What do you do and how long have you been working at Tétris?
Inês Passos: I’ve been an architect at Tétris Portugal for 10 years.
Céline Giraudier: I joined the Tétris Lyon team in February 2012 as a Project Manager in Operations. I then held the positions of Project Manager and then Project Director in the Consulting team. Since 2022, I have been a Key Account Manager in the Business Development team.
Floriana Giannatempo: I currently hold the position of Head of Delivery for the North of Italy and have been working at Tétris Italy since its birth 13 years ago.
Amandine Chizelle: I’m the Managing Director for Tetris Belgium, Luxembourg and Head of North of France
Beatriz Pérez: I’m a Senior Architect at Tétris Spain, and I’ve been designing office projects since joining the team two years ago.
Can you share your experience as a woman working in the real estate industry and how Tetris has supported your professional growth?
Céline: When I started working at Tétris in 2012, I was lucky enough to join a team where all three team leaders were women. My various managers supported me in exploring new opportunities within the business and helped me learn the new skills required to be able to move into those roles. The trust and care that I've received has enabled me to strike a good balance between my professional life and my personal life, which involves being a mum of three children.
Beatriz: Working on the creative side of the design process means surrounding yourself with self-critical, flexible, and sensitive people who are curious to adapt and evolve, constantly checking their own ideas and principles. How can we propose innovative solutions if we keep repeating patterns and behaviours from the past? Fortunately, this translates into an inclusive environment without labels or bias attached to gender.
Amandine: Having studied and worked in the real estate industry for the past 14 years, I've witnessed significant changes, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining Tétris four years ago to lead the team in the North of France has been an incredible opportunity for me. Over the years, I've been able to accelerate and grow the business in the region. As a result, Tetris has entrusted me with the role of Managing Director for Belgium and Luxembourg. Throughout my journey, I have never felt that being a woman hindered my professional growth. Tétris has consistently supported me in all of my professional projects and initiatives, offering trust, mentoring, and training.
Floriana: Over the years I’ve observed a growing recognition of the value and contributions that women bring to the table in the real estate industry. Tétris, being part of JLL, a leading global real estate services provider, has also played a role in supporting the professional growth of women in the industry. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion has translated into various initiatives, such as mentorship programs, employee resource groups, and leadership development programs. These initiatives help create a supportive environment that fosters growth and provides opportunities for women to advance their careers.
Can you highlight any particular challenges or achievements you have experienced as a woman working within the real estate industry, and how you have overcome them?
Céline: At the very start of my career at Tétris, during a presentation I was giving, a client expressed doubt in my ability to manage a site and gain the respect required from the contractors involved, probably because I was a woman. I had carried out a similar project in the same building as this client, and I knew all the technical constraints it posed. I was able to answer his questions confidently and show him that I was capable of managing a site successfully thanks to my mastery of the subject and my rigorous organisation.
Floriana: In the real estate industry, I have encountered challenges related to gender bias, unequal opportunities, and above all the balancing between family and professional life. I have overcome this challenge by adopting flexible work policies, delegating tasks, and receiving support from partner and family members. It can be difficult to navigate these barriers and establish a strong foothold in the industry. Nevertheless, I have successfully overcome these challenges and achieved significant milestones in my career.
Amandine: Working as a woman in the real estate industry does come with its challenges. For example, establishing legitimacy, especially considering that I am one of the youngest in my position at Tétris, has been a hurdle to overcome. Striking a work-life balance has also posed its own challenges, as well as dealing with outdated attitudes prevalent within the industry. However, since the start of my journey at Tétris, I’ve had the privilege of meeting numerous inspiring women leaders, who all contribute to the innovative and motivating environment offered at Tétris.
In your opinion, what unique perspectives or strengths do women bring to the real estate industry, and how have you witnessed these traits celebrated and utilised within Tetris?
Inês: The sensibility and persistence of women. The multitasking that life forces upon us enables women to execute more tasks and have better professional management.
Céline: I think that women are often skilled in getting messages across gently and diplomatically, particularly in conflict situations.
Amandine: Women bring diverse perspectives to the real estate industry. We are often resilient, possess emotional intelligence, and genuinely care about our teams. At Tétris, we have a strong representation of women in every team, including at the highest level. We recognize that diversity is not just about gender but about leveraging the best skills and talent to form the most complementary team. Moreover, having a representative and inclusive team is essential when our mission is to create an inspiring workplace for everyone, including our customers. By building a diverse team that represents a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, you are better equipped to understand and meet the needs of your diverse customer base. Inclusive teams foster empathy, innovation, and creativity, enabling you to develop products, services, and solutions that truly resonate with your customers.
What advice or guidance would you give to other women considering a career in the real estate industry?
Inês: My advice to any women in this field is to keep being determined and persistent. Our world, which was previously seen as being a man’s world, is increasingly more balanced as women have more opportunity to make an impact in this industry, and all other industries, than we did before.
Céline: Enjoy taking on challenges and be agile enough to adapt to the different types of clients you work with as well as the personalities of the colleagues you work with every day.
Floriana: Remember that your journey in the real estate industry is unique, and it may come with its ups and downs. Stay determined, trust your abilities, and remain resilient in the face of challenges. It’s also important to remember that your family and private life are as important as your professional one.
Amandine: I always encourage the next generation of women to dare and never stop dreaming. To the women in my teams, I advise them to develop their careers, grow their skills, but also prioritise their personal lives. For me, becoming a mother to my two little boys has made me stronger in my professional life. They remind me of what truly matters and provide me with the necessary perspective to make sound professional decisions. Define your goals, including where you want to be, and who you want to become. This clarity of purpose will help you determine the best path to take in your career.
Beatriz: Never stop asking questions and pay attention to how and why your most successful and experienced colleagues make decisions. Stay up to date with news as the real estate industry acts as a thermometer for your country’s financial position. Above all, commit yourself to the work that bears your name until you are proud of it. Do you have an idea? Propose it. Do you want to deliver it? Work for an international company like ours where you will have the opportunity to.
