In the lead up to International Women’s Day, Cushman & Wakefield is proud to reflect on the momentum building across its Logistics & Industrial (L&I) business.
Since 2024, the number of women in Cushman & Wakefield’s L&I team has tripled; a shift that speaks not only to changing perceptions of the sector, but to the strength, capability and ambition of the women stepping into it.
Through active participation in Women in Industrial (WIN) and Cushman & Wakefield’s internal Women Integrated Network (WIN), the firm has fostered a culture where mentorship, collaboration and visibility matter.
This year’s theme, “Give to Gain”, resonates strongly across our team recognising the leaders who have opened doors, and the next generation who are now shaping the future of Industrial real estate across Australia.
Tony Iuliano, International Director and Head of Logistics & Industrial – ANZ at Cushman & Wakefield, said the growth in female representation reflects the strength of the platform and the culture being built across the business.
“Our Logistics & Industrial platform is built on high performance, but equally on strong team culture. As the business continues to grow, we’re focused on ensuring talented people see Logistics & Industrial as a place where they can develop, lead and shape the future of the industry.”
As part of IWD, we sat down with four incredible women from Cushman & Wakefield’s Logistics & Industrial team to talk about the moments, mentors and mindset that have shaped their careers.
Greer McLeod – Senior Executive, Brokerage, Logistics & Industrial - South Sydney
You began your career in Alternatives before moving into the Industrial sector. What prompted that transition, and what surprised you most about stepping into L&I?
Industrial was a sector I found genuinely interesting, and I was keen to challenge myself by moving into a different asset class and working within a large, established team.
What surprised me most was not only the scale and pace of the Industrial sector, but also the diversity of businesses that operate within it. No two occupiers are the same, and one warehouse certainly doesn’t suit all business types. The depth of experience within the team and the wide variety of transactions across South Sydney made the transition both exciting and rewarding.
How did the skills you developed in Alternatives shape the way you now approach agency in the NSW Industrial market?
Coming from an Alternatives background has been beneficial. Any team benefits from people with diverse skill sets and perspectives and having exposure to Alternatives has been invaluable to my career in property. In South Sydney especially, there is often overlap between sectors - one day you might be leasing a childcare asset within an industrial precinct, and the next you could be working with a build-to-rent developer on the sale of a development site. That broader understanding allows me to think more holistically and better support clients with differing needs.
The theme this year is “Give to Gain”. Who were the mentors or leaders that supported your transition into Industrial, and what impact did that guidance have on your confidence and trajectory?
I’ve been fortunate to have strong support throughout my transition into Industrial. Several mentors played an important role, including our CEO, Noral Wild, and David Hall, Head of Brokerage, who recruited me into the team. I’ve also had great support on the ground in the South Sydney team from Tom Barnier and Nick Mallet. Their guidance, willingness to share knowledge and ongoing support really helped build my confidence and allows me to accelerate my development in the market.
What have been some of the most rewarding moments since becoming an Industrial agent in NSW?
One of the most rewarding aspects has been the clients I’ve met along the way. Moving into Industrial has really opened up my world - I’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of businesses, investors and developers, and to build strong, long-term relationships. Being exposed to new industries and deal types has broadened my perspective and made the role both dynamic and fulfilling.
For women considering a move into Industrial, particularly from another asset class – what would you say to encourage them to take the leap?
I would encourage anyone to give something different a go. Real estate offers so many different pathways and roles and moving into a new asset class can really open you up to so many different opportunities. Learning new skills and broadening your knowledge is essential for long-term growth, both professionally and personally. Stepping outside your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding and can create opportunities you may not have expected.
Vivian Nguyen, National Marketing & Strategy Manager – Logistics & Industrial, ANZ
What first drew you to a career in Logistics & Industrial, and what has shaped your journey into a national L&I marketing role?
I didn’t start out with a specific plan to work in Industrial, but I have lived and breathed real estate since the beginning of my career. Roles in residential, construction and later in development gave me exposure to the full project lifecycle and a clear understanding of how different parts of the sector operate. Industrial became a natural progression.
Working with the National Capital Markets L&I team over the last two years has strengthened my ability to translate market data and investment insights into marketing strategies that support transactions and maximise asset value. That breadth of experience, combined with a data driven approach, positioned me for a national role where I now focus on long term direction, brand consistency and aligning marketing initiatives with the priorities of the core business.
What key moments or mentors have had the greatest influence on your career progression?
I have been fortunate to work with leaders who played a meaningful role in my development at key points in my career, particularly Tony Iuliano, our Head of Logistics & Industrial and Samuel Martinez, Head of Sales & Acquisitions at Maple Living. They have challenged my thinking, supported my progression and encouraged me to step into responsibilities beyond my immediate role. Their influence helped shape how I approach leadership, decision making and how I engage and manage stakeholders at all levels.
How have you built confidence and credibility in a sector traditionally seen as male dominated?
I’ve built confidence by being visible, asking questions and learning from the people around me, even when it felt intimidating at first. I focus on understanding the business in depth, including its people, processes and priorities, and I make sure to contribute meaningfully to every discussion. Credibility comes from being prepared, consistent and demonstrating value through insight and follow through. I have always believed in letting my work speak for itself, but over time I have become more intentional about communicating the impact of what I deliver. That shift has strengthened both how I am perceived and how I operate within a sector that has traditionally been male dominated.
What skills or mindset shifts have been most critical in evolving from marketing specialist to National Marketing and Strategy Manager?
The shift from execution to prioritisation has been the biggest change. I focus less on doing everything and more on deciding what matters, where to add value and how to support the business at scale.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in Industrial or commercial real estate?
Trust yourself and be willing to step into opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Early roles that offer exposure can accelerate your understanding of the industry and build confidence quickly. You don’t need to fit a particular mold to succeed in this sector, and backing your judgement, stepping forward when opportunities arise and showing you can deliver will take you a long way.
Emma Quill – Executive, Brokerage, Logistics & Industrial - WA
What initially drew you to a career in Commercial Real Estate, and specifically into the Industrial sector in Western Australia?
I started in commercial real estate five years ago and quickly realised the Industrial sector suited my mindset. It’s practical, commercially focused and closely tied to how businesses actually operate. Moving into an agency role three years ago meant I could work directly with occupiers and investors and see the real outcomes of transactions. Being part of deals that support logistics, manufacturing and supply chains across WA makes the work incredibly engaging.
WA’s Industrial market is known for its scale and close ties to resources and logistics. How has operating in this market shaped your experience as an agent?
WA’s industrial market operates at a different scale to many other states. A lot of the activity is closely connected to resources, logistics and large distribution networks, which means the property decisions we work on have real operational impact on businesses. Working in this environment has sharpened my commercial thinking and taught me to focus on practical solutions that support how clients actually move goods, operate facilities and grow their businesses.
Under the “Give to Gain” theme, how have mentorship, collaboration or networks like Women in Industrial (WIN) influenced your professional growth?
Mentorship within our team has been incredibly valuable as I stepped into agency. Having experienced agents willing to share insight and guidance makes a huge difference early in your career. Networks like Women in Industrial (WIN) have also been motivating. Hearing other women talk about their journeys in the sector reinforces that there are many different paths to success in industrial property.
Industrial has traditionally been male dominated. What positive changes have you seen in recent years, and how has that shift impacted team culture and opportunity?
I’ve definitely seen more women entering industrial property in recent years, particularly in agency roles. At Cushman & Wakefield, there’s a strong sense of support between the women across our L&I teams nationally, which creates a positive environment to learn and grow. It’s encouraging to see more young women choosing this sector and recognising the opportunities available.
What makes a career in Industrial particularly rewarding for you, both professionally and personally?
One of the most rewarding parts of agency is helping clients achieve outcomes that genuinely move their business forward. Whether it’s securing the right facility, unlocking value in an asset or completing a complex transaction, you can see the real impact of the work. Industrial is also a relationship-driven sector, so building long-term connections across the market makes the role both professionally and personally rewarding.
Bridget Zande – Executive Assistant, Brokerage, Logistics & Industrial, QLD
As an Executive Assistant in the Queensland Industrial business, you sit at the heart of transactions. What first attracted you to Industrial Real Estate?
I was drawn to the energy and momentum of Industrial Real Estate. It’s a sector that moves quickly, demands sharp thinking and rewards teamwork. From day one, I could see how driven and competitive the Queensland team was, and I wanted to be part of that environment. Being in the centre of transactions, where every detail matters and every deal has moving parts, feels exciting. It’s fast, dynamic and you genuinely feel the impact of the work you do.
How does your role contribute to the success of the broader team, and what skills have you developed that are critical in a thriving Industrial environment?
My role is about creating structure in a high-pressure environment so the brokers can focus on performance. In Industrial, speed and precision matter. I anticipate what the team needs before they ask, whether that’s coordinating campaigns, managing competing deadlines or tightening processes behind the scenes. Over time I’ve built a strong understanding of the market and how our team operates, which allows me to contribute beyond administration. I’m proud to be part of the engine room that keeps a high-performing business moving.
The theme “Give to Gain” speaks to mentorship and shared growth. Who has supported you in your career so far, and how have those relationships helped shape your path?
Gary Hyland and Morgan Ruig have had a significant impact on my growth. They lead with high standards and trust, which pushes you to step up. They’ve encouraged me to take ownership, think commercially and contribute ideas rather than simply execute tasks. That level of trust builds confidence. It’s shown me that when you’re in the right environment, you’re not just supporting success, you’re helping shape it.
Cushman & Wakefield has seen a significant increase in women within its L&I business since 2024. From your perspective, how has that influenced team dynamics and culture?
The growth of women across the national L&I platform has shifted the energy in a really positive way. There’s a stronger sense of collaboration and shared ambition. You see women leading transactions, shaping strategy, driving marketing and running operations. It’s powerful to be part of a platform where diverse perspectives genuinely influence outcomes. It makes the business stronger and more dynamic.
What would you say to other women considering a support or operational role in Industrial about the opportunities for growth and progression?
Don’t underestimate the platform you gain in an operational role within Industrial. You’re exposed to transactions, strategy, marketing, finance and leadership every day. It’s an environment where you can build commercial awareness quickly and grow alongside a high-performing team. If you want a role where your contribution genuinely matters and you’re surrounded by driven, supportive people, Industrial is an exciting place to build a career.
To find out more about careers, leadership pathways and Cushman & Wakefield’s commitment to advancing women in property, please visit https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/australia
