Advocating inclusion and diversity is not a commitment Blackshaw Real Estate takes lightly. We pride ourselves on attracting, developing, and retaining top, diverse talent regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, or religion. With 65 per cent of our organisation being female, and 16 women in leadership roles across nine offices, our incredible team of female employees continue to make an unparalleled contribution to our business and set us apart in the industry. Here, five inspiring women from across the Blackshaw network in the ACT, Queanbeyan and NSW South Coast regions talk about working in property, their mentors and inspirations, and what workplace equality means to them.

Pat Jameson: Principal, Blackshaw Coastal

“I am a people person and love the opportunity to meet and help a diverse range of people. In real estate, we work with people who put their trust in us to act in their best interests with what for many is their biggest asset – their home.

“I think that gender balance is important in all workplaces as it better represents views of almost half the population. Over my life, I’ve seen that women have great empathy, and this is very important in this industry as we support vendors and buyers throughout the sales process. Many people feel a great need to be heard and I can see they appreciate the additional time we spend with them.”

Esther Sebbens: Principal, Blackshaw Belconnen

“I love this industry because I get to work with like-minded, enthusiastic people who are focused on servicing clients. When you surround yourself with people who have the same values and enjoy what they do, you love coming to work; the office culture is too fun to miss out on.

“In real estate, we make a positive difference in people’s lives and that is so rewarding. Whether it be a client selling a property or someone purchasing their first home, it is a privilege that people place their trust in us to support them through the journey.”

“To me, equality in the workplace is everyone having access to the same opportunities, regardless of gender. I have been fortunate in my career where my ability to be successful was never hindered by the fact that I am a woman and has always been based on skill set and drive to get the job done.”

Jo Hope: Head of Operations, Blackshaw Corporate

“What I love most about my role and this industry is the people and the culture. The Blackshaw team is like a family, and I believe that is due to the leadership across the offices.

“In my early 20s, I worked as an interior designer for a boutique design studio in Sydney. When I moved to Canberra, I wasn’t sure that career was what I wanted any more but when I saw an opportunity at Blackshaw Real Estate, I was excited about the change. I am grateful to have grown with this business and been given the opportunity to flourish. I do this job because I enjoy playing a role in assisting our offices grow, improve their workplace systems, and create a better environment for their teams.”

Alexandra Ah Key: Principal, Blackshaw Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra

“The best thing about working in real estate is helping and making people happy. Clients, staff, customers. I do what I do because I love it and honestly couldn’t imagine a career in anything else. Success is my inspiration. Not necessarily financial success but a combination of repeat and referral clients, business retention, staff retention, feeling I’ve accomplished something meaningful after a long day. Getting a great result for a client. It’s a rush every time.

“Real estate is often recognised as a male-dominated industry, but I believe women bring a supportive and collaborative approach to the industry, especially to leadership. We are emotionally intuitive, which can lead to building rapport and trust – a rare but valuable commodity today. The combination of male and female critical thinking, collaboration and technical skill, can make for a winning combination.”

Belinda Chamberlain: Managing Principal, Blackshaw Corporate

“What I love so much about my role is working closely with my team – they are the best you could ask for – as well as the people you meet and the fact that no day is ever the same. I love my job and the people I work with – they are like family to me; I wouldn’t want to do anything else.

“I started in the industry and with the Blackshaw family over 27 years ago, and now to own the brand with my husband Andrew is an amazing feeling.

“Blackshaw Real Estate employs on merit and it just so happens that more than 65 per cent of our organisation and 80 per cent of the corporate team are women. I am extremely proud of this.”

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