Christine Bassingthwaighte, Christine Shaw and Debbie Maddigan are three dynamic, highly experienced and high performing Licensed Agents at Blackshaw Manuka, driven to achieve the best result for each client.
Tell us about your journey in business.
CS: Since buying my first home at 22, I always knew I wanted to be a real estate agent. It just took me a few decades and moving to Canberra to realise the dream. I’ve been renovating and improving homes for sale for friends well before Selling Housing Australia came along. The industry rewards you for hard work, and you get to meet so many amazing people.
CB: Thirty-eight years in the industry, I joined Blackshaw because of the business integrity.
DM: I found a genuine passion for real estate, and I derive immense satisfaction from pursuing it as my career.
What influences have helped to share your career?
CS: Amanda Gorman, Poet Laureate – an amazing way of using the English language – makes you think; Brene Brown – vulnerability is a good thing, it not always best to be perfect; and My first boss Rod Metcalfe who had five secretaries in as many months, and I was secretary No 6 who lasted nine years. Admitting you made a mistake in week one and not covering anything up is the always the best strategy.
CB: Working for Cec Hodgkinson for 22 years.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry?
CB: There is a glass ceiling, I just keep moving forward.
CS: Other than being told I had to be a PA or in Property Management “because that’s where all the girls start” (in April 2008), I’ve never faced any female-specific issues. Women are actually better at selling real estate – we just don’t feel the need to drive big black cars.
DM: In this industry, achieving recognition demands double the effort. My unwavering self-belief served as the driving force that propelled me forward.
What advice do you have for women looking to advance their careers in your industry?
CB: Stay positive, work hard and never give up.
CS: Work hard, go with your gut instinct, form good collegiate relationships, and take away from any training only what will suit you as an individual.
DM: Be ready to exert an exceptional level of effort; there are no defined business hours. Significant sacrifices are necessary to establish a successful career.
What are some important qualities women require to excel in their careers?
CB: Women need the same skills as men there is no difference, work hard and have integrity.
CS: Being able to sit back and listen is incredibly important. As well, doing thorough research can never be underestimated – and don’t get caught up in the bluster and the egos that might surround your industry.
What are your thoughts on mentorship and its role in career development?
CS: Mentoring is incredibly important, and there are times when it is helpful having someone inside the industry, but equally important when the mentor is outside the industry and can provide a different perspective. Always had mentors in my 45+ years in the workforce.
How do you approach goal setting to achieve long-term success?
CS: It is important to have lifestyle goals, not just work goals, at every stage of your career. The balance is so very important in such a hectic 24-hour email/text world. Sometimes a step sideways as a breather is more important that zooming ahead.
DM: Strategic foresight, a steady pipeline, and repeat clientele.
What do you see as the most significant changes in your industry?
CS: AI is going to be very challenging in future, whether it is about cybersecurity, scams, or productivity and efficiencies. Positive outcomes on efficiencies can occur, but equally that personal touch in a transaction sense could be missing – and the personal interactions is what real estate is all about. Interesting times ahead.
Are there any issues you are addressing in your industry?
CS: The land tax exemption for landlords who rent through a community housing provider has been great since it was introduced a few years ago. They receive 75 per cent of the rent by renting to someone in lower income brackets. I want to see it expanded to general property management where those with lower income brackets can have access to the wider market.
How does your business contribute to your local community?
CS: I have Canberra’s only social impact model of a real estate business – “real estate with a purpose” TM – where I have a named fund in perpetuity with Hands Across Canberra and give 10 per cent of all my profits to homelessness initiatives. I’m also an Ambassador for Vinnies CEO Sleepout, raising funds each year for their homelessness programs.
Blackshaw Real Estate also upholds its dedication to assisting local charities and organisations, particularly those centred on children and families.
Contact
Christine Shaw | 0405 135 009 | [email protected]
Christine Bassingthwaighte | 0428 139 969 | [email protected]
Debbie Maddigan | 0413 621 131 | [email protected]
