What was your first ever job and what did it teach you?
My first job was at Target Brookside when I was in Year 10. It taught me communication skills. You need to be able to deal with all different people from all different walks of life and understand that everyone has a story.
After a brief stint on the registers, they put me on after-hours reception where I’d spend Thursday evenings, Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays handling phone calls, making announcements and writing the spiel for the ‘Red Light Special’ that I announced over the PA. At 15 it was a little daunting, but it taught me at a young age to believe in and challenge myself.
How did you start in real estate?
I’ve always loved property. I’ve been around the industry and development since I was 17 years old.
I also spent time working at Domain, looking after the northside of Brisbane and handling real estate agents’ marketing needs.
It often struck me how agents sounded so similar in their approach. I thought I could bring a fresh perspective by looking at real estate as a product rather than viewing myself as an agent.
Why NGU Real Estate?
When I walked into NGU Real Estate the CEO explained what the brand name meant, that clinched it for me. Their Never Give Up ethos resonated straight away. I also feel that ethos connects with clients. Whether you’re successful or struggling, any person can relate.
“You have to work extremely hard to achieve in life… I am where I am because I didn’t give up.”
What does your current role involve?
In my current role I’m in HQ at Toowong as part of the elite team. My role is to look after all the offices for NGU, which means I get to use my business mind but still sell and market property, which I love.
What’s the most important thing you bring to the job?
Respect, loyalty, honesty and resilience. I believe every word you say should be the truth. I also believe it’s important to tackle challenges head on. There’s always a solution. You’ve got to keep going until you find it for yourself.
Tell us a bit about your agent video.
I made that video because I’m passionate about women in business, and I wanted to create a video that showed strength.
Real estate is often seen as such a fancy lifestyle and luxurious. But, in reality, it’s not all about that. You have to work extremely hard to achieve in life, and behind the scenes is where that work is done. I am where I am because I didn’t give up. Hard work and personal commitment is what it takes.
What inspires you?
Definitely my family. I’m a single mum with two beautiful teenage sons. Together we had to start from scratch. They are my driving force; they keep me moving.
I want my boys to be proud of me – to realise they were raised by a strong woman who can be a role model and a mentor. I want them to understand nothing is given to you, and if it is, it must be appreciated because it can also soon be taken away.
“If the dollar is your main drive, you lose the passion. And to be effective you must have passion for what you do.”
At NGU, we’re also very lucky to have an incredibly inspiring CEO, and I’m sure any member of the team would say the same. In many ways I joined this business because of his vision and passion. No matter the type of day he’s having, he certainly gives it his all.
What are you working on at the moment?
We’ve just opened our seventh NGU office after only two years in the industry. We’re about to open our eighth, and the ninth won’t be too far off.
What are your goals for the future?
Personally, I’d like to help my children buy a house and to put them through university. Professionally, I want to see NGU become the number one real estate [agency] in Australia – and then go global.
What’s your advice for others entering the industry?
It’s hard to break into real estate. You have to be focused, committed and real. I don’t believe any person should
join an industry purely for the money. If the dollar is your main drive, you lose the passion. And to be effective you must have passion for what you do.
