THE Australian Property Institute is holding its 2022 National Board election. The API is urging members to cast their vote and help shape the future of the Institute.
Penny Wilson is one of the candidates seeking to be elected to the national board of the API.
- What is your interest to come on board with the Australian Property Institute?
I’m motivated to bring my experience in developing frameworks that solve industry issues including climate change and put an emphasis on valuing the abilities, differences, and diverse representation of individuals and in leadership – I believe it will require a diverse mindset to solve the diverse issues the industry and API board are addressing. In the process, I’m determined to give back and support the industry that has supported me in my career. I’m on a mission to elevate the property industry dialogue, highlighting the best practices and a culture of technical competency and cultural upskilling and cross skilling across our industry.
- What financial experience or expertise do you bring to the API?
This past week, I’ve entered the 20th year of my property journey starting my career at Westpac in Property Risk, advancing in a number of valuation roles, to KPMG and The Commonwealth Bank of Australia in Real Estate Finance, Institutional Banking & Markets, which has provided a strong foundation in the financial analysis before commencing at role in the Savills Property Consultancy Team.
- What governance experience do you bring to the API?
I am a fellow of the API and have worked on the Membership survey committee , communication and audit and committees and the ANZPJ Editorial Board over the years.
As a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors I have access to training, briefings, and events. This year, I am enrolled in the Company Directors course to deepen my understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Board and governance best practices. This is what the API board opportunity represents to me, the ability to bring the power and scale of industry collaboration underpinned by an intention to make a difference.
- What strategic planning experience do you bring to the API?
I am an advocate for embracing change and diversity and staying up to date on the emerging themes in our industry. In my experience as a Property Consultant with KPMG and Savills, and my roles in State Government I have participated in a number of strategic reviews and developed frameworks for decision making to meet the 5 and 10 years goals of the client.
- To further pursue API’s strategic direction, it would be of great benefit if prospective Directors could contribute advocacy, policy and/or digital communications experience to the Board. What is your experience in one or more of these areas?
On direct advocacy, I currently offering pro-bono advice for a Community Housing Group – an issue close to my heart. I’m exploring ways to expand on the discourse and importance of investment in the agencies that support underrepresented groups and those that may have been marginalised in basic human needs including housing. In my consultancy role at Savills, I draw on market evidence to inform policy at Local and State Government level.
- In general, what can you bring to the API and why should members elect you?
For the past five years, I’ve continually invested in experiences, education, and engaged in complex client engagements. This amounts to the ability to bring an informed voice to APi’s varied membership base to continue to elevate the profession in what has become an increasingly dynamic environment.
The top 5 skills I’d bring:
- Senior leader stakeholder management
- High creativity, lateral thinking and operational discipline
- Managing multiple programs and client issues across matrixed organisations
- Synthesising complex dialogue to accelerate strategy and inform advisory
More information on the 2020 Election can be found at https://www.api.org.au/2022-agm-hub/
