recent hit \"Yes God\", Oscar Mbo is still the king of deep house music. Apart from consistently energising groovists with his beats, he also stands out as the country's most stylish DJ - and a savvy businessman

time-read
10+ mins  |
August 2024
GOLDEN BOY
GQ South Africa

GOLDEN BOY

With top-charting hits such as \"Adiwele\", \"Sete\" and \"Imithandazo\", Young Stunna is the face of amapiano, and a rising icon. In a remarkably short time, he's carved out his path in the music industry and stands poised to conquer the world

time-read
10 mins  |
August 2024
Fierce, Fearless and Flourishing
GQ South Africa

Fierce, Fearless and Flourishing

THESE FIVE REMARKABLE WOMEN LEADING WITH COURAGE, DETERMINATION, AND LIMITLESS AMBITION ARE REDEFINING SUCCESS IN THEIR OWN TERMS

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
DAMIAN WILLEMSE HUMBLE STAR OF SA RUGBY
GQ South Africa

DAMIAN WILLEMSE HUMBLE STAR OF SA RUGBY

He's renowned for his skill and versatility - but the legacy of Damian Willemse is built on inspiring others, both on and off the field

time-read
9 mins  |
August 2024
The Visionary Curator: Jana Terblanche's Journey in the Art World
GQ South Africa

The Visionary Curator: Jana Terblanche's Journey in the Art World

Poetic and political this ambitious yet principled art curator challenges the traditional and champions African voices

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
Non-invasive Cosmetic Treatments Guide
GQ South Africa

Non-invasive Cosmetic Treatments Guide

From advanced laser therapies to cutting-edge injectables, these innovative procedures offer effective solutions for smoothing wrinkles, enhancing skin tone, and contouring the body

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
Lelowhatsgood The Maverick DJ Disrupting Africa's Cultural Landscape
GQ South Africa

Lelowhatsgood The Maverick DJ Disrupting Africa's Cultural Landscape

“Demon’s Kiss” put him on the map but there’s more to this Renaissance man than just hit singles.

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024