International Women’s Day Q&A: Celebrating Our Recent Female Promotions

At Oyster, we believe that empowering women in the workplace isn’t just about recognition, it’s about action. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating by shining a spotlight on four of our women who have recently been promoted. As we celebrate their achievements, we also reaffirm our dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Dasha: Assistant Facilities Manager promoted to Facilities Manager

1. What support or opportunities within our business have helped you progress in your career, and what has been most valuable to you?
One of the key factors that has helped me progress in my career is the strong collaborative team environment within the company. Working alongside talented people who are open to sharing knowledge and ideas has allowed me to learn a lot since I started at Oyster. This, combined with the supportive leadership, has given me confidence in taking on new responsibilities and making decisions. Knowing that I can ask for advice and be supported in my choices has been invaluable in my journey to becoming a Facilities Manager.

2. Can you share a key moment or achievement in your career so far that has made you feel empowered and motivated?
Being promoted to Facilities Manager at Central Park was definitely a key moment for me. It reflects the trust that the leadership team places in their people. The transition came with many challenges, but the support from my colleagues made a huge difference.

3. How has our company’s culture or initiatives helped you navigate challenges and grow professionally?
One thing I appreciate most about working at Oyster is the strong collaborative culture and the opportunity to get involved in projects related to fields I am passionate about.

4. What skills or experiences have been most impactful in your development, and how has the business supported you in building them?
I love that Oyster provides opportunities to explore projects outside of my core responsibilities. Working on initiatives that match my interests has helped me develop new skills and made my work feel even more meaningful.

5. What advice would you give to other women looking to develop their careers within our industry, based on your own journey?
Curiosity and continuous learning are my go-to. If possible, seek mentorship from someone in the industry. Property and Facilities Management have many opportunities for women to thrive, and Oyster has fantastic examples of this!

Gabby: Accounts Assistant promoted to Assistant Accountant, then Property Accountant, then Senior Property Accountant, now Finance Manager

1. What support or opportunities within our business have helped you progress in your career, and what has been most valuable to you?
Having managers who believe in my abilities and trust me with important projects has been incredibly empowering. Their support has given me the confidence to take on challenges I might not have considered otherwise. Being trusted with responsibility, even in high-pressure situations, pushed me to step up and gain confidence in my abilities.

2. Can you share a key moment or achievement in your career so far that has made you feel empowered and motivated?
Not a single moment, but all the moments of discomfort and challenge where I experienced the most growth. Those times pushed me beyond my limits, built my confidence, and proved to me what I was truly capable of.

3. How has our company’s culture or initiatives helped you navigate challenges and grow professionally?
The various initiatives at Oyster have allowed me to connect with colleagues across different teams. Building strong relationships across the business has been invaluable in navigating challenges, gaining new perspectives, and growing professionally.

4. What skills or experiences have been most impactful in your development, and how has the business supported you in building them?
Confidence has been one of the most impactful areas of my development. As someone naturally shy, Oyster encouraged me to collaborate with different departments, present to senior management, and engage with non-financial teams. These experiences helped me step outside my comfort zone and grow.

5. What advice would you give to other women looking to develop their careers within our industry, based on your own journey?
Believe in yourself, advocate for yourself, and say yes to opportunities when they come your way.

Brooke Watts: Property Administrator promoted to Property Manager

1. What support or opportunities within our business have helped you progress in your career, and what has been most valuable to you?
The combination of professional development courses, mentorship, and working closely with industry experts has been instrumental in my career growth. Learning from experienced professionals has provided invaluable insights, and the company’s commitment to ongoing learning has helped me expand my knowledge and skill set.

2. Can you share a key moment or achievement in your career so far that has made you feel empowered and motivated?
Transitioning from a business support role to a Commercial Property Manager was a defining moment in my career. It reinforced my confidence in my abilities and demonstrated that hard work and dedication lead to new opportunities. Taking on this new role has been both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to grow professionally.

3. How has our company’s culture or initiatives helped you navigate challenges and grow professionally?
The “One Team” culture at Oyster has played a significant role in my professional growth. It has allowed me to build strong relationships across departments, gain exposure to different aspects of the business, and collaborate with colleagues who have supported my learning journey. This culture of teamwork has been essential in helping me navigate challenges and develop a well-rounded understanding of property management.

4. What skills or experiences have been most impactful in your development, and how has the business supported you in building them?
Completing a Property Management course combined with the hands-on experience were stepping stones in career. Additionally, the opportunity to shadow experienced team members has provided valuable hands-on experience. Having access to practical learning opportunities has been key in helping me gain confidence in my new role.

5. What advice would you give to other women looking to develop their careers within our industry, based on your own journey?
Find a company that genuinely invests in its people. When you work in an environment that values growth and development, doors will open for you. Stay proactive, seek out opportunities to learn, and trust in your ability to succeed.

Danielle Tran: Leasing Administrator promoted to Property Manager, then to Asset Manager (Secondment)

1. What support or opportunities within our business have helped you progress in your career, and what has been most valuable to you?
Oyster has been very supportive of my growth. Since joining over eight years ago, I have changed roles twice. The support from senior management, along with their openness to share knowledge and encouragement, has allowed me to take up new opportunities.

2. Can you share a key moment or achievement in your career so far that has made you feel empowered and motivated?
Moving to Central Park as a Property Manager after being in a part-time support role for years. This opportunity expanded my knowledge, and the business took a chance on me. Having a supportive manager enabled me to take full ownership of managing a large portfolio.

3. How has our company’s culture or initiatives helped you navigate challenges and grow professionally?
Oyster’s diverse culture, with a high proportion of women in leadership, has shown me what is possible. Being surrounded by smart, successful women in a supportive environment has been incredibly inspiring.

4. What skills or experiences have been most impactful in your development, and how has the business supported you in building them?
I enjoy the leasing component of property management—engaging with tenants and agencies to find solutions for vacancies and retain tenants. Oyster has given me hands-on experience in this, allowing me to develop expertise in leasing.

5. What advice would you give to other women looking to develop their careers within our industry, based on your own journey?
Don’t be put off or intimidated by the unknown. Keep an open mind, be prepared to put in the work to grow your knowledge and skills, and say yes to opportunities.