_The power of fairness, love, patience, and leading by example

Wendy Lau is inspired by the countless amazing women from all walks of life who have paved the way for progress, challenged societal norms, and made a difference.

March 08, 2024

Can you tell us about a woman who has inspired you personally or professionally and why?

I am inspired by the countless amazing women from all walks of life who have paved the way for progress, challenged societal norms, and made a difference. It's challenging for me to single out just one woman, but I can share an example of a fantastic woman who has inspired me a lot in my career. My mum, a traditional housewife and a businesswoman, not only raised and educated her four children, but she also assisted my father in running an apparel business. She has set an excellent benchmark for me to run my team now. She demonstrated the power of fairness, love, patience, and leading by example, which helped me a lot today.

What do you consider your most significant achievement as a woman in your field, and how did you overcome any challenges?

The most significant achievement would be growing a diverse team and supporting their professional and personal growth. I’m proud to see some of my team members become leaders in this industry and some of them gradually developing into outstanding brokers who win clients’ trust and positively influence others, especially on young members who have just started their careers.

How do you advocate for gender equality and inclusion in your role or industry, and what advice would you give to other women looking to do the same?

Our Hong Kong Office Strategy & Solutions team is one of a kind at Knight Frank Hong Kong in terms of diversity. Our members come from Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, Malaysia, Scotland, Ireland, and Canada, spanning multiple generations from baby boomers to Gen Z. Each has their personality and strength. Based on my understanding of my team and clients’ needs, one of my roles is ensuring we have the right mix of talent to fulfill our clients’ mandates. Throughout the process, my team can support and learn from each other. This is how I leverage the diversity of my team to support their individual growth and create value for our clients.

What are your strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and how do you prioritise self-care and well-being?

I am a person who works hard and plays hard. In my pastime, I spend quality time with my loved ones and have some downtime doing what I enjoy, such as travelling, shopping, and reading! Only when we have a balanced life can we stay energetic, maintain good judgment, and be entirely devoted to our work during office hours.

How do you envision the future of gender diversity in your industry, and what steps do you believe should be taken to achieve greater equality and inclusion?

I envision that the real estate industry, especially at the leadership level, will become more gender-balanced. Things are changing fast in this dynamic market, and the challenges faced by our clients are becoming increasingly complex. It’s important to have a diverse and inclusive team to develop bespoke solutions that can address new issues emerging in the market.

What advice would you give young women just starting their careers, and what are the essential skills or qualities they should cultivate to succeed?

My first piece of advice, not just for young women but for all, is to understand yourself, e.g., what your strengths, weaknesses, ambitions, and market needs are. Ask yourself how to capitalise on your strengths to achieve your goals while delivering unique value for your team and clients. This will help you find your place and build up your profile.

Expanding your network, cultivating long-term relationships and having an open mind to collaborate with others are also essential to strive for success in your career.

Can you share an example of a time when you faced adversity or setback as a woman in your field and how you overcame it to achieve success?

Luckily, I have never experienced any adversity or setback as a woman in my field. Perhaps it has been widely accepted that all genders can deliver quality services in our business.