_Against the grain: from rural roots to real estate leadership
The power of education and a mother's vision
In the heart of rural Vietnam, where traditional roles often limited women's opportunities to household duties, one mother's revolutionary mindset changed her daughter's life trajectory. Today, Tuyen Huynh, Director - Head of Valuation & Research at Knight Frank Vietnam, credits early support for her remarkable journey from a rural province to becoming a leader in Vietnam's dynamic real estate sector.
"The only chance for me to be where I am today was my mother's support and guidance in pursuing education," Tuyen reflects. "Every time I return to my hometown in Lien Hiep Commune and see the farming families, I feel immense gratitude for those who supported my journey and helped to change my mindset."
Championing change through leadership
With over a decade of experience in real estate, Tuyen has witnessed – and helped to drive – significant transformation in Vietnam's property sector. She notes that the landscape for women in leadership has evolved dramatically, particularly in the valuations field, where women now head several departments across major agencies.
"The number of women in leadership positions has improved significantly compared to ten years ago," Tuyen observes. "But we need to keep pushing forward, supporting all levels within companies, not just at the top."
Building success through three pillars
Tuyen advocates for a systematic approach to accelerating gender equality in the industry, emphasising three key elements:
Clear targets: Setting specific, measurable goals for gender diversity and inclusion
Transparent procedures: Implementing fair hiring and promotion processes
Inclusive action: Ensuring initiatives reach all levels of the organisation, from junior staff to top management
The future of work: flexibility and opportunity
As the mother of two young sons, Tuyen is particularly passionate about how evolving work practices can support women's career advancement. She points to hybrid working arrangements as a game-changer, especially for working mothers in Vietnam.
"Traditionally, many Vietnamese women would give up their careers during maternity periods due to the challenges of balancing work and family life," she explains. "Flexible working arrangements have created new opportunities for women to maintain their careers while managing family responsibilities."
Leading with authenticity
Despite being a role model for aspiring women leaders, Tuyen maintains a refreshingly grounded approach to leadership. "I don't consciously try to be a role model," she shares. "I focus on improving every day through continuous learning, expanding my connections, and stepping out of my comfort zone."
Her leadership style emphasises:
- Honesty and transparency
- Creating supportive environments
- Encouraging open dialogue
- Building confidence through experience
Nurturing the next generation
As a mother of two boys, Tuyen sees her role in shaping future attitudes toward gender equality as crucial. "I teach my sons daily through how my husband and I interact and make decisions together," she explains. "Change starts with family, extends to the community, and ultimately transforms society."
The path forward
Looking ahead, Tuyen is optimistic about the future of women in Vietnam's real estate sector. She points to strengthening government support, evolving social attitudes, and increasing protection for women in the workplace as positive indicators.
Her advice for aspiring women leaders? "Build your soft skills and confidence every day. Take on challenging jobs, step out of your comfort zone, and learn from every experience. These small actions create big impacts."
This International Women's Day, Tuyen's journey from rural Vietnam to real estate leadership is a powerful reminder that with the right support, determination, and willingness to embrace change, women can break through traditional barriers and create lasting impact in their industries and communities.
Her story exemplifies the theme of "Forward Together," showing how individual success can pave the way for collective progress, one step at a time.
Read more about the rest of our 2025 International Women's Day leaders here.