What is the most important thing you are working on and how are you making that happen?
Shaping our business to be as efficient as possible, whilst not losing the personal contact. Real estate is a people business, so we must utilise technology but also remember that people chose us for our experience, skills and ability to communicate effectively. Our team constantly reviews what we do and why we do things in a certain way.
Where do great ideas in your business come from?
There are so many inspirational people in real estate. Lachlan Turner and I find great value in seeking out the best minds and sharing business ideas. We love meeting other business leaders who share similar values and goals.
Who are your leadership mentors and what do they do to inspire you?
I have mentors inside and outside real estate to keep a broad perspective in business. I relate to people who have a service-focused background and strive for continuous improvement.
If something doesn’t look right we need to change, not complain about why it’s wrong.
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
A common phrase of mine is, ‘If it’s a complete disaster, we’ll change the plan’. I guess it’s always about monitoring what’s going on and making continual tweaks when things aren’t perfect. My team always know that if something doesn’t look right we need to change, not complain about why it’s wrong.
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Investing time in our team and people are always important, to know what’s valued by them and how to engage and motivate them. Having a diverse team gives us agility and depth, and knowing where those strengths lie in the team is a key to success.
In the last five years what new belief, behaviour, or habit has most improved your life?
Learning a language is really interesting and challenges your thinking. I play Spanish podcasts in the car; it immediately takes you out of your current busy work life and forces a different way of thinking. It can be quite a circuit-breaker after or during a busy day.
What commonly given advice do you think people should ignore?
That technology is the answer to everything. Technology is crucial, absolutely, but look at what you need to change and how it works with your business and systems.
You can find our other exclusive interviews with ARPM speakers and coaches here.
Emma will be speaking at ARPM 2018 at The Star in Sydney on 19-20 August. For more information visit arpmconference.com.au
