Overcoming cross-cultural challenges in male-dominated sectors

Yolanda Kerr is TDC Global’s Head of Growth. Originally a criminal defence lawyer working in one of the busiest courts in Europe, Yolanda’s passion is in being part of bringing more equality and equity to minority groups across the globe.

Yolanda’s passion for fairness and equity led her to TDC Global as she resonated with TDC Global’s purpose is to drive change within organisations to help elevate more women and diverse talent.

Yolanda believes that at the core of every organisation is its people, and investing in those people and the systems surrounding them brings the best out in them which in turn accelerates an organisations ability to achieve its strategic objectives. Yolanda’s strength in blending her analytical thinking with the human element of work drives her passion and commitment to seeing results for both the individuals involved and the organisation as a whole. Yolanda is a sought-after panellist, speaker and SME in the DEI space.

Snow Hnin is Director and Head of Strategy and Execution, Global Subsidiary Banking for MUFG Bank. Based in Singapore, she is responsible for formulating business strategies covering client portfolios across 50-market and translating such strategies into projects, and deliverables in strengthening the Bank’s Network. She joined MUFG in 2017 as Country Advisor to promote MUFG network by providing country insights, and financial/tax related advisory services to Corporate Clients. She has moved onto Global Corporate Planning Division APAC in 2019 mainly to roll out Client Optimization Strategies. She has been with GSB since 2022. Prior to that, she started her career in Corporate Finance of Shipping Industry in 2008. Ms Hnin was born and brought up in Myanmar and moved to Singapore in 2005. She graduated from Oxford Brookes University, UK majored in Accounting and was a former member of Chartered Accountant Singapore and ACCA, UK.

Topics of Expertise: women in finance, motivating young women leaders who manage both household and external engagements.

She was born and raised in Burma and later migrated to Singapore for higher education, facing numerous challenges as a teenager. After graduating during the subprime crisis, she struggled to ind a job in banking and faced signiicant discrimination in securing an ofice position. At various workplaces, she also encountered favoritism based on gender and race. Despite these obstacles, through persistence and dedication, she is now the Head of the Strategy and Execution Team for Global Subsidiary Banking. Even though she works for a Japanese bank, she successfully built a global team (the equivalent of a headquarters function) outside of Tokyo. On a personal note, she is the proud mother of two beautiful boys who are growing up well. She believes that achieving success in both personal and professional aspects is possible, as long as there is enough passion and dedication.

Language capability: English and Burmese.

Anne-Maree is a senior banking and real estate executive with over 20 years’ experience across all major real estate sectors. She is a Director in Real Estate, Coverage, Oceania at MUFG, managing and growing the institutional portfolio and clients. Prior to joining MUFG, Anne-Maree spent 14 years at Commonwealth Bank, Institutional Real Estate team. As a Certified Practising Valuer (CPV), Anne-Maree has strong foundations in the composition of the Australian real estate market, with an established track record in institutional finance.

Following six years as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Australian Property Institute (API), Anne-Maree’s strong governance and strategic skills complement her effective leadership. As the first female to be elected to the API Board, Anne-Maree is passionate about real estate and giving back to the industry. In 2022, Anne-Maree proudly created the API “Advancing Women in Property” scholarship. With Anne-Maree’s contribution, the scholarship has, to date, supported two females to progress their study at university.

Anne-Maree is a Graduate of the Australian Institute Company Directors (GAICD) and is an Associate member of the API. Anne-Maree also holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Property Economics).

Speaking experience

Previously a Non-Executive Director on the Australian Property Institute -as a result, she has experience presenting at events and forums on the Board’s strategy and moderating sessions.

Topics of Expertise: Career journey to date, Women in Real Estate Finance and Real Estate Oceania.

Her 20+ year career has been dominated by male-dominated industries (real estate and finance). However, as she reflects on her career, many of her supporters were the ones who encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and try something different. This included her nomination and appointment to the Australian Property Institute Board, where she became the first female elected as a Non-Executive Director, serving on the Board for 6 years (stepping away in 2023). She would highlight that our biggest advocates are often the ones sitting near you, who will encourage you and push you out of your comfort zone. Additionally, she emphasizes not underestimating the strength of your network keeping a broad network and leveraging it throughout your career.