Learning from best in world

LEADING property group Ray White continues to provide a world-class education for its franchisees and corporate staff by offering a global perspective on leadership skills and best practice.

The real estate group last week welcomed more than 200 of its franchisees and corporate staff from around Australia and New Zealand to participate in the Ray White Leadership Academy at The Westin Hotel in Sydney.

For the fourth year running, the workshops were conducted by Harvard Business School professor Boris Groysberg, a well known American academic who specialises in organisational behaviour.

Professor Groysberg is the author of a book and co-author of two more books. His first book, Chasing Stars: The Myth of Talent and the Portability of Performance, is an analysis of the portability of star talent among investment bankers in New York City.

The book combines the excitement of peeking inside the daily world of Wall Street with statistical analyses and qualitative data to allows the reader to think more deeply about whether hiring stars creates or destroys value for both the stars and the firms that employ them.

“Ray White is making an investment in your balance sheet to create long term success for you,” Prof Groysberg told the business owners who were invited to attend.

Ray White director Dan White, who has himself been studying with Prof Groysberg for the last seven years, said the Leadership Academy was a chance for our leadership group to enhance their own skills.

“Everytime I hear from the professor I hear something new. Never stop learning and upskilling yourself with knowledge and best practice,” he said.

Ray White head of network performance Adam Downes said it was great to see so many principals “getting so much information into their brains until they were full”. “Everyone here got so much and will take it back with them to their teams which is great,” Mr Downes said.

Craig Pontey, director at the powerhouse Ray White Double Bay, said he had an amazing day at the Leadership Academy, and loved hearing the insights and ideas from Prof Groysberg. “It’s been a great day and thanks to the family offering such an incredible opportunity.”

Ray White Manurewa / Takanini / Drury principal Sue Douglas said she was excited to take some of her insights back to her teams in Auckland. “My key take away was to produce, lead and manage and how you do that simultaneously,” Ms Douglas said.

Ray White Damerell Group director Gower Buchanan said he’d be taking back to Auckland the mantra of “process, planning and structure”.

Ben Faulks, principal at Ray White Canberra said it was his third time at the Leadership Academy. “I love coming to hear Professor Groysberg as he really makes you think about your business and I’d encourage everyone to come if possible.”

Leading agent Julie Mahoney of Ray White Julie Mahoney in Townsville, said her key take away from the sessions was to “produce, lead and manage to stay relevant in today’s market”.