Ein Portrait starker Frauen bei Engel und Völkers

A Portrait of Powerful Women at Engel & Völkers

Today is International Women’s Day, and we are highlighting the women behind Engel & Völkers at the Berlin Mitte Market Center—individuals who innovate, inspire, create, and grow. With 56% of our team and 50% of leadership positions held by women among approximately 100 employees, we are committed to equality and lived diversity. We spoke with seven women from different areas of Engel & Völkers Berlin Residential about the past, present, and future, their personal goals, role models, leadership experiences, and their work at Engel & Völkers.

Tatjana Ehrler, CEO

What do you consider most important in leadership?

For me, it’s the individual as a person. Everyone seeks professional success, fulfillment, recognition, growth, and opportunities. I approach this without prejudice or gender-based assumptions. I’ve never understood dividing people into “female” or “male” categories. I believe that when employees are seen as individuals and their competence and the values mentioned above are recognized, they respond positively—regardless of gender. There is no single “female” or “male” leadership style; it’s all about the right mix! I’m very proud that our team reflects this balance equally.

What advice would you give someone new to the real estate industry?

In addition to learning the fundamentals of real estate, it’s crucial to continuously observe the market and consider it from multiple perspectives. Always keep in mind: background or gender doesn’t matter! Performance, professionalism, loyalty, honesty, and both social and professional competence are what make a person successful.

Geschäftsführerin Tatjana Ehrler im Interview

Elena Roth, Executive Board Member | Head of Rental Department

What do you know today that you wish you had known a few years ago?
Nothing is impossible. Age or gender are not decisive. You can achieve anything if you stay focused on your goals and refuse to be intimidated.

What has been the best mistake you’ve ever made?
Without making mistakes, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I can’t really name a “best mistake.” Every mistake is a learning experience. The important thing is not to repeat it. I’ve taken on challenges I wasn’t officially “ready” for, and each time, I grew from the experience.

Pauline Fischer, Executive Board Member | Head of Offline Marketing

What makes a day perfect for you?
Especially during the turbulent times of the pandemic, I like to take a moment to reflect on what truly makes me happy. I then try to integrate these things into my daily life as often as possible—whether it’s an intense CrossFit session, a relaxing walk, or a video call with my amazing nieces.

What goal are you currently working on?
One of my professional goals is to further expand Engel & Völkers’ local presence for our clients. Reflecting the ongoing exciting development of Berlin and its surrounding areas as a residential and business hub, we planned to open five new locations in Berlin and Brandenburg in 2021, and I’m very much looking forward to the months ahead.

Pauline Fischer Head of Offline-Marketing Berlin

Lisbeth Kirkegaard, Area Manager | West & Friedrichshain/Kreuzberg

Which female role model do you look up to?
My mother is my great hero—she has always made time for us children, remained calm no matter what happened, and is always there for those in need. She worked as a nurse in a hospice and continues to support families of the terminally ill, cares for sick individuals, volunteers at a second-hand shop, is active in the local seniors’ association, and spends a lot of time with her grandchildren.

I hope that, in my own way, I can give back to others just as much!

What goal are you currently working on?
Right now, my goal is to further develop my team and support each member in achieving their individual objectives. I am also deeply involved in preparing the opening of our new shop on Güntzelstraße in Wilmersdorf, bringing us even closer to our clients in City West.

Lisbeth Kirkegaard Area Managerin West und Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg Berlin

Bettina Faryar-Grünewald, Quality Management & Mentoring

Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a mother of two amazing, smart daughters, known as the “solo dancer” at E&V parties. I prefer urban life over rural, and the sea over the mountains.

What advice would you give someone new to the real estate industry?
Approach people with curiosity and openness, occasionally shift your perspective, question things, and above all, listen. Clients are at the center, and a strong service mindset is essential. And of course: always be well-prepared and informed—this applies to life, not just our industry.

Bettina Faryar-Grünewald Qualitätsmanagement und Mentoring Berlin

Jessica Paul, Private Office Advisor | Residential Property Sales

What advice would you give someone new to the real estate industry?
It’s always about the person you’re dealing with. Especially at the beginning, a significant investment of time is required—work hard, listen carefully, and truly strive to understand the needs of the people you’re working with.

What makes a day perfect for you?
Going for a walk in the woods with my dog, still in my pajamas, right after getting up.

Jessica Paul Private Office Advisor/ Residential Property Sales Berlin

Christina Hahn, Head of Online Marketing

What do you know now that you wish you had known a few years ago?
Approaching my 30s, I reflect, overthink, doubt, and also smile at how I’ve grown over the past years. I wouldn’t explain the world to myself differently, because everything happened as it should. So my advice: relax, set your own pace, define yourself and your life! Make mistakes, learn from them—life isn’t a checklist.

Which female role model do you look up to?
I’m inspired by so many women—those in my immediate daily life, the Grandes Dames of the role model catalog, personalities with certain traits that spark my admiration. It’s hard for me to point to just one person; I find it fascinating that I am surrounded daily by so many inspiring women.

Christina Hahn Head of Online Marketing Berlin

Inspiring personalities who stand out through authenticity, strength, and approachability, who champion diversity, enrich our everyday life at Engel & Völkers Berlin Residential, and place people and humanity at the center of what they do.

We also take this day as an opportunity to once again honor all those who have fought, continue to fight, and will fight in the future for gender equality.