Building from the ground up: A leadership journey in #GiveToGain

“Talent is abundant, but leadership often requires structure, encouragement, and clear opportunities to grow.” – Doris Ong is Deputy CEO of ERA Singapore, Chairperson of ERA EmpowHER and Chairperson of ERA ESG

In Singapore, homeownership is more than a transaction. It is a significant life milestone. To better understand real estate as an industry that directly impacts lives, I joined ERA’s management trainee programme after graduating from the National University of Singapore’s real estate course.

The programme immersed me in every aspect of the real estate agency business. I rotated across departments, observed negotiations, engaged in project discussions and worked alongside salespersons. As a newcomer, I chose to start from the ground up to gain hands-on experience, understand market realities and learn how real value is created.

That early exposure proved invaluable. Spending time on the ground helped me understand buyer behaviour, sales dynamics and the challenges agents face. It reflected a #GiveToGain mindset; learning first before stepping up to lead.

With that foundation, I took on greater responsibilities at ERA, spearheading our project marketing business. I went on to head the team responsible for forging strategic partnerships with property developers and driving project marketing and new business opportunities in Singapore. To date, ERA’s project marketing team has sold over 60,000 new homes across more than 450 projects and oversees a multi-billion-dollar portfolio.

As I progressed further, I made it a point to mentor younger agents and leaders, sharing strategies and lessons from difficult cycles and setbacks. I realised that leadership is not about personal success, but about multiplication. When you groom others, you strengthen the entire organisation.

This belief in multiplying impact extends beyond leadership development and shapes how I approach community engagement.

Since becoming the Chairperson of ERA’s Management Sustainability Committee in February 2023, I have worked closely with the team to champion various charitable causes while collaborating with organisations to promote environmental awareness, sustainable practices and community giving.

For me, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) is about recognising that organisations can improve lives beyond the workplace. When we invest our time and resources thoughtfully, we can create meaningful change for communities.

Over the years, we have worked closely with many government agencies, grassroots groups and charitable organisations to support different community needs. One example is our partnership with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)-affiliated Singapore Industrial and Services Employees’ Union (SISEU), which has strengthened support for ERA agents and employees. This includes professional learning opportunities, discounted healthcare services, family-related benefits and subsidised training in leadership and digital marketing.

On the environmental front, we support our sustainability pledge by encouraging energy-efficient practices such as setting office air-conditioning to 25^oC and adopting a business-casual dress code, helping reduce energy use and promote a more sustainable workplace.

Beyond the workplace, our community partnerships allow us to support families locally. Through initiatives such as the North West Community Development Council (NWCDC) Service Weeks and the Gift-A-Family programme, underprivileged households receive essential support, while children gain access to tuition and skills development. These efforts go beyond short-term aid; they help families build stability and create opportunities for the future.

We have also supported families through initiatives like Project Sunshine 2025, where ERA worked with grassroots leaders in Punggol West to support over 100 children and families, helping fulfil children’s year-end wishes and bringing encouragement during the festive season.

Another meaningful initiative was the SADeaf-ERA Walk with a Difference in 2025. The event brought together over 1,500 participants from the hearing and deaf communities in support of inclusion, while helping SADeaf expand programmes benefitting nearly 6,000 deaf, deafblind and hard-of-hearing individuals, including early intervention for children and hearing support for seniors.

Experiences like these have reinforced a belief I hold strongly: when people are given the right support systems, they can thrive and uplift others.

That belief eventually led to the launch of ERA EmpowHER on 5 March 2026.

EmpowHER is deeply personal to me. Over the years, I have seen how organisations become stronger when women are given the confidence, platforms and support systems to lead. Talent is abundant, but leadership often requires structure, encouragement, and clear opportunities to grow.

Throughout my career, I observed many capable women across ERA delivering strong results, building teams and running thriving businesses. Yet, some hesitated to step into broader leadership roles. Often, what makes the difference is not ability, but access and confidence.

Having benefited from early mentors and opportunities myself, I felt a responsibility to formalise that support system.

EmpowHER was created as a dedicated leadership council to nurture and elevate women within ERA. With women today making up nearly half of ERA’s Trusted Advisers, the aim is not exclusivity, but influence, ensuring more women are equipped, visible and ready to lead.

The council comprises leaders who lead successful teams and have demonstrated strong track records. Having attained Millionaire or Rising Millionaire status, they are also committed to mentoring others and giving back.

EmpowHER is anchored on three pillars: Mentorship, Community, and ESG.

Mentorship provides structured guidance so women can learn from experienced leaders and build confidence in their own leadership journeys. Community fosters meaningful connections, collaboration and shared growth. ESG grounds leadership in purpose beyond transactions, encouraging members to create broader impact.

Together, they form a holistic ecosystem that supports women professionally, personally, and socially.

For many women balancing work and family, leadership must align with personal realities. Flexible work arrangements and structured mentorship help provide the support and confidence needed to progress.

This is how I see #GiveToGain in practice – creating conditions where more women can step forward, lead effectively and remain in the industry for the long term.

At ERA, people have always been at the core of our business. As we mark our 45 years next year, that legacy of leadership, trust and service excellence reminds us that sustained success is always collective.

Looking back at my journey, from a real estate undergraduate to Deputy CEO and Chairperson of EmpowHER, one principle has remained constant: growth is most meaningful when it is shared.

That, to me, is the true meaning of #GiveToGain.

About the Author: Doris Ong is Deputy CEO of ERA Singapore, Chairperson of ERA EmpowHER and Chairperson of ERA ESG.