The power of presence: women shaping the future of real estate

But if you ask leaders within the Ray White network, they’ll tell you the real magic happens in the nuances: the deep listening, the managed emotions, and the relentless multitasking that happens behind the scenes.

This International Women’s Day, we sat down with four industry leaders to discuss the unique strengths women bring to the table and the legacies they are building.

For Christine Rudolph of Ray White New Farm, the strength of women in real estate lies in their ability to act as "steady guides through emotional and high-stakes moments." She believes property decisions are rarely just about the physical structure.

"Women bring a powerful combination of emotional intelligence, resilience, and strategic thinking. We understand that property decisions are about family, timing, security, and life transitions."

This sentiment is echoed by Vivien Yap, who balances high-pressure environments with a "bottomless tank of energy."

For Vivien, a woman’s success is rooted in a "high level of empathy" and the "ability to build relationships quickly."

Her son and colleague, Matt Yap, has had a front-row seat to this mastery. "My mind immediately goes to Vivien, my mum," Matt says, noting her "strong people-first approach" and the "calm confidence" she maintains during intense negotiations.

In South Australia, Bianca Denham of Ray White Semaphore highlights a different, grittier side of success: the willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

"Many women in real estate also tend to be willing to take on whatever comes their way without questioning if it's 'their role' to do it. We roll up the sleeves, dig in and get the job done."

Whether it’s managing hundreds of tasks or taking calls after hours, Bianca views multitasking as a superpower. Now a business owner, she has grown her team from nine to 23 since July, focusing heavily on fostering the growth of the women within her office.

Multi-tasking is a trait Matt Yap has observed in his mother since childhood.

"Seeing how hard she works day and night, whether it’s being on the phone during school drop-off or pick-up, or the late nights doing deals - that’s something I’ve always looked up to," Matt reflects.

The synergy of female leadership is perhaps most visible in the partnership between siblings Anthea Prgomet and Nicholas Economos at Ray White Rockdale. For Anthea, the industry is a blend of the standards set by her father and the intuition she brings to the modern market.

"Real estate isn’t just about property, it’s about people, trust and relationships," Anthea explains. "I feel that women naturally excel in these aspects, listening to client needs and bringing a level of attention to detail that creates an exceptional client experience."

Nicholas, who has had a "front-row seat" to Anthea’s rise to General Manager, is quick to credit her for the office’s evolution. He notes that her ability to read a room and manage emotions during negotiations is invaluable.

"She’s grown significantly as a leader over the years, not just in skill, but in confidence and vision," Nicholas says. "She is the backbone of our office and I wouldn't be where I am today without her."

For the Economos siblings, the pride comes from building on a family foundation while implementing the structure and accountability necessary for a modern, high-performing team.

Vivien notes that her proudest moments involve giving women the "courage to start a business," expressing awe for the "boss lady who makes anything and everything possible" while juggling motherhood and work.