Jena Ladhani is Country Managing Director of Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) in Saudi Arabia for global real estate advisor CBRE. She leads the continued development and execution of CBRE GWS products and oversees the delivery of facilities management solutions throughout the Kingdom.
Jena talks to Saudi Projects about her journey, challenges, and aspirations.
Emma: Can you tell us about your industry journey?
Jena: I began my career in the retail industry, surrounded by many talented women in fashion. After a decade in fashion and retail, I transitioned into the corporate world of real estate. At first, I perceived it as a step down from my leadership role in retail, as they didn’t fully acknowledge transferable skills at the time. Thus, I opted for a coordinator position in the corporate sector, starting from the bottom. This decision proved invaluable, as it provided me with a solid foundation for my career progression. I began as a coordinator in the procurement field, gradually advancing into managerial and directorial roles. Today, I lead a team for an entire country within the same corporate industry. My journey has been filled with both challenges and support, all of which have contributed to my growth and resilience. I am grateful for every experience, both positive and negative, as they have shaped me into the leader I am today.
Emma: What inspired you in a male-dominated industry?
Jena: I guess I have never really considered it a male-dominated industry. I just approached it strategically for my family. When I returned from maternity leave after having my first son and went back into the fashion industry, I quickly realized there was no room for a working mother in that field, especially considering there was no flexibility like working from home before Covid. It wasn’t the right fit for me, as I wanted to be an active parent as well.
After this realization, I had a conversation with my husband, and we agreed it was time to explore an industry that supported both family and career. So, I spent a lot of time researching the leading industries globally, and real estate stood out. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I felt empowered to pursue the corporate world. I looked into market-leading companies in real estate, and CBRE caught my attention.
I delved into understanding CBRE’s culture and what was growing within the company because if I was going to leave an industry I had been in for 10 years; I wanted to make sure it was for one I could stay in long term. That’s when I noticed data centers were a growth market for CBRE. I started networking to find my way into the company through that avenue.
What inspired me about CBRE was its constant growth and emergence; it was never stagnant. The company’s values—respect, integrity, service, and excellence—resonated deeply with me. I’m all about paradigm shifts, and CBRE felt like a place where I could truly be myself.
Through the WILD Network, women can come together, share experiences, and learn from each other. This sense of belonging is invaluable
Emma: What have been your career achievements to date?
Jena: The most significant career achievement to date for me has been the transformation of the business I currently lead. It’s been a journey focused on people—I’ve remained true to what I believe and have been coached by successful leaders. Starting with people has been paramount. When I first took on the business, my initial analysis revolved around culture and ensuring we were future-ready. What I’m proudest of is finding individuals come together in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Witnessing their achievements and the impact of their collaboration reaffirms that my leadership style, which prioritizes service, is effective. It’s a constant reminder that I’m in the right role, building a high-performing team.
Emma: What notable changes have you seen in the workplace for women?
Jena: When I first arrived, I noticed there were many areas designated for women only. My initial thoughts were, “Why is this? Are they okay with it? Do they enjoy it?” Then I opened my eyes. I realized what an amazing space these areas were for women to come together, create bonds, and support each other. I was welcomed into one of these female areas and saw the most amazing chocolate and coffee. They were enjoying themselves, working together, and coordinating effectively. This was a workplace difference I hadn’t experienced before.
However, there have also been significant changes as women realize the importance of collaboration with men. On my floor, there is no female-only section because we focus on the overall workplace experience. We find that women in our team enjoy collaborating across gender, age, background, and ethnicity. It’s becoming less about gender and more about everyone experiencing and preparing for the transformation happening right before our eyes.
Emma: What challenges do women still face in the workplace?
Jena: The same challenges every woman faces in every single workplace: being misunderstood, figuring out whom you’re speaking to—someone who understands female empowerment or someone who recognizes what women have been through, or someone who doesn’t understand at all. This necessitates code-switching. Women often need to be less impactful to avoid being labeled aggressive or hold back their opinions to avoid putting others in difficult positions or affecting their egos.
There are many dynamics at play in the workplace when it comes to influencing positively for the business or the people. While there is a growing number of allies, many still cannot advocate effectively on our behalf. This creates a significant barrier to progress, as we constantly try to convince both men and women about the benefits of having more women on the team and the positive impact on business growth. It’s an emotional roller coaster, especially in my position. I have to be very strong, and I rely on a global circle of advisors who guide, coach, and mentor me at the right times for different issues.
Women often need to be less impactful to avoid being labeled aggressive
Emma: How do you suggest companies in KSA attract and retain the best female talent?
Jena: There are quite a few factors, and I think it starts with listening to women and understanding what they want. Every woman is different, and there are additional complexities, such as whether they want to start a family, and if so, when. For those not considering motherhood, their focus might be on joining a growing company. Understanding the diverse complexities of the women you are trying to attract is crucial.
Women want to see themselves in leadership positions and believe that they can achieve these roles. It’s all about trust. My current team is a 50/50 split of females and males. I have certain females on a leadership trajectory, and I aim for a Saudi national to take my role, whether male or female. What’s important is that whoever takes my role shares the vision of creating a sustainable growth trajectory, which can only happen by nurturing the youth of Saudi Arabia.
Taking care of male talent is also crucial because fostering a family-like environment attracts females. It’s important to support both genders to create an inclusive and supportive workplace.
Emma: KSA has a high percentage of youth with 65% of the population being under 35. Do you see a different mentality in this generation?
Jena: I used to put Gen Z into a box, but I’ve come to see that there are significant differences within that 65%. It all comes down to their values, ethics, experiences, and aspirations. Many young people have traveled, studied abroad, and experienced diverse cultures. It’s essential to respect their experiences and what they want to contribute to their country, and to see how they can fit into your organization. It’s easy to stereotype Gen Z by attributing certain traits to them, especially post-Covid, but that’s not accurate. I’m learning from Gen Z how to balance my life and demand what I need from my workplace, just as they do. This approach is crucial for sustaining growth.
Emma: What has been the biggest challenge for you and how have you overcome this?
Jena: The biggest challenge for me has been maintaining my personal strength in leadership roles. Initially, my role demanded a lot of my personal time. I pushed forward and sacrificed personal priorities because I saw the company’s potential, knew it would be short term, and wanted to invest my time in building a high-performing team. Now, the challenge lies in prioritizing myself. If I don’t prioritize my well-being, the risk of burnout becomes a threat not only to me but also to the team.
To overcome this challenge, I’m focusing on prioritizing health and strategy, as these are essential for the team’s success. I also try to understand each team member’s future, values, and aspirations, which helps me invest in their growth. I’ve learned to be fully present in whatever I’m doing, whether it’s spending time with my family or at work. This approach has helped me overcome challenges and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
I’ve learned to be fully present in whatever I’m doing, whether it’s spending time with my family or at work
Emma: What advice would you give to female Saudis?
Jena: I would advise female Saudis to always prioritize four key elements: having a coach, a mentor, a sponsor, and focusing on mental strengthening. Finding these individuals may require networking and proactive outreach. Once you’ve established these relationships, schedule regular meetings and come prepared with topics for discussion. Use their advice to reinforce your position and internalize your strength. Additionally, prioritize mental strengthening. You can achieve this by practicing activities such as listening to podcasts, meditating, maintaining a healthy diet, or engaging in activities that bring you joy.
Emma: How important do you feel the WILD network is for women in the region and why?
Jena: The WILD Network, led by Emma Burdett, plays a crucial role in supporting women in the region. In a male-dominated environment, it’s easy for women to feel isolated or like they’re the only ones with certain aspirations. However, through the WILD Network, women can come together, share experiences, and learn from each other. This sense of belonging is invaluable, especially during challenging moments in the workplace. Attending WILD events can provide opportunities to find coaches, mentors, and sponsors who can further support women in their professional journeys. Ultimately, the WILD Network fosters a sense of community and empowerment, ensuring that women feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate their careers in the region.
Emma: What single piece of advice would you give to all WILD women?
Jena: For all WILD women out there, my single piece of advice would be to discover your ‘why’. Reflecting on my journey from the fashion industry to corporate real estate, I realized the importance of understanding my purpose. There are various free online questionnaires, like ‘Find My Why’, that guide you through a self-discovery process. Spending just 40 minutes answering questions about yourself can lead to a comprehensive report outlining your strengths, opportunities, and potential job roles. Finding my ‘why’ not only reaffirmed what I already knew, but also empowered me to articulate it confidently. I vividly remember sharing my ‘why’ with an interviewer at CBRE, which ultimately led to a meaningful connection and friendship.
Knowing your ‘why’ is essential because it defines who you are and what you strive to achieve. If you’re struggling to pinpoint your ‘why’, seek support from organizations like WILD and female leaders, as well as male allies. I’ve benefited greatly from the guidance of male coaches, mentors, and sponsors who genuinely want to help. Remember, women have influenced everyone in some way, and many men are eager to support women’s growth. So, take the time to find your ‘why’—it’s a journey worth embarking on.
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