CEO Insights Magazine

Customer satisfaction is a tough concept to define since it varies greatly from customer to customer. The complexity increases when talking about real estate since there are so many variables that contribute to a client's overall contentment. In every instance of customer satisfaction, there is a client whose happiness may be attributed to the fact that his or her expectations have been fulfilled or exceeded. The Managing Director of C.I.M Property Consultants, Karlo Pobre, shares these values and practices since he puts a premium on the importance of teamwork towards the satisfaction of his clientele.

Karlo has worked in the real estate industry for over 15 years and has moved extensively around the area, visiting and working with offices of Colliers in places like the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. For C.I.M Property Consultants, Karlo is in charge of the Myanmar branch as Managing Director, where he is expected to bring in new customers and develop the firm by deepening client relationships.

Below is an excerpt of Karlo Pobre’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights ASIA magazine.

As a new-age leader, what is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

When Myanmar opened to the rest of the world more than a decade ago, there was a whirlwind of investments, and I got the impression that having an international consultant there would be of great use. Those interactions with customers, both domestic and international, and the fulfilment I and my team get from serving as trusted advisors are what keep me going daily.

In addition, we see our work as an investment in the people we employ and the customers we serve. What motivates us to create something worth while is, I believe, the depth of the connection we've established with the people who matter to us most: the local people who live in our community, the leaders who hold us accountable, the colleagues who work hard with us, the experts we collaborate with, and of course, the customers who become our industry partners. It would have been extremely satisfying for me to help them realize their ideal selves concerning the work we do together, their chosen pursuits, and the communities they want to create.

How has your path to success and what is your success mantra?

I call it the DND - Dedication and Discipline. Dedication, in my opinion, is the first step. If you're at the point where you need to decide how much time and effort, you're willing to put into a certain endeavour, then now is the time to do it. If you want to succeed in anything, you have to commit to it and make it your vision. You have to stick with it whether the going gets tough, whether you fail or succeed, and whether you face adversity or opportunity. Dedication is essential, as is the ability to fully  commit to a goal. That's exactly what we're up to here. Despite the many difficulties the nation is now through. In modern-day Myanmar, our priority has always been to meet the needs of our customers and the members of our business community. Discipline is the next one; we never stop thinking big thoughts, holding meetings, and consulting with our stakeholders on how to best accomplish our project goals. Everything we do, especially our major ideas, will be impeccable. Thus, discipline is essential, and it's crucial to apply the relevant supervision in the right situations in every single project, to have the right metrics in place, and to have the ideal people holding themselves responsible.

How would you describe C.I.M Property Consultants and its market position?

We are the only international real estate consulting firm operating in Myanmar. For me, the most important thing is the impact we can have by serving others. I'm stating the obvious: we want to help our customers achieve their goals for whatever development projects they're working on and help them reach their desired reality. In addition, they will be relieved since it will have a multiplier effect and bring about the monetary gains they anticipate. When our customers are satisfied, we're happy and we are eager to help them further. Essentially, the rest of the community we live with will benefit from a higher quality service or product as a result. That's why it's crucial to employ the correct product, whether you’re constructing a condo/office/hotel complex or any other kind of mixed-use development with high growth potential. Making ensuring this product has a wider positive impact on the community is a bonus.

Could you describe your leadership style and how you manage your team?

Invest in your personnel. When your team, people, and colleagues regard you as genuine, they will grow professionally. You must both invest in one another and have a clear knowledge of your objectives. Before you attain these goals, make sure they're involved in the firm  from planning to execution, and walk them through making the firm’s vision a realization. Whether they're performing administrative work, sales, or writing reports, bring them all in the process and celebrate wins all the time both small and big alike.

Karlo Pobre, Managing Director, C. I. M Property Consulta

Karlo Pobre, a prominent figure in the real estate market, has built more than 15 years of career experience. This is his first step in the Philippine industry and now towards regional assignments in Southeast Asia. Karlo is currently based between Myanmar and Thailand, notably with Colliers International.