Breaking glass ceilings in style: Women pioneering leadership in business

This article is based on a Panel Discussion at the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit originally presented on 8 December 2022.

Trailblazing female execs are forging success in diverse industries

If there’s one clear takeaway from female managers holding leadership roles in a variety of organisations, it is that effective leadership manifest in diverse forms. Women are stepping into leadership roles in today’s business environment, demolishing long-standing barriers and redefining the landscape in industries traditionally commanded by men. 

The 2022 PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit played host to an inspiring panel of accomplished women who came together to discuss the undeniable advantages of gender diversity in business.  

The panel, moderated by Palanca-winning author and journalist Jessica Zafra, was not a mere conversation about gender balance; it was a strategic exploration of how women in leadership positions are driving innovation, promoting inclusivity, and making waves across various industries. 

The business case for gender diversity

Among the influential women in the panel was Coco Liu, the chief regional officer at HLB, who underscored the compelling evidence supporting the positive impact of gender diversity in organisations. Beyond the mere numerical balancing of male and female employees, she emphasised the importance of cultivating an inclusive culture rooted in true equality. 

For Coco, gender diversity translates into numerous advantages:  

1. Talent Attraction and Retention: Diverse talent pools are essential for future-proofing businesses. In fact, according to a study by PwC, 85% of female Millennials actively seek companies with strong diversity records. This not only reduces recruitment costs but also boosts overall efficiency.  

1. Collaboration and Innovation: Women’s skills in fostering balanced conversations drive collaboration and creativity. This ultimately contributes to diverse viewpoints that often lead to innovative solutions. 

1. Customer Connection: Reflecting customer diversity internally ensures efficiency, with women wielding significant purchasing power. Their representation is essential for businesses to effectively cater to a wide range of customers. 

Paving the path to fulfillment in real estate 

As for Asiana Group’s President Director Loemongga Haoemasan, inclusivity and equality play a pivotal role in fostering fulfilling work environments. By ensuring that every voice is heard, and opportunities are equitably distributed, inclusivity lays the foundation for increased productivity. She understands that employees who feel respected and valued tend to perform at their best, leading to greater creativity and sustainable developments, especially in the real estate industry. 

Women’s nature to bear children has often been looked upon as a barrier to success. Yet, Loemongga, as a mother and a successful leader herself, begs to disagree. In fact, she looks at mothers’ naturally developed skills as an asset, when it comes time management, delegation, and effective multitasking. These skills, she argued, are transferable to leadership positions and can be invaluable assets. Additionally, women’s inclination to be good listeners can contribute to effective leadership, making them well-rounded leaders. 

Championing gender equality in technical fields 

In the engineering field, Jean Jacquelyn de Castro, the CEO of ESCA Incorporated, addressed the historical underrepresentation of women in technical roles, particularly in construction and engineering. Dismantling entry barriers and nurturing an environment that allows women to thrive and advance in these traditionally male-dominated fields is beneficial to society. 

To have more clarity on the current environment, Jean led the inaugural Women Engineering Survey in the Philippines, an endeavour aimed at identifying gender-related issues and establishing a roadmap for a more inclusive and sustainable industry. Initiatives like promoting women into decision-making roles are vital for enabling progress and leadership opportunities. 

Impact of women’s voices in tech and data science 

In the tech and data science sectors, Shyn Yee Ho-Strangas, the managing director of data and software solutions at PropertyGuru Group, emphasised the profound consequences of gender bias in product design and technology. 

Among the compelling examples presented were the unintentional harm caused by early airbag designs, primarily tested on male-sized dummies, leading to dangerous consequences for female passengers. This highlighted the consequences of a lack of gender representation in product design and technology, where male perspectives dominated. 

Another technology that is being widely used today is the voice assistant tech. Despite claiming neutrality, Shyn noted how most default settings feature female voices, which perpetuates stereotypes of subservience and compliance associated with femininity. It is crucial for the industry to recognise and rectify such biases in technology, as they can shape societal perceptions and have lasting impacts on future generations and communities. 

Though the road to success was not easy, these remarkable women have paved the path towards gender diversity and equality across different industries. From the undeniable financial advantages of gender diversity to the profound impact of women’s voices in technology, the message is clear: empowering women is not just a matter of fairness; it is a strategic imperative. 

By cultivating inclusive environments that champion and elevate women in leadership roles, we are not only revolutionising organisations, but also molding a world marked by increased equity, sustainability, and innovation, benefitting everyone.

This article was originally published on ARES White Paper Volume 3. For more information, visit AsiaRealEstateSummit.com or email [email protected].