‘Saying YES to every opportunity until there is an overwhelming reason to say no is the best advice I was ever given and I always encourage others to do the same’.
Starting out in her working life Vanessa responded to an ad in the paper for a position with a local estate agent. Not knowing what direction she wanted to take, just looking to get a start. After a short interview she was offered the job and asked what direction she wanted to go – property management or sales.
‘I had a choice but really didn’t know at that stage what direction would suit me best, so my boss at the time chose for me, Property management, where most women in those days were steered. I got my opportunity and threw myself into the job, determined to learn and be the best I could be.’
‘After 3 years I was invited to join the corporate team and jumped at the chance. I spent the next 10 years in franchising, learning from some of the best in the industry. Real estate is a competitive industry and can be cut throat at times. There are many talented people in the business but there are a few standouts which I refer to as unicorns. I’ve taken time to study these people to understand what it takes to be truly successful. Now it’s my job to impart that knowledge throughout the group to progress the business overall.’
‘Since joining Harcourts that learning curve has ramped up even further and I have been given opportunities some would see as unusual at a corporate level, like calling auctions. This has given me the opportunity to work alongside some incredible people, learn their craft and share it at a network level which is pretty cool. I now run novice boot camps for budding auctioneers and provide support and training for the businesses in the group.’
‘A recent experience I had was to host an awards night. A full house with hardly a familiar face in the room, I was really out of my comfort zone. But as I’ve often found in this business the culture and vibe in that room was infectious and I was completely at ease in the end. It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable things I have done.’
‘My next challenge is as the ‘Victorian ambassador for Inspirational Women’ to create a network within the Harcourts group to inspire and support our women and share the challenges women face. Challenges I understand very well, balancing a career while at the same time being the best mum, partner and daughter I can be.’
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