Kristina Van Hombeeck - She is strong

"I DEFINE A STRONG WOMAN AS SOMEONE WHO, AS SHE ASCENDS IN HER CAREER, EXTENDS HER HAND TO UPLIFT AND EMPOWER OTHER WOMEN ALONG THE WAY."

Kristina Van Hombeeck was raised in Burnaby with an amalgamation of Italian and Belgian roots. She is always surrounded by her boisterous family where love always fills the room. She has been happily married to the love of her life, who hails from Argentina, and together, they cherish their only ‘child’ for now - their adorable French bulldog. For over seven years, she has immersed herself in the dynamic world of Vancouver real estate, navigating roles from a Junior Marketing Assistant to her current position as Marketing Director. Steering a team of talented women, she has leveraged social media to launch remarkable projects, collaborating with developers across the lower mainland through her tenure at KEY.

Having served as both Sales Director and Marketing Director, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of real estate from initial marketing strategies to turnover. Throughout her journey, she has had the honor of collaborating with numerous developers, contributing to a multitude of successful projects across the lower mainland, with the tally continuously growing. Each project has been a unique opportunity to learn and grow, expanding her expertise and network in the industry. Behind her passion for real estate lies an appreciation for the strategic essence of marketing, often overlooked but pivotal in driving success.

Her journey owes much to the guidance and empowerment extended by both men and women in this field. In an industry often dominated by men, the solidarity among women marketers is truly uplifting. It is about fostering opportunities and offering unwavering support – a principle she holds dear.

What they think:

Q1. Do you believe that having a supportive partner can contribute to a person’s success? In your opinion, what qualities or characteristics make a woman a strong and supportive partner?

Having a supportive partner has truly been the cornerstone of my success. Every aspect of my life that shines has been cultivated and nurtured within the bounds of my relationship. My husband stands beside me, supporting both myself and my career with the same unwavering respect he affords his own endeavors. I believe the qualities that define a strong and supportive partner revolve around living authentically and embracing truth, no matter how challenging the conversation may be. Over time, I have learned the importance of setting goals with your partner, fostering a shared sense of purpose, and working collaboratively towards those aspirations. In essence, partnership is not just about being together; it is about actively building and nurturing each other’s growth and success.

Q2. How do you define being a strong woman in the context of supporting a successful man?

I define a strong woman as someone who, as she ascends in her career, extends her hand to uplift and empower other women along the way. Strength is not just about individual achievement; it is about creating pathways for others to thrive and succeed. A strong woman recognizes the systemic barriers and challenges that women face in the professional world. Instead of succumbing to the status quo, she actively works to dismantle these barriers by fostering an environment of inclusivity, mentorship, and collaboration. She understands that her success is intertwined with the success of her peers. Rather than seeing other women as competitors, she sees them as allies and advocates. She actively promotes diversity and representation in leadership roles, striving to create spaces where women from diverse backgrounds can thrive and excel. Furthermore, a strong woman doesn’t just focus on her own advancement; she actively seeks out opportunities to mentor, sponsor, and support other women in their professional journeys. She uses her platform and influence to amplify the voices of those who may not have had the same opportunities.

Q3. How do you prioritize selfcare and personal growth while also being a pillar of support for the man in your life?

Putting your own life mask on first before helping others” is a concept I grapple with often. As women, we often feel compelled to be everything to everyone, but I have learned that spreading myself too thin ultimately detracts from my ability to excel in any one role. It is a delicate balance. I have come to realize that being a friend to all can sometimes mean being a true friend to none. That is why I prioritize being my own best friend primarily. By nurturing my own well-being and happiness, I can then extend genuine support and care to others. This notion is not about selfishness; it is about self-preservation and self-care. It is about recognizing that in order to be truly present and effective in helping others, I must first ensure that I am in a healthy and balanced state myself. It is a journey of self-discovery and self-love, one that allows me to show up more authentically and compassionately for those around me.

Q4. How important do you think it is for successful individuals to acknowledge and appreciate the support they receive from their partners?

Every day, I make it a priority to express gratitude for my partner at home. Some days, the expression may be brief, but the sentiment is felt deeply every single day. Having experienced moments without him, I cherish every second spent by his side. At work, my partners are my team – an extraordinary group of women who uplift, collaborate, and support each other wholeheartedly. Supporting and appreciating one another means speaking highly of each other even in their absence and channeling our energy into each other’s success. I aspire to be a positive force of change for everyone I encounter, regardless of the scale of the impact. Together, we cultivate an environment where empowerment and collaboration thrive. By acknowledging and celebrating each other’s strengths, we establish a foundation of trust and camaraderie that propels us forward as a unified entity.

Q5. What advice would you give to other women who are in a similar position of supporting a successful man while also pursuing their own goals and ambitions?

Advice for women in power? Never ignore the empathic side of yourself, no matter who tells you it is soft. It is the opposite; it is powerful, and that is what makes women the best leaders. Embracing empathy allows you to connect with others on a deeper level and fosters a supportive and inclusive environment. As a leader, it is important to challenge the status quo and break free from traditional norms. Do not be afraid to take risks and explore innovative solutions, even if they seem unconventional at first. Trust your instincts and have confidence in your abilities. Remember, being a woman in power is a strength, not a weakness. Your unique perspective and approach can inspire positive change and create lasting impact. So, embrace your authenticity, lead with compassion, and never underestimate the power of empathy in leadership.