Real estate sales are notoriously high-pressure. Meeting sales targets is often the top priority, and following scripts is common practice. But at PropertyGuru we believe that diverse backgrounds and authentic passion are better drivers of success. Few people exemplify this difference better than Thailand’s Senior Account Manager, Aung Khaohom.

From Stage to Sales: An Unconventional Journey

“After graduating in performing arts and communication, I was working in the entertainment industry” Aung recalls. “But when I started working behind the scenes, I found that the job couldn’t fulfil my income needs.” This realisation led Aung to pivot into sales, ultimately finding her way to us.

Aung’s unconventional path has been a significant asset. “Graduating in performing arts and communication, these courses were directly related to public speaking, so, I feel very confident when meeting new people,” Aung explains. It is this confidence and ability to connect with others which is invaluable in her role.

Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage

In a domain often characterised by high-pressure tactics and rehearsed pitches, Aung’s approach sets her apart. “Customers have different characters and needs, so I always prioritise building relationships with them,” she shares. “It takes time and dedication.”

But that extra investment in time and effort pays dividends. Aung has been our top salesperson for two consecutive years, demonstrating the effectiveness of her approach. For Aung, the role is about more than closing deals. “We’re not just presenting products but acting as consultants for our clients, walking through challenges with them,” Aung explains.

Nurturing Talent Through Flexibility and Support

Our goal at PropertyGuru is to create an environment where talented people like Aung can thrive long-term. “My colleagues are incredibly supportive, and we all contribute to improving our products,” Aung shares. “I enjoy working surrounded by likeminded people, making work fun and fulfilling.”

We’ve found that a supportive culture, combined with opportunities for growth, is the key to retaining top talent like Aung, who describes her growth as both vertical and horizontal. “The vertical leadership is about personal growth within the organisation, while horizontal leadership involves learning new things each year.”

Driving Purpose through Innovation

As a purpose-led organisation, we believe that the role should always contribute to something bigger—a perspective shared by Aung. “I feel very proud because I want our world to keep moving forward every day. Being a part of this, even if it’s a small part, I feel that our company’s vision aligns with the future we want to create. We can help push and drive this vision forward.”

The alignment of personal outlook and company values is something we strive to foster across our organisation.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sales in PropTech

As we continue to evolve, Aung’s journey offers valuable insights for the broader PropTech industry. By encouraging authenticity, fostering a supportive environment, and providing opportunities for multidimensional growth, the company is creating a blueprint for success in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven market.

Aung’s advice for aspiring PropTech professionals perfectly encapsulates our philosophy: “First, we must love what we do, I believe that if you love something, you’ll dedicate yourself to it. You need to have a passion for your work and the spirit of a fighter.”

As our industry continues to grow and evolve, we at PropertyGuru believe that companies who can strike a mutually beneficial balance between technological innovation and human authenticity will lead the way, long-term.

Empowering employees like Aung to use their background and craft their own authentic approaches to sales and career development are the best way to cultivate happy, high-performing, loyal teams capable of thriving in the dynamic world of real estate technology.