On Tuesday, the Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) hosted the 15th annual Women in Real Estate (WIRE) conference. The sold-out event was held at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Kensington.
Each year, the WIRE conference aims to engage women whilst empowering them to take their careers to the next level. It welcomes around 500 women – and men – from around Australia. The conference is also one of the industry’s key events for networking and professional development.
Effervescent real estate commentator and CEO of Laing + Simmons, Leanne Pilkington, hosted the conference.
The Future Demands More
With a theme of ‘The Future Demands More’, the 2022 conference explored the changes experienced by the industry in our post-pandemic world. Real estate is now a new landscape, demanding a new outlook and approach, technology and skills.
High-profile and expert speakers from the real estate industry and beyond spoke on the theme, including Belle Property Central Coast Principal, Cathy Baker. She shared how her unique career background has shaped the way she approaches real estate, as well as the details of this approach.
Every year, WIRE is the perfect opportunity for like-minded women in real estate to connect and share ideas.
‘The Lucky Ones’
Ms. Baker noted how lucky the real estate profession had been over the past few years compared to hospitality, retail and travel. She explained how she is re-engineering Belle Property Central Coast to stay relevant into the future, because “we might not be so lucky next time”. Cathy also encouraged other agents in the room to focus on their clients – to become trusted ‘lifestyle advisors’ rather than just salespeople. This is the role of her staff at Belle Property Central Coast.
“We don’t just look at transactions – we look at people’s aspirations, their lifestyle and their assets. We then put together a plan that keeps us connected and on track for the next decade and beyond to help our clients achieve their goals.”
Our awesome Principal, Cathy Baker, spoke about her unique and lifestyle-focussed approach to real estate
Cathy emphasized that the health of the agents’ own lifestyles and visions were integral to their work, too. “Because how can you serve and look after others if you’re not looking after yourself?”
To close her presentation, Cathy shared her personal vision for the next decade, and encouraged the room to consider theirs.
A presentation from charity partner Assistance Dogs Australia (and their assistance dog in training) was a sure highlight, as were puppy cuddles at lunch time.
The Line-Up
Other speakers included journalist Lisa Wilkinson and communications and media specialist Maz Farrelly. Author Heidi Dening, Property Services Commissioner John Minns, and CEO of the Law Society of NSW Sonja Stewart also featured. Enthusiastic real estate commentator Leanne Pilkington, hosted the conference. Leanne is also the CEO of Laing + Simmons and immediate past President of REINSW, and provided insightful commentary throughout. Meanwhile, charity partner Assistance Dogs Australia shared their new plans for a purpose-built facility to assist with their work, which were supported by a raffle on the day.
Kylie Walsh (of REGROWTH) also led an insightful panel discussion featuring a number of impactful business owners and founders. These included Brendan Dixon of ethically-minded ‘Pure Finance’ and Co-Founder of ‘The Daily Aus’, Zara Siedler.
