Humans of Property Management: A Journey from Passion to Success in Real Estate Management

Every career path begins with a single step. For Duong Thao Uyen, Senior Property Manager of Property Management at Savills HCMC, those early steps were guided by persistence and meaningful experiences. What once seemed like simple, routine tasks ultimately laid a strong foundation that empowered her to overcome challenges and grow into a leadership role. 

Her story is a reminder that success does not come from luck, but from dedication, motivation, and confidence in one’s professional goals. Her pathway serves as an inspiration to the younger generation who are making efforts to build their careers in Property Management. 

From First Steps to Solid Foundations 

Uyen’s career began in Hospitality and Tourism where she refined her customer service skills, discipline, and professionalism. This experience helped her adapt quickly as she moved into the commercial office environment. At the time, she worked as a receptionist and began learning about building management processes.  

These early experiences provided her with a clear picture of how a building operates, and the importance of a cohesive management team to create a safe, professional and engaging environment. 

As she grew more ambitious to develop her management skills, she moved to the residential sector as an operations manager. This role came with more responsibility, including coordinating daily operations, managing a diverse resident community, and balancing stakeholder interests.  This phase firmly grounded her in staff development and risk management, two essential foundations for leadership. 

In 2019, she joined Savills, and her solid base of knowledge accelerated her growth. Each career milestone led her to the position of Senior Manager. In this position, she flourishes as an inspirational leader to her team, and consistently raising service standards for both clients and colleagues. 

Choosing the Right Place to Grow 

Uyen’s early career provided valuable knowledge and experience, but it is at Savills that she is understanding her full potential. What impresses her the most is the people-first culture; a workplace where every individual is respected, encouraged to learn, to share, and to take on new challenges. This supportive environment has helped her strengthen her leadership mindset, grow professionally, and build a sustainable long-term career. 

For Uyen, Savills is more than just a workplace. It is a place where individuals can develop their strengths and find real meaning in their work. This sense of purpose drives her ongoing commitment to both colleagues and clients in the dynamic and fast-evolving field of Property Management. 

She shares, “The strength of Savills comes from its large and experienced team, covering many areas such as operations, engineering, accounting, customer service, risk management, and safety. These teams do not work separately but cohesively. I always receive strong professional support, and our clients also enjoy consistent  services.” 

Staying True to Professional Principles 

As a Senior Property Manager, Uyen believes her  most important task is to motivate the team on shared goals. Each member brings unique strengths, but only when they work in sync can team results be achieved. For her, a manager is not only a decision-maker but also a supporter and motivator, giving the team confidence to perform well. 

In such a high-pressure industry, she chooses to view challenges as opportunities and maintain open dialogue. “When you stay positive, your team will feel it and follow.” 

Uyen upholds three non-negotiable principles:  compliance, safety, and law. She encourages her team to find creative solutions per project, which when then get developed into project-specific processes, that adhere to general standards. This way, the team can be creative but also  consistent. 

Useful Advice for Young Professionals 

“The most important thing for young people entering the field of Property Management is passion. When I was starting out, passion motivated my perseverance through challenges and uncertainty. 

Next, it’s important to note this is closely tied to  customer service. If you truly enjoy solving problems and delivering great experiences, you'll find joy in every task, no matter how small. 

"When it comes to learning, I encourage young professionals to observe, gain hands-on experience, and always maintain a humble, open mindset. With passion, the right attitude, and a genuine interest in customer service, you’ll soon find your path and build a lasting career.”

We thank Uyen for sharing her valuable experience. Stay tuned for the next feature in Humans of Property Management.

About Humans of Property Management 

Humans of Property Management is a content series by Savills that shines a light on the people behind the scenes of property management. From technicians and operations staff to accountants, customer service teams, and strategic advisors. 

Through in-depth conversations, the series offers a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at the world of property and facilities management. This field demands broad expertise, adaptability, and a deep commitment to service. It also serves as a platform to share knowledge and inspire the growing community of professionals dedicated to this dynamic and essential industry. 

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