Leading Ladies of real estate

Leading Ladies of Real Estate was born this year by the central belief that women need to support other women.

We’ve just hosted our inaugural cocktail events where more than 300 incredible women gathered simultaneously in Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide to share stories and inspire others.

It’s a little known fact that Alan White, Ray White’s son, owned the first agency to employ a female sales agent in Brisbane.

The concept of the community is not the exclusion of men but a focus on women.

In Sydney, Ray White CEO of Property Management Emily Sim (pictured above right) said it was a fact that there were more females than males in the real industry today and the majority go into property management and operations.

She says most groups, ours too, had fewer listings by female agents, and the number of females in leadership roles is also very small and these numbers appear to be declining. “Why then? As we have some enormously successful women in this industry - in sales, property management, operations and leadership? Within Ray White corporate we have been considering for some time how best to encourage women in real estate groups, across all groups, not just our own,” Ms Sim said.

The Leading Ladies initiative will focus on:

• Recruitment into the industry, attracting more great women, and seeing more women choose it as a first career, not just a secondary option for when they return to work after having a family.
• Pathways for career development - professional development by learning from the industry’s best.
• Pathways for business partnership or leadership - we want to support and encourage women to go after leadership roles

Ray White Queensland Head of Agency Operations Sally Patch said the Leading Ladies of Real Estate community was born out of the need for a networking group for women to share insights from some of the best in the industry.

Amid the fairy lights on the rooftop setting of The Grove in Brisbane, keynote speaker and former Olympic swimmer Leisel Jones delighted guests with her story of ”authenticity, goal setting, and finding your why”.

“I was 14 at my first Olympics. So it just goes to show that at any point in your life, you are able and more than capable to succeed and be the best at what it is you want to do. Every single person in this room has that capability to close that gap,” said the four time Olympian, and nine time Olympic medalist. She spoke of the “imposter syndrome” that comes up all the time in life. “It will always test you but you must believe that you are capable and break down tasks so they are much easier to be able to achieve.”

Jess Culling, principal of Ray White Newport, has had a huge year. “I am 25 and all the agents in my area are 40+ but we have managed to obtain great market share through hard work. The mindset I have is to constantly be chasing everything I want,” Ms Culling said. Similarly Sally O’Neill, principal of Belle Property Hope Island, told the attendees everyone suffered with imposter syndrome at some stage.

“When I go to an appointment with clients, I’ve learnt how to push those doubts to the side and I just carry on. Just do it!”

She said gender issues never entered her thought process. “It has always been in me to strive for more, and if that is in you too - do it!”

Antonia Mercorella is the first female CEO of the REIQ in 103 years, which is an incredible achievement.

“Good leadership is about being selfless. I aim to always put the needs of our institute and our members first. I don’t think twice about what it means for me, and I put my personal needs to one side.”

“It’s about doing what you love. My kids have always known me as being work obsessed, but it is not something to feel guilty about. I love my work and it’s what makes me happy.”

In Sydney more than 160 ladies attended to hear Cindy Cash of Ray White North Richmond, Head of Marketing at Ray White TRG, Remi Lindsay, and Sarah Latham of Latham Cusack. Mum of four Cindy Cash is one of the highest performing agents in the industry, despite leaving school at age 15.

“Real estate wasn’t my first career choice. There really weren’t many (if any) female real estate agents in my area. It wasn’t until later in my life I entered the industry working under a really strong female agent and she inspired me to go into sales.

“My advice to other agents in the industry is to block out all of the negative stuff people may say. You have to have your own point of difference in this industry. Be an individual.”

For Ms Cusack her experience in the industry reads like the perfect CV, working her way up through the property management career ladder from leasing consultant to department head. Once she reached what may be perceived as the “peak” for this career choice, department head, she realised she wanted and was capable of more.

“I opened my own office with a colleague and my biggest regret was not doing it five years earlier,” Ms Cusack said.

When asked what advice she would give to people at the start of their careers, Ms Cusack responded “my advice is don’t be afraid to give it a go.”

Meanwhile Mrs Lindsay, who is about to head off on maternity leave, has worked with chairman’s elite agent Gavin Rubinstein for more than five years. When Mrs Lindsay joined Gavin, it was a team of five, which had grown to 25 people within two years.

Her role too has evolved from EA to Head of Marketing and everything in between. “My background was in high-end fashion and PR. I didn’t come from a traditional real estate background, however I’ve been able to bring my skill set and this varied experience to the team and help create a point of difference for our business,” Mrs Lindsay said.

Nerida Conisbee - Ray White chief economist[/caption]

In Adelaide, Ray White Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee (pictured above), who joined the group six months ago, said she “grabbed every opportunity” that came her way and managed to juggle maintaining a balance with family and career demands.

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(L-R) Emma Slape, CEO of Turner Real Estate, Ray White Mt Gambier Principal Tahlia Gabrielli and Sharon Gray of OC Real shared their journeys at Ayres House in Adelaide.[/caption]

Emma Slape advised all women to “get comfortable with being a little bit uncomfortable and always be a leader in everything you do.” She joined Turner Real Estate as chief executive after years presiding over the Real Estate Institute of SA. She was proud of her impact over legislative changes in the industry during her time.

Go-getter Tahlia Gabrielli started her business in 2019 at the age of 26, making her the youngest franchisee in the SA network. Her introduction to the industry was in property management and she still plays an important role in the PM department to this day, even though she achieved elite sales status last financial year.

She said her proudest achievement was how her team has grown, and she loves the culture they are developing.

[caption id="attachment_52311" align="alignnone" width="376"]

Tahlia Gabrielli with Ray White National Special Programs Director Bianca Denham[/caption]

Tahlia was the first female sales agent to achieve elite status in South Australia for 10 years last financial year, and her colleague Sarah Barney also achieved elite status in the same financial year.

Our last panellist, Sharon Gray, started in the industry when she joined her father. She completed her qualifications while still nursing her youngest child. “I love the flexibility that real estate provides for parents, it’s been crucial for me.”

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From the Sunshine Coast (L-R) Alicia Bloom (Maroochydore), Eliza Hartvigden (Maroochydore), Jo Madden (Maroochydore) and Kristin Cowie (Nambour)[/caption]

Seven years ago Sharon’s eldest daughter was injured in a skiing accident leaving her a quadriplegic, a moment which rocked the entire family. Her life now revolves around Cody’s care and she’s able to make real estate fit around her family’s needs.

Jo Madden, Network General Manager Ray White Maroochydore, said when women work together, wonderful things happen. “I think in society these days it can often be women against women, but to have each other’s support is just invaluable, not just in business but in life as well,” Ms Madden said. “Women can have it all but you can’t do it all, you do need help and support, whether that’s from your employer or family. Another thing my dad used to say was “it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”

Tamara Lee said work-life-balance was hard to find but not elusive. “It’s a pull and push, sometimes it goes one way and sometimes it goes the other way. You need to be adaptable and open to change.”

Tup Curtis, Ray White Tugun Marketing and Events Coordinator, said it was so important for women in business to support each other. “It’s definitely important, I think if we can’t get behind each other then no one else will. We can’t expect anyone else to. I find the more you give to each other, the more you get back.” She said without a doubt that Tugan’s operation manager Courtney Parkes was her mentor.

Sue Back and Alicia Harpur of Ray White Commercial Bayside (pictured here) thoroughly enjoyed the event. “It’s so good to have an environment where we can catch up with like-minded, hard working women who are all setting out to achieve our goals, it is really special,” Ms Harpur said.

IN SYDNEY

Danika Jess, sales agent from Ray White Woollahra, said it was really important to support women in an industry that’s so male dominated. “It’s important to know that you’re not alone. Sometimes it can feel like you’re the only female in an office and you want to know there’s support for you.”

Anthea Economos of Ray White Rockdale, said she was very proud to be running her family business and increasing market share. “Every day our business is improving,” she said.

Ray White Projects Business Development Executive Davina Poletto appreciated the Leading Ladies’ initiative, especially as someone new to the industry. “It’s a real buzz being here and meeting so many wonderful women eager to support each other. “I loved hearing from the panel of speakers who were all really inspiring.” Renee Andreacchio, Operations Manager and EA at Ray White Commercial Western Sydney, felt “super motivated and empowered” after hearing the panelists.

Bettina Malpas of Ray White Mount Barker said she loved associating with women who are so amazing at their job. “The confidence in women is so great, she said.

Linda Clemente of Ray White Norwood said “female entrepreneurs who inspire me are what keep us all going.” Pictured above with Flavia Ingegneri and Amy Lungley also of Ray White Norwood.

Ray White Glenelg’s Brynja Berndsen enjoyed the variety of the panel speakers. “It was really well split between different roles in the industry. I loved chatting to Tahlia afterwards who had said ‘you're never too good for training.’ So that was really important as I always like to learn more and go to training.”