Yael Geffen

What does your company do?

At Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, we don’t just sell property — we curate the extraordinary. As a proudly three-generation family business, we’ve spent over four decades shaping South Africa’s luxury property landscape. What began in 1982 with Lew and Sandy Geffen has evolved into a brand synonymous with distinction, trust, and visionary thinking — a legacy now enhanced by our partnership with the globally renowned Sotheby’s International Realty® network in 2002. Our success is rooted in our commitment to lifestyle over listings. We believe that luxury is not defined by price, but by experience — and we’ve built our business around delivering exactly that. From coastal villas and secluded wine farms to bold commercial developments and heritage estates, we represent homes that tell stories and clients who live them. With over 450 expert agents across South Africa and access to buyers and investors in more than 80 countries, we blend international reach with deeply personal service. Our team understands the nuances of high-value transactions and offers tailored support for both local and international clients — whether they’re relocating, expanding their portfolios, or searching for a space that feels like home. As curators of the unique, we go beyond traditional real estate. Through our Sotheby’s connection, we offer clients exclusive access to auctions featuring fine art, vintage wines, and rare collectibles — a natural extension of the lifestyles our properties reflect. What truly sets us apart is the blend of family values, heritage branding, and future-focused innovation. While our roots are proudly South African, our outlook is global. We’ve built a culture that balances tradition with transformation, empowering our agents with cutting-edge tools and world-class training to deliver best-in-class service, every time. At Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, every property we represent, every deal we close, and every relationship we build is driven by one clear purpose: to help people find their place in the world — beautifully, meaningfully, and with lasting impact. We are more than real estate specialists. We are lifestyle experts. We are legacy builders. We are Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.

What is your biggest success?

As CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, I’ve led our expansion across South Africa and helped position us as a leader in luxury real estate. I was honoured to receive the Standard Bank Top Woman in Property Award in 2020 and the CEO of the Year Award from the Woman of Stature Foundation in 2023. Living with Bipolar Disorder, I’m passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health. I write regularly on the topic for magazines and newspapers, and I speak openly about mental wellness, women in leadership, and thriving in male-dominated environments. I’ve had the privilege of speaking on global stages like TEDx and the World Leaders Summit — and one of my most meaningful experiences was interviewing Dr. Edith Eger, a Holocaust survivor, psychologist, and author of *The Choice*, who inspires healing through resilience. My purpose is to lead with courage, live with honesty, and uplift others through authenticity.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Taking over as CEO wasn’t something I ever imagined — it came through heartbreak. First, my brother, who had trusted me as his alternate director, took his own life. I was suddenly carrying a family legacy built over nearly 65 years while navigating profound grief. Then, in 2016, the company was shaken again when our former CEO, Jason Rhode, was involved in the tragic murder of his wife. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I often felt invisible or excluded, but I chose to lead with authenticity and strength. Living with Bipolar Disorder has been another battle, yet I refuse to let it define me. Instead, I’m committed to breaking the stigma around mental health and fostering honesty and resilience in leadership.This journey has taught me that real leadership is born from vulnerability, courage, and the will to rise — even in the darkest times.