Tell us a bit about yourself…
I am an Associate Director at RDT Pacific, working in Project Management and Capital Intelligence (Property Asset Advisory). I have a passion for diversity and inclusion, particularly in relation to anything Kaupapa Māori.
Which women inspire you the most?
I think it’s unfair to put people on pedestals, but I am inspired by a host of strengths in women I’m fortunate enough to associate with. Whether they have excelled in their career and position or have decisively followed their hearts and prioritised family. I am particularly inspired by women who bring their authentic selves to their roles. Sometimes, I think we wear a façade and try to be what we think or observe to be the norm in our roles and the way we go about them. I think as women we can bring a unique perspective and approach, particularly to leadership and governance. I love seeing powerful wāhine toa own that!
Miko Brouwer
Associate Director – Hamilton Manager
RDT Pacific
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #AccelerateAction—what does this look like to you?
To me it means “lifting where you stand”. Making concerted, decisive steps to improve gender equality in whatever realm of influence you operate. It’s a change movement that all can and should be a part of.
What do you think is the key to building a workplace where women thrive?
Recognising the value and unique perspective that women add to a workforce and taking steps to remove the barriers and biases that have historically disadvantaged us in relation to professional development. As employers, we’re missing out on a huge and uniquely qualified resource pool when we adhere to unoriginal and outdated workforce biases and systems.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
You can achieve great things. Believe in yourself and be uniquely you. When there doesn’t appear to be a pathway, or the ones presented aren’t appealing, don’t be afraid to forge your own. Hard work, authenticity, pragmatism will get you far.
We all belong in property
There is no denying that a diverse industry is a more adaptive industry.
Property Council’s D&I initiatives are proudly driven by our Diversity & Inclusion Committee, a group of 16 property leaders gathered to lead initiatives that bring the industry together and move us forward.