WCS People Profile & Nrep’s Anu Hulkkonen: Navigating Leadership in Real Estate

Meet Anu, 33, a dynamic Portfolio Manager at Nrep , whose journey exemplifies the essence of courage and good leadership skills in the business world. Anu's story is not just about her professional accomplishments but it’s also a narrative of the insightful lessons she's gathered as a woman and a leader in the real estate investment sector. Her experiences offer a source of inspiration for those considering careers in real estate, showcasing the potential and opportunities within this field.

Career Choices and Beginnings

Anu’s journey began in Turku, the place where she was born and raised. When the time came to choose where to apply for university, she faced a rather difficult decision. Encouraged by her student counselor, she chose a field that was less known among her peers.

“My initial thought was to apply to the Turku School of Economics like many other people that I knew did. I was interested in both mathematics and economics. My supportive student counselor suggested that I would apply to Real Estate Economics. Following this advice, I applied and got in. This is a decision I have not regretted”, Anu says.

“Moving away from a city where everyone knows each other, felt refreshing.”

This decision marked a significant step out of her comfort zone. 

“Moving away from a city where everyone knows each other, felt refreshing. It was a good idea to move away.”

Anu holds dear memories from her time at Aalto University, particularly the close connections formed within the Real Estate Economics major. She describes the major as a close-knit community.

“We were a small group, about 50 or 60 students. This created a tight-knit network, which was quite special. Many of my classmates became my colleagues and professional counterparts, enriching the experience with their diverse backgrounds.”

Climbing the Ladder: Journey to Leadership

Already during her university studies, Anu began her professional journey in the real estate investment sector, joining a consulting firm. Upon graduating in 2014, she continued to expand her expertise by working with various companies in the industry. Early in her career, she recalls drawing inspiration from a former boss, a woman who influenced her professional outlook.

“I was working at a German real estate company in a very small team, which I found highly educational. In that role, I had a female boss who was very inspirational, who trusted me with significant responsibilities. I consider her my mentor.” 

As Anu advanced in her career, she made a significant move five years ago by joining her current company, Nrep.

“I remember at that time, Nrep was known as a company that wanted to do things a little bit differently in the real estate industry, and that interested me.”

Currently, Anu holds the position of Portfolio Manager, a role in which she carries a significant amount of responsibility.

"When our transaction team closes a new deal, I’m taking the responsibility of managing the investments throughout the holding period until the investment is exited. I am accountable for overseeing the entire portfolio of our team."

Now, she is the leader of her own team of asset managers. In discussing the essential qualities of someone in her position, she highlights the following:

“Project management skills are crucial in my role. Given that my projects typically involve numerous people, I need to ensure that everyone is clear about their specific roles, objectives, and deadlines. Additionally, strong leadership skills are a key component of successfully managing these projects."

“Understanding how to maximize the potential of people by leveraging their strengths is a critical aspect of effective leadership.”

When further discussing what are strong leadership skills, Anu emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the diverse capabilities of employees.

"Identifying and appreciating that each individual possesses a unique blend of skills, strengths, and weaknesses is something I've been focusing on developing. Understanding how to maximize the potential of people by leveraging their strengths is a critical aspect of effective leadership."

Anu also points out that a proficient leader tries to find a balance between trusting their team to work independently and being readily available to provide support when it's necessary.

Anu’s all-time favorite hobby is tennis. She has been playing it almost all her life, since she was only 8 years old.

“I need to have full trust in my team and their ability to deliver. My primary focus is on grasping the bigger picture. However, sometimes there’s a fine line between micromanaging and taking responsibility. If issues arise, I want them to know that I’m always there to support. It's crucial not to neglect the team, yet knowing when to step in can be challenging.”

Anu's insights into leadership reveal her deep commitment to her role. When asked what her greatest career achievement has been so far, her response is both concise and reflective:

“I’d say it’s the leadership role.” 

Career Wisdom for Young Professionals

With almost 15 years of experience in real estate, Anu offers insightful advice for individuals embarking on their career paths. Her guidance is especially beneficial for those who struggle with the pressure to achieve every task perfectly, a challenge commonly faced by young women in the professional world.

"In your studies, you often become accustomed to the idea that your final grade is solely dependent on your own efforts. However, in the workplace, it's not just about what you do – there are numerous other people and factors involved, and it's impossible to influence everything. The work environment isn't perfect, and that’s been a key lesson for me: learning to choose your battles wisely because you can't control everything."

Anu points out that young professionals tend to fear making mistakes and often blame themselves for them. However, she believes this mindset isn't necessary and should be reconsidered.

“As a young professional, you need to consider that you’re not fully responsible for everything; if something goes wrong, your manager is also partly responsible for that.” 

For those aspiring to build a career in the real estate investment industry, Anu offers a few additional pieces of advice.

"Taking a course related to the industry can be really helpful. It's good to have a basic understanding of the field. There are numerous career opportunities for students and young professionals in real estate. In addition to seeking internships, think about applying for part-time jobs or internship within the industry – there are quite many of those in our field.”

Finally, for students currently navigating their academic journey, Anu offers an important perspective that is not frequently emphasized in today's fast-paced environment:

 "Many students experience intense pressure to complete their studies within the five-year timeframe. However, it's important to value the flexibility that student life offers – the opportunity to explore various industries and discover where you truly want to work, without the need to hurry. My advice would be not to rush through your studies."