Chapter 6: “The Power of No: Boundaries, Brokers & Breaking the Cycle”

“The Power of No: Boundaries, Brokers & Breaking the Cycle”

After rebuilding my blueprint in Chapter 5, I realised that empowerment isn’t just about what you say yes to—it’s about what you refuse to tolerate. Saying “no” became my new superpower.

I had learned the hard way that not every opportunity is a blessing. Some are traps dressed in glossy brochures and sweet-talking brokers. I had to unlearn the idea that being agreeable was the same as being professional. It wasn’t. It was a liability.

Drawing the Line

In early 2025, I was in yet another whirlwind of property pitches. The names were familiar—some even notorious. I recognised the patterns: the urgency, the pressure, the promises. But this time, I wasn’t the same woman. I had my checklist, my legal pack, and my voice.

I started asking the questions they didn’t expect:

• “Can I see the developer’s financials?”
• “Where’s the fire safety certificate?”
• “What’s your exit strategy if this falls through?”

Some agents squirmed. Others ghosted. That was my answer.

The GetGround Saga

Then came the infamous GetGround. I had already been burned by their involvement in the Lomax 505 disaster. They were supposed to be the administrative backbone—handling company formations, secretarial duties, and liaising with lenders. Instead, they became a symbol of everything wrong with the system: lack of transparency, poor communication, and a complete disregard for the buyer’s well-being.

I terminated their services. I revoked their access. I took back control.

The Birth of a New Standard

I wasn’t just protecting myself anymore—I was setting a precedent. I began sharing my experiences publicly, not for sympathy, but for solidarity. My blog posts, LinkedIn updates, and video series weren’t just stories but warnings, blueprints, and battle cries.

I created a downloadable checklist for new investors, hosted webinars, and even started mentoring a few women who reminded me of myself five years ago—eager, hopeful, and unaware of the sharks circling beneath the surface.

The Emotional Toll

Let’s be honest: saying “no” had its consequences. I lost deals and connections. Some people called me “difficult,” while others said I was “too much.” But I had heard those criticisms before.

Each time I heard them, I stood taller. I was not just rebuilding a portfolio; I was rebuilding a legacy. A legacy that wouldn’t be defined by losses, but by lessons. One that would endure beyond the brokers, the developers, and the broken systems.