From science teacher to leading agent

Ray White’s Vivian Li, from Melbourne’s south-east, is one the top sales agents in Wantirna. She’s achieved many accolades in recent years such as the highest level of recognition in the Ray White Group. Ms Li was also ranked as the sixth highest salesperson by way of commissions within the leading group’s Victorian network and has won a string of auction awards.

Hosted by Ray White Victoria and Tasmania business development executive Valentina Parra, Ms Li spoke about her unlikely foray into the industry.

“I was actually a science teacher and moved to Australia to study accounting and finance,” Ms Li said.

“I accidentally fell into the industry, when I started a part time job in a real estate office while studying. My boss saw the way that I was interacting with clients and really encouraged me to get into sales.”

After Ms Li had her son, she decided that she didn’t want a typical nine-to-five job and wanted to do something a little bit different.

“Eventually I joined the team at Ray White Wantirna who had a number of inspirational women on their team already. I took the leap, and within 10 days I had listed a property with their guidance,” she said.

Within her first year she wrote close to $500,000 in commission. Ms Li said she doesn’t focus on figures at all; that the numbers are ‘in the past’ and she is focused on the future.

Ms Li is also renowned for her success in the auction arena; an area of real estate that is often known for being heavily dominated by men.

“I used to watch auctioneers and admire them. I wondered to myself if I could do it, even though English is not my first language.

“I decided to give it a go and did my first auction on-site in 2017; I practised 100 times in front of a mirror or in front of anyone who would listen!

“I conquered that fear of auctioneering and I am so glad that I did. Most of my campaigns are auctions, so I am really able to gain a deeper understanding of the whole process,” she said.

One of the big hurdles was surrendering to hiring extra assistance within her team, having always been her ‘own PA’ for many years.

“Being a perfectionist, it can be hard to give control over. Some of us can be very detail oriented, but we are all human and sometimes we need to let go of some control. I now have embraced a wonderful team and we learn from each other,” she said.

Being in the ‘most locked down city’ of Melbourne during the pandemic, Ms Li realised what she was capable of in terms of a work-life balance.

“Clients are actually incredibly understanding when it comes to being family-oriented and they respect that.”

Ms Li said that her mother and grandmother, both successful businesswomen in their own right, have been the biggest inspirations to her.

“They give everything to the family; my Mum has not had a holiday in 10 years because she dedicates her life to work.”

She said that the best advice she received from them was that ‘you cannot change the weather, but you can change your mood about it.’

Ms Parra finished by pointing out the humbleness of Ms Li, and that it is something that her clients and peers in the industry recognise her for.

“My family is my ‘why’. I am also very lucky to really love what I do,” she said.

“This job is wonderful; you learn new things every day from your clients. Every day and every interaction is a new lesson.”