Building Change: Belinda Li on Innovation, Inclusion, and Women's Leadership in China's Real Estate Industry

Your platform on WeChat is transforming real estate education in China. How do you see digital innovation accelerating access to knowledge and opportunities for women in the industry?

Digital innovation has significantly broadened the channels through which people can access information, especially with the emergence of AI models like Deepseek and ChatGPT. These advancements have greatly reduced the information gap between individuals and events, almost like giving each person an external brain that has absorbed human knowledge and civilisation. This allows us to access vast amounts of information at any time, and these tools can even teach us how to effectively utilise this knowledge. They enable us to engage in conversations, explore solutions to problems, and dramatically increase efficiency.

The rise of various social media apps, such as TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), has provided new platforms for self-expression. Whether it's sharing personal experiences, hobbies, or professional skills, these apps give us the opportunity to voice our opinions and thoughts. Many people have found new pathways for personal fulfilment and career growth while managing their social media accounts, which is highly meaningful.

Looking back on your journey, how have you grown personally and professionally through building your platform? What advice would you give to other women looking to drive change in traditionally male-dominated industries?

Writing has been a powerful way to organise my thoughts and strengthen my understanding of my industry. Through reading news, research reports, and project details—then expressing these ideas in my own words—I have absorbed a vast amount of information and built a solid foundation of knowledge. This process has helped me think more critically, communicate more effectively, and gain deeper insights into the projects I work on. In turn, this has strengthened my confidence and credibility, allowing me to navigate challenges and contribute meaningfully in a traditionally male-dominated space.

Women entrepreneurs in China face unique challenges when launching and scaling businesses. What has been your experience as a female founder, and what changes would you like to see to support more women in real estate?

Entrepreneurship comes with challenges for everyone, regardless of gender, as success is often shaped by individual circumstances and both internal and external factors. When I launched this platform, many were skeptical due to its niche focus within the real estate sector. However, the strong support from my family, boss, and colleagues gave me the confidence to persevere. After three years of dedication and steady growth, I began to gain greater recognition.

Fortunately, my current work environment is highly supportive of women. The company provides career development courses tailored for women, hosts events focused on women’s well-being, and invites accomplished female employees to share their experiences. These initiatives could serve as valuable models for other companies and industries looking to foster a more inclusive and empowering workplace.

China’s real estate landscape is constantly evolving. How do you see the role of women in the industry changing in the next five years, and what actions can accelerate their leadership and influence?

I work in an environment that is very supportive of women, and we can already see more and more women taking on management roles or key positions in various companies and institutions. This is a clear recognition of their outstanding performance and capabilities. In the next five years, I expect to see even greater gender diversity in leadership roles across the industry. To accelerate women's leadership and influence, it is crucial to create more mentorship opportunities, promote equal access to resources, and ensure that women’s contributions are recognised and valued at every level.

What’s one barrier you think still holds women back, and how can we accelerate action to break it?

One significant barrier is the fear of speaking up. This isn’t just a challenge for women—it can affect anyone who feels hesitant to voice their opinions in certain situations. While it’s important to think things through, it’s just as crucial to be brave enough to express your own thoughts. Creating supportive environments where diverse perspectives are encouraged can help break this barrier and empower more people to speak up.

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