Breaking Barriers: How Women Leaders Are Redefining India's Luxury Real Estate
Explore the journey of Muskaan Sarin, Director of TARC Ltd, as she shares insights on breaking barriers and leading the transformation of India’s luxury real estate market.
Real EstateLuxury Real EstateWomen LeadersTarc LtdMentorshipReal Estate NewsOct 17, 2025
Real Estate News:Adgully has consistently celebrated and acknowledged the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs and leaders in various sectors. One of our notable initiatives, W-SUITE, focuses on highlighting extraordinary women achievers in the Media & Entertainment, Advertising, Marketing, PR, and Communications industry. In this updated series, we aim to explore how women leaders adeptly manage their teams and overcome challenges in the dynamic landscape of their respective industries.
In conversation with Adgully, Muskaan Sarin, Director of TARC Ltd, shares her journey as a woman leader and entrepreneur who has shaped the growth and evolution of her organization. She reflects on the challenges and opportunities for women leaders in India’s industry landscape, the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, and fostering a culture of creativity and inclusivity within her team. Sarin also highlights the power of mentorship, community support, and mindset in enabling women to thrive in business and leadership roles.
As a leader in luxury real estate who has shaped multiple landmark projects, how would you describe your personal journey and the experiences that have influenced your leadership style?
My journey to luxury real estate leadership began during my degree course in International Business and Marketing. But my true education came from bridging two worlds: the global business perspective gained abroad and the deep cultural sensitivity that comes from understanding what 'home' means in the Indian context. Coming from a non-real estate business background gave me the freedom to look at things through a completely different lens—not just from the standpoint of construction and sales, but as someone who wanted to create a home where I would want to stay with my own family. I realised that luxury in India couldn’t simply be a copy-paste of Western models. It had to honor our heritage while embracing innovation—creating spaces that feel authentically Indian yet globally sophisticated. This insight became the foundation for TARC’s 'Inspired by India' rebranding. The experiences that have influenced my leadership style are rooted in a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. For me, it isn’t just about delivering developments—it’s about creating spaces where families can flourish, communities can thrive, and individuals can live their best lives.
What unique challenges and opportunities do women leaders in real estate and design encounter today compared to when you first started?
When I first entered the real estate and design industry, the landscape was predominantly male-driven and women in leadership roles were a rarity. The key challenge then was establishing credibility and being taken seriously in strategic discussions. Gaining equal opportunities to lead landmark developments required immense persistence, resilience, and consistent demonstration of expertise. While the industry has evolved, challenges still persist today. The constant challenge of balancing demanding professional schedules with personal lives. Underlying these are lingering biases about a woman's role in this sector. However, the narrative is shifting powerfully. Women are breaking barriers and driving change through resilience and innovation. At TARC, we have made a conscious effort to create an environment that actively supports and nurtures this change, recognizing that diverse leadership is not just an ideal but a strategic imperative.
With TARC’s focus on blending cultural heritage, sustainability, and contemporary design, how do you see women leaders influencing the future of luxury real estate?
The Indian real estate sector, long dominated by male leadership, is undergoing a notable transformation. A new wave of dynamic women leaders is not just entering the field but actively redefining its future, particularly in the luxury segment. Their influence is perfectly aligned with TARC's focus on blending cultural heritage, sustainability, and contemporary design. We are seeing women spearhead the integration of wellness-centric layouts, biophilic design, and genuine sustainable practices—moving beyond checkboxes to create holistic living experiences. For instance, women leaders are increasingly prioritizing meditation zones, wellness terraces, and green community spaces that support modern lifestyles. There’s also a deeper truth: developers can make houses, but homes are built by women. Women bring warmth, functionality, and an instinctive sense of how spaces nurture family life. From the placement of a kitchen that supports togetherness to the creation of quiet corners for reflection, women shape homes with care and empathy. This ability to infuse emotion and practicality into design is what ensures that luxury is not just about opulence but about meaningful living.
As a leader managing multiple projects and teams, how do you balance strategic oversight with fostering a customer-first, design-led culture?
Balancing strategic oversight with a customer-first, design-led culture is at the core of modern leadership, especially in luxury real estate. For me, it begins with setting a clear strategic vision—defining our objectives for quality, timelines, and brand positioning—but then actively empowering our teams to achieve that vision in ways that center the customer. Every team member carries the core values of the TARC brand at the center of their work. They are the custodians who ensure that our culture of “customer-first, design-led” is not just a philosophy but a lived reality across every touchpoint. I foster this by ensuring open communication channels and granting teams the autonomy to innovate. Crucially, we create opportunities for direct customer interaction, so our designers and project managers are not working in a vacuum but are genuinely inspired by the people they are designing for. Finally, we embed this philosophy into our processes through continuous feedback loops and by making customer satisfaction a key performance metric. We have certainly come a long way, but we are humble enough to recognize that there is still a long way to go. This balance ensures that strategy doesn’t override culture but amplifies it, driving both development excellence and a superior experience for our customers.
In your view, what role do mentorship and professional networks play in enabling more women to rise to executive leadership positions in the real estate sector?
In a sector as relationship-driven as real estate, mentorship and professional networks are not just beneficial for women—they are essential catalysts for reaching executive leadership. I see mentorship as the compass that provides crucial guidance, support, and the navigational tools to help women traverse the unique complexities of their careers. Professional networks, on the other hand, act as the engine of opportunity. They create vital platforms for knowledge exchange, increase visibility, and foster the collaborations that are so often the key to unlocking new ventures and establishing credibility in a traditionally male-dominated field. I firmly believe that by intentionally fostering these strong mentorship and networking ecosystems, we do more than just support individual careers—we actively drive broader industry transformation. By nurturing talent, championing diverse perspectives, and promoting genuine inclusivity, these initiatives are fundamental to creating a more equitable, resilient, and innovative real estate sector for everyone.
Many women hesitate to pursue leadership roles due to societal or organizational barriers — what key mindset or strategies helped you overcome these challenges?
Overcoming societal and organizational barriers requires a combination of resilience, focus, and a growth-oriented mindset. Early in my career, I realized the importance of believing in my capabilities, setting clear goals, and consistently demonstrating value through results. I also prioritized continuous learning, seeking mentorship, and building a strong professional network that offered guidance, support, and constructive feedback. Family support has also been very important. Knowing that your family stands by you gives the strength to be happy in your choices and the courage to voice ideas without fear—even in a male-dominated industry. Equally important was cultivating the confidence to take calculated risks and lead with authenticity. By embracing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles, I was able to navigate a traditionally male-dominated industry and establish a leadership path that is both impactful and sustainable. I believe persistence, strategic clarity, and collaboration are essential strategies for women aspiring to leadership in real estate or design.
Having worked across diverse projects and market segments, how do you see women transforming leadership in luxury real estate and urban design?
The Indian real estate sector is undergoing a quiet yet powerful transformation. Women are now leading design-led, capital-intensive, and innovation-driven ventures with precision and vision. From structured finance and land aggregation to urban design and construction oversight, women leaders are reengineering India’s built environment through a strategic and forward-thinking lens. More and more, women leaders are shaping high-level decisions around land acquisition, redevelopment, and product positioning. Many are identifying undervalued land parcels, reimagining core neighborhoods, and partnering with global firms to create high-margin, future-proof residential assets. Ultimately, the increasing presence of women in leadership roles is transforming how spaces are conceived, executed, and experienced—creating urban environments that are more inclusive, sustainable, and attuned to the evolving aspirations of modern society.
Looking ahead, how do you see TARC’s positioning evolving in India’s luxury real estate market, and what role do women leaders play in shaping that vision?
TARC has emerged as a visionary force, redefining the very essence of luxury by offering 'Differentiated Luxury. Curated Residences.' Inspired by India’s rich cultural legacy, TARC combines timeless elegance with state-of-the-art amenities to create homes that offer more than just a place to stay—we offer an elevated experience. At TARC, we are building world-class offerings, not only bringing the best of the world to India but also taking India to the world stage. As the market evolves, our focus remains on setting new benchmarks in sustainability, lifestyle-centric design, and integrated community living. Women leaders play a crucial role in shaping this vision by bringing diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deep understanding of what modern luxury truly means. Their influence ensures that TARC continues to lead the industry with a forward-thinking, customer-centric approach.
In conversation with Adgully, Muskaan Sarin, Director of TARC Ltd, shares her journey as a woman leader and entrepreneur who has shaped the growth and evolution of her organization. She reflects on the challenges and opportunities for women leaders in India’s industry landscape, the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, and fostering a culture of creativity and inclusivity within her team. Sarin also highlights the power of mentorship, community support, and mindset in enabling women to thrive in business and leadership roles.
As a leader in luxury real estate who has shaped multiple landmark projects, how would you describe your personal journey and the experiences that have influenced your leadership style?
My journey to luxury real estate leadership began during my degree course in International Business and Marketing. But my true education came from bridging two worlds: the global business perspective gained abroad and the deep cultural sensitivity that comes from understanding what 'home' means in the Indian context. Coming from a non-real estate business background gave me the freedom to look at things through a completely different lens—not just from the standpoint of construction and sales, but as someone who wanted to create a home where I would want to stay with my own family. I realised that luxury in India couldn’t simply be a copy-paste of Western models. It had to honor our heritage while embracing innovation—creating spaces that feel authentically Indian yet globally sophisticated. This insight became the foundation for TARC’s 'Inspired by India' rebranding. The experiences that have influenced my leadership style are rooted in a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. For me, it isn’t just about delivering developments—it’s about creating spaces where families can flourish, communities can thrive, and individuals can live their best lives.
What unique challenges and opportunities do women leaders in real estate and design encounter today compared to when you first started?
When I first entered the real estate and design industry, the landscape was predominantly male-driven and women in leadership roles were a rarity. The key challenge then was establishing credibility and being taken seriously in strategic discussions. Gaining equal opportunities to lead landmark developments required immense persistence, resilience, and consistent demonstration of expertise. While the industry has evolved, challenges still persist today. The constant challenge of balancing demanding professional schedules with personal lives. Underlying these are lingering biases about a woman's role in this sector. However, the narrative is shifting powerfully. Women are breaking barriers and driving change through resilience and innovation. At TARC, we have made a conscious effort to create an environment that actively supports and nurtures this change, recognizing that diverse leadership is not just an ideal but a strategic imperative.
With TARC’s focus on blending cultural heritage, sustainability, and contemporary design, how do you see women leaders influencing the future of luxury real estate?
The Indian real estate sector, long dominated by male leadership, is undergoing a notable transformation. A new wave of dynamic women leaders is not just entering the field but actively redefining its future, particularly in the luxury segment. Their influence is perfectly aligned with TARC's focus on blending cultural heritage, sustainability, and contemporary design. We are seeing women spearhead the integration of wellness-centric layouts, biophilic design, and genuine sustainable practices—moving beyond checkboxes to create holistic living experiences. For instance, women leaders are increasingly prioritizing meditation zones, wellness terraces, and green community spaces that support modern lifestyles. There’s also a deeper truth: developers can make houses, but homes are built by women. Women bring warmth, functionality, and an instinctive sense of how spaces nurture family life. From the placement of a kitchen that supports togetherness to the creation of quiet corners for reflection, women shape homes with care and empathy. This ability to infuse emotion and practicality into design is what ensures that luxury is not just about opulence but about meaningful living.
As a leader managing multiple projects and teams, how do you balance strategic oversight with fostering a customer-first, design-led culture?
Balancing strategic oversight with a customer-first, design-led culture is at the core of modern leadership, especially in luxury real estate. For me, it begins with setting a clear strategic vision—defining our objectives for quality, timelines, and brand positioning—but then actively empowering our teams to achieve that vision in ways that center the customer. Every team member carries the core values of the TARC brand at the center of their work. They are the custodians who ensure that our culture of “customer-first, design-led” is not just a philosophy but a lived reality across every touchpoint. I foster this by ensuring open communication channels and granting teams the autonomy to innovate. Crucially, we create opportunities for direct customer interaction, so our designers and project managers are not working in a vacuum but are genuinely inspired by the people they are designing for. Finally, we embed this philosophy into our processes through continuous feedback loops and by making customer satisfaction a key performance metric. We have certainly come a long way, but we are humble enough to recognize that there is still a long way to go. This balance ensures that strategy doesn’t override culture but amplifies it, driving both development excellence and a superior experience for our customers.
In your view, what role do mentorship and professional networks play in enabling more women to rise to executive leadership positions in the real estate sector?
In a sector as relationship-driven as real estate, mentorship and professional networks are not just beneficial for women—they are essential catalysts for reaching executive leadership. I see mentorship as the compass that provides crucial guidance, support, and the navigational tools to help women traverse the unique complexities of their careers. Professional networks, on the other hand, act as the engine of opportunity. They create vital platforms for knowledge exchange, increase visibility, and foster the collaborations that are so often the key to unlocking new ventures and establishing credibility in a traditionally male-dominated field. I firmly believe that by intentionally fostering these strong mentorship and networking ecosystems, we do more than just support individual careers—we actively drive broader industry transformation. By nurturing talent, championing diverse perspectives, and promoting genuine inclusivity, these initiatives are fundamental to creating a more equitable, resilient, and innovative real estate sector for everyone.
Many women hesitate to pursue leadership roles due to societal or organizational barriers — what key mindset or strategies helped you overcome these challenges?
Overcoming societal and organizational barriers requires a combination of resilience, focus, and a growth-oriented mindset. Early in my career, I realized the importance of believing in my capabilities, setting clear goals, and consistently demonstrating value through results. I also prioritized continuous learning, seeking mentorship, and building a strong professional network that offered guidance, support, and constructive feedback. Family support has also been very important. Knowing that your family stands by you gives the strength to be happy in your choices and the courage to voice ideas without fear—even in a male-dominated industry. Equally important was cultivating the confidence to take calculated risks and lead with authenticity. By embracing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles, I was able to navigate a traditionally male-dominated industry and establish a leadership path that is both impactful and sustainable. I believe persistence, strategic clarity, and collaboration are essential strategies for women aspiring to leadership in real estate or design.
Having worked across diverse projects and market segments, how do you see women transforming leadership in luxury real estate and urban design?
The Indian real estate sector is undergoing a quiet yet powerful transformation. Women are now leading design-led, capital-intensive, and innovation-driven ventures with precision and vision. From structured finance and land aggregation to urban design and construction oversight, women leaders are reengineering India’s built environment through a strategic and forward-thinking lens. More and more, women leaders are shaping high-level decisions around land acquisition, redevelopment, and product positioning. Many are identifying undervalued land parcels, reimagining core neighborhoods, and partnering with global firms to create high-margin, future-proof residential assets. Ultimately, the increasing presence of women in leadership roles is transforming how spaces are conceived, executed, and experienced—creating urban environments that are more inclusive, sustainable, and attuned to the evolving aspirations of modern society.
Looking ahead, how do you see TARC’s positioning evolving in India’s luxury real estate market, and what role do women leaders play in shaping that vision?
TARC has emerged as a visionary force, redefining the very essence of luxury by offering 'Differentiated Luxury. Curated Residences.' Inspired by India’s rich cultural legacy, TARC combines timeless elegance with state-of-the-art amenities to create homes that offer more than just a place to stay—we offer an elevated experience. At TARC, we are building world-class offerings, not only bringing the best of the world to India but also taking India to the world stage. As the market evolves, our focus remains on setting new benchmarks in sustainability, lifestyle-centric design, and integrated community living. Women leaders play a crucial role in shaping this vision by bringing diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deep understanding of what modern luxury truly means. Their influence ensures that TARC continues to lead the industry with a forward-thinking, customer-centric approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of TARC Ltd in the real estate market?
TARC Ltd focuses on creating differentiated luxury residences that blend cultural heritage, sustainability, and contemporary design to offer an elevated living experience.
How does Muskaan Sarin describe her journey in the real estate industry?
Muskaan Sarin describes her journey as a blend of global business perspective and deep cultural sensitivity, emphasizing the importance of creating authentically Indian yet globally sophisticated spaces.
What are the unique challenges faced by women leaders in real estate?
Women leaders in real estate face challenges such as establishing credibility, balancing professional and personal life, and overcoming lingering biases about their role in the industry.
How does TARC ensure a customer-first, design-led culture?
TARC ensures a customer-first, design-led culture by setting clear strategic visions, empowering teams, fostering open communication, and embedding customer satisfaction into performance metrics.
What role do mentorship and professional networks play in women's leadership in real estate?
Mentorship and professional networks are crucial for women's leadership in real estate, providing guidance, support, and opportunities for growth and visibility in a male-dominated field.
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