International Women's Day 2024: Women Leading the Way in Real Estate

In honour of International Women's Day, we interviewed inspiring women in our network who are making their mark in the dynamic world of real estate. These talented individuals, ranging from seasoned professionals to rising stars, shared their insights, experiences, and valuable perspectives on the industry. Through their stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the unique contributions women bring to real estate and the challenges and triumphs they encounter along the way.

Shelley Watkins | PRD Burleigh Heads, QLD

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in real estate?

Stay focused and learn as many aspects of the real estate industry as possible. By investing your time into learning early in your career, it will significantly help you in the future.

What are some of your proudest accomplishments in your real estate career? How did you achieve them?

Giving back to the community, is something I really enjoy doing. We are in a very fortunate position to be able to give back to the people/community that supports us. We started off sponsoring the local netball club and school, increasing our contributions yearly, and now sponsor three local sporting clubs and four schools/playgroups and ad hoc events.

Share your secret weapon! What specific actions do you take in your work or network to promote and create a more equitable environment?

Traditionally women must juggle work and family life. Having good time management is a must for both myself, my family, and my business. I have non-negotiables for work, family and organise my day accordingly. I share my personal/ work calendars with our team and my family and utilise WhatsApp groups, so everyone is aware of what is happening throughout the day.

Kylie French | PRD Adamstown, NSW

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in real estate?

I would encourage more women to say 'yes' to hard things, to new things, to things that you are not sure you are going to succeed at. You never know what is around the corner and BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

Share your secret weapon! What specific actions do you take in your work or network to promote and create a more equitable environment? 

My not-so-secret weapon as with many agents is to listen, take in and communicate with your vendors and buyers. Even a short text to acknowledge that they are in your thought.

What are some non-traditional measures of success you value in your work?

Ensure that you are constantly evolving and growing in your role; and keep you accountable to the activities that drive results.

Bonus Fun Question: If you could throw a dream dinner party for five (living or historical) women who inspire you, who would you invite and what would you serve?

• Michelle Obama,
• Pink,
• Maya Angelou,
• Frida Kahlo, and
• Sheryl Sandberg.

Kate Lawrance | PRD Robina, QLD

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in real estate?

Be yourself, do it your own way. People will relate to you and warm to you much more easily if you’re genuine and authentic, even a little bit vulnerable and let people in just a little bit.

What are some of your proudest accomplishments in your real estate career? How did you achieve them?

I am very proud that I have maintained my integrity and positivity in what can be a very challenging career (property management). To be able to end each day knowing I’ve done my best, and done what I think is right, is how I have been able to have longevity in my career.

Share your secret weapon! What specific actions do you take in your work or network to promote and create a more equitable environment? 

Smile when you answer the phone! They will hear it, trust me!

In order to make the world more equitable, I am constantly checking and challenging not only my own sub-conscious biases, but those of my colleagues. We must be careful to take each person on their own merit.

What are some non-traditional measures of success you value in your work?

I measure my success not only by business won, or dollars made, but by how often I am able to leave work early to spend time with my family, how present I am with my loved ones after hours, how well I am taking care of myself and balancing keeping healthy and pursuing other interests, and how well I sleep at night. These are the things that matter!

Bonus Fun Question: If you could throw a dream dinner party for five (living or historical) women who inspire you, who would you invite and what would you serve?

I would invite Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, Brene Brown, Samantha Kerr and Marie Curie. I'd serve pizza so I don’t have to leave the table and I can just enjoy the conversation!

Marney Pertzel | PRD Tumbarumba, NSW

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in real estate?

People like people, people they can relate to, people they can trust! 

Keep your morals. Morals are more important than money.

Knowledge is power. Know your market and know it well.

Work life balance - set boundaries. When you're feeling burnt out - take the trip and switch off.

What are some of your proudest accomplishments in your real estate career? How did you achieve them?

Being in the industry since 2014 is a pretty big accomplishment in itself and knowing sometimes you have to fail to succeed. There have been a lot of learning curves along the way.

I guess learning new things in areas I wasn't familiar with initially and achieving them by stepping out of my comfort zone. Talking to people, asking questions, and leaning on our tight knit Riverina PRD group helps.

Share your secret weapon! What specific actions do you take in your work or network to promote and create a more equitable environment? 

• Good work culture in a family environment
• Balance
• Give and take.
• Work hard but reward hard.
• Don't answer your phone after hours or your weekends off - The business owner can take care of that!

What are some non-traditional measures of success you value in your work?

Repeat service and referrals. I love knowing clients come back after relationships and bonds have formed over my many years in real estate.

Being able to have a nice, relaxed work environment. 

Working for myself, having the flexibility to "take the trip" with my daughters and having the confidence in my colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the office whilst I'm away.

Bonus Fun Question: If you could throw a dream dinner party for five (living or historical) women who inspire you, who would you invite and what would you serve?

Nan, although I can have dinner with her anytime, her experiences throughout from different eras make for a good tale.

Nigella Lawson - Mainly so she could cook - but if she didn't, I figured her banter would be on point!  And I guess if I had to cook it would be something simple - Bruschetta, a Thai Beef Salad and a prepped ahead cheesecake - because who doesn't love cheesecake!

Carrie Bickmore. She somehow manages a successful career whilst juggling parenthood (not afraid to share her parenting mishaps) down to earth, funny, genuine human personality and would be tops for a laugh at a dinner party.

Princess Diana  

Brodie - Because she's genuinely a good human who I enjoy being around. And also, on the way to our appraisals we could talk about "that time we had dinner with" Nigella Lawson!".

Conclusion

They serve as a powerful testament to the talent, dedication, and resilience that women bring to the real estate industry. Their passion for helping others, combined with their expertise and unwavering commitment, paves the way for a brighter future in this ever-evolving field. As we celebrate their achievements on International Women's Day, we look forward to seeing them continue to break down barriers, inspire others, and shape the future of real estate.