_Inspiring Women: Celebrating International Women's Day at Knight Frank
Each March, Knight Frank marks International Women's Day through a month-long campaign filled with events and activities featuring some of the many exceptional women we have in our business who contribute to our firm's success.
This year's International Women's Day campaign theme is "Inspire Inclusion." We share the inspiring stories of our colleagues, which motivate our people to strive for even greater success. By doing so, we aim to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive.
We are proud to highlight a group of extraordinary female leaders who lead by example, inspire others, and help cultivate a workplace that is more inclusive and equitable: Amy Wong (Malaysia), Andrea Wong (New Zealand), Elaine Wong (Singapore), Ines Tambunting (Philippines), Kimvouch Hang (Cambodia), Leanne Newberry (Australia), Pamela How (Asia-Pacific), Pranaporn Nimpinij (Thailand), Reshmi Panicker (India), Samantha Yu (Chinese Mainland), Syarifah Syaukat (Indonesia), Tina Weng (Taiwan) and Wendy Lau (Hong Kong SAR)
Read what they have to say!
Amy Wong, Executive Director, Research & Advisory, Malaysia
Amy advocates for empathetic leadership and supports working mothers. She draws inspiration from diverse female role models and has been passionate about promoting the democratisation of real estate data in opaque markets. Despite common challenges for women in the industry, Amy promotes an inclusive and diverse work environment and encourages women to focus on producing high-quality work, standing up for their beliefs, and prioritising self-care. Her energy, dedication, resilience, and commitment to making a positive difference in the world make her a role model for all aspiring leaders.
“Prioritise self-care by setting boundaries, taking breaks, and engaging in activities that help you relax and recharge. A healthy work-life balance starts with a healthy you.”
Andrea Wong, National Portfolio Manager, New Zealand
Andrea has always been inspired by her grandmother's story of resilience and determination, who has been her role model throughout her life. With more than 15 years of experience in the property industry, Andrea has faced numerous challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry. However, she has found ways to overcome these challenges and has built a supportive and successful team environment. Currently, Andrea serves as the National Portfolio Manager, where she oversees a team of property and facilities managers. She likes to share her leadership journey, remind her team of the power of support and inclusion and is always willing to offer advice to young women who want to start their careers in this industry.
“My takeaway thought is, tap your boss on the shoulder and don't wait for your shoulder to be tapped. They can always say no, but at least you tried.”
Elaine Wong, Deputy Director, Property & Facilities Management, Singapore
Elaine has achieved great success in her field while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She credits her mother for inspiring her with her strength and love. Elaine has overcome challenges in her career through her strong determination and ability to execute projects end-to-end successfully. She advocates for gender equality and inclusion in her industry by providing equal opportunities for all employees to excel. Elaine advises young women to acquire industry knowledge, find a mentor, be hungry for new knowledge, and build on their social and interpersonal skills. Despite facing setbacks, Elaine has shown that there are many different approaches to resolving a problem or handling a difficult situation.
“Discover your strengths and build on them, find your passion and pursue your dream. Build on your social and interpersonal skills and create a vast network of professionals.”
Ines Tambunting, Manager, Investment & Capital Markets, Philippines
Ines is a successful woman who draws inspiration from the strong women in her life: her grandmothers and mother. Their stories of success, determination and resilience have shaped her personality and career. The way Ines advocates for gender equality and inclusion in her industry is commendable. Her achievements speak for themselves, but it's her commitment to empowering and supporting those around her that truly sets her apart.
“When you achieve success with your team and friends and wish success upon those around you, the achievement is greater."
Kimvouch Hang, Office Manager, Cambodia
Vouch's story is truly invigorating. Her determination to overcome societal norms and achieve success on her own is a testament to the strength and resilience of women everywhere. Her advocacy for gender equality and inclusion in the workplace is admirable. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of the power of hard work and resilience in overcoming obstacles and reaching one's goals.
"As a woman who began her career at 20, I found it daunting and challenging. My belief in hard work paying off has brought me this far with eleven years of work experience."
Leanne Newberry. Partner, Head of Transformation, Asset Management Services, Australia
Leanne is a passionate and dedicated individual who has made it her life's mission to empower women and build stronger, more inclusive communities. With over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Leanne has served on the boards of two organisations focused on providing homes and building supportive communities for people in need, with specific initiatives geared towards women and children facing domestic violence, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. In her role, Leanne advocates for gender equality and supports women within the organisation. She strives to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity, enabling individuals to excel in their roles and contribute to the organisation's success. Leanne believes that empowering women in the industry requires champions, generational change, and purposeful action. Her dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives are truly inspiring.
“Stay open-minded and curious, and seek opportunities to expand your skill set. In the nonprofit sector, passion and dedication are crucial. Stay true to your values and mission, and remember that your work has a direct impact on the lives of others.”
Pamela How, Senior Analyst, Asia-Pacific
Pamela understands the importance of self-care and personal growth. As a young woman in today's society, she recognises the unique challenges that women face and the vital role that self-care plays in overcoming them. Pamela draws inspiration from remarkable women such as Kim Kardashian, who has demonstrated a relentless dedication to her professional pursuits while also advocating for social justice. Like Kim, Pamela strives to cultivate a strong work ethic, takes risks, and pursues her passions with unwavering commitment. With her drive and determination, Pamela is sure to achieve great things and inspire others to do the same.
“I take pride in owning my mistakes and learning from them. My hard work and dedication to various aspects of my life demonstrate my commitment to growth and self-improvement.”
Pramaporn Nimpinij (Yui), Sales Manager, Agency, Thailand
Yui's journey is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. She draws inspiration from the likes of Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani female education activist and the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and advocates gender equality and inclusion in her industry. Yui maintains a healthy work-life balance and believes in the power of self-rewards for motivation. She envisions a genderless real estate industry and encourages young women to embrace learning and cultivate essential skills. She is a role model for women everywhere, demonstrating that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and self-belief.
“To achieve gender neutrality, it's important to start with yourself and adopt an equality mindset in order to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”
Reshmi Panicker, Executive Director, Land and Residential Services, India
Reshmi is an architect turned real estate expert who has spent over three decades in the industry. Her journey has been marked by challenges and opportunities, ultimately shaping her career and fuelling her passion for the industry. As one of the first women to tackle large-scale land transactions, Reshmi has broken barriers and paved the way for more women to enter this traditionally male-dominated field. Her expertise and unique perspective have made her a valuable asset not only to Knight Frank but to the Indian real estate industry. Through her story, Reshmi inspires women to recognise and capitalise on their inherent strengths and take charge of their careers.
“Our ability to multitask, our emotional intelligence, and our strong work ethic are all attributes that can give us an edge in navigating the complexities of land transactions.”
Samantha Yu, Senior Director, Head of International Project Marketing, Greater China
Meet Samantha is a remarkable woman who has shattered gender stereotypes in her field of real estate in the Chinese Mainland. Despite facing scepticism about her youth and gender, Samantha has built a successful career by focusing on developing a strong knowledge base, projecting confidence, and prioritizing transparency with clients. Samantha is also a consistent advocate for gender equality and inclusion, championing initiatives that prioritize work-life balance, mentorship opportunities and inclusive communication. She believes in the power of equity over equality and supporting women in leadership positions to create a more diverse and equitable industry for future generations. For young women just starting their careers, Samantha advises being proactive, identifying your passions and strengths, and investing time in learning and expanding your skill set. Her journey is an inspiration for all of us to strive for success on our own terms.
“Believe in your abilities and don't let others limit your potential. Developing self-confidence is crucial for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging individuals, and remember that setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning.”
Syarifah Syaukat, Senior Research Advisor, Indonesia
Syarifah is a true inspiration to many. Her remarkable achievements as the Vice Chief at the Centre for Applied Geography Research at Universitas in Indonesia have been shaped by her mother and Ibu Sri Mulyani, a prominent Indonesian Minister of Finance. Syarifah believes women should be given equal opportunities to grow and develop. She advocates maintaining a healthy work-life balance, dedicating her weekends to pleasure and personal healing time. Her story is a testament that anyone can achieve their dreams with hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset.
"If I am faced with a challenging situation, I do not consider it an obstacle. Instead, I approach it head-on and prepare myself to overcome the hurdles and achieve the best possible outcome. It is crucial to maintain an optimistic mindset to become a high achiever."
Tina Weng, Operations Director, Taiwan
As a woman in her field, Tina has worked tirelessly to promote gender equality, develop inclusive policies and training programs and implement employee welfare programs that improve working conditions. She has faced adversity head-on and refused to give up, developing the skills and confidence necessary to grow both personally and professionally. Tina's career journey has taken her to unique places, including working on a sustainable community development project in Xinjiang, China. Her inspiring story and practical tips on advocating for gender equality and inclusion are sure to motivate women looking to make a positive change in their roles and industries.
“By facing adversity head-on and refusing to give up, I developed the skills and confidence necessary to grow personally and professionally.”
Wendy Lau, Executive Director, Head of Office Strategy & Solutions, Hong Kong
Wendy admires the accomplishments of other inspiring women and works hard to become one herself. Wendy attributes her success in leading her team to the high standards set by her mother. She has built a diverse team and supports their professional and personal growth. Wendy's dedication to maintaining a healthy work-life balance is outstanding, and she is a role model for anyone who aims to balance their personal and professional life. Her vision of a gender-balanced real estate industry is admirable, and her advice to young women is invaluable. She encourages them to understand themselves, expand their network, and cultivate long-term relationships.
"The dynamic market landscape is evolving rapidly, and our clients are encountering complex challenges. To tackle the emerging issues in the market, it is crucial to have a diverse and inclusive team that can craft custom solutions."
You can keep up with the ongoing conversation on social media by following the hashtag #KFInspireInclusion.