In a candid conversation on the Leading Ladies Journeys podcast, Nerida Conisbee, Chief Economist for Ray White and one of Australia's most quoted property commentators, shared her professional odyssey. From mastering property economics to building a formidable personal brand, her story is one of relentless curiosity, discipline, and a commitment to growth.
Here are the key takeaways from her inspiring journey:
Stepping into the spotlight
- Media mastery: "Media is a significant part of my role. I pitch ideas, build relationships, and write articles weekly—it’s a great discipline," Nerida says. Her ability to identify trends and craft stories has solidified her as a go-to expert in property commentary.
- The power of writing: “Writing is hard but rewarding. It forces you to think of new ideas and creates a foundation for media discussions.”
- Be yourself: “Establish your own tone. I’ve tried AI tools like ChatGPT, but nothing replaces your unique voice.”
Building a team of stars
- Empowering talent: “I encourage my team to write and speak publicly. Media training is essential, but being authentic is even more important.”
- Developing leaders: Nerida’s team includes emerging stars like Ray White Head of Research, Vanessa Rader, who recently represented the group in Las Vegas. “Helping my team build their profiles is now a major focus.”
- Spotting talent: “Understanding people’s strengths and steering them toward roles that challenge and grow them is key.”
Career milestones and challenges
- Shifting from consulting to agency: “Moving from a purely analytical role into an outward-facing one was a turning point. It taught me the importance of clear communication.”
- Commercial to residential: "Residential property attracted a larger audience. It transformed my media presence."
- Balancing parenthood and career: Reflecting on her maternity leave during her career takeoff, she says, “It seemed like a massive challenge at the time, but looking back, it was just a minor blip.”
Personal growth and resilience
- The value of mentors: “Phil Marni at REA Group pushed me to find my voice and repeat key messages, even if it felt repetitive.”
- Maintaining discipline: “Frequent travel was exhausting, but I set boundaries—early morning gym classes kept me focused.”
- Family support: Her husband, Damian, played a critical role. “We balanced career and family life through mutual support and understanding.”
Key advice for women in real estate
- Confidence is key: “Having confidence in your ideas and presenting them clearly is crucial.”
- Be accessible: “Answering calls promptly and being approachable builds lasting relationships in customer-focused roles.”
- Establish your brand: “Don’t emulate others—be yourself and let authenticity guide your brand.”
Looking ahead
Nerida continues to explore new opportunities, including expanding her team and delving into data-driven business ventures. Her career exemplifies how blending expertise with approachability can lead to extraordinary success.
Nerida’s story underscores that success is not just about hard work; it’s about adaptability, fostering relationships, and being unafraid to own your voice. For anyone aspiring to make their mark in property economics—or any field—her journey offers invaluable lessons.
