How it started and how it's going with... Kelly Tatlow: International Women's Day 2025 spotlight series

Last but certainly not least in our International Women's Day series is a leader whose infectious passion has shaped careers across nearly two decades - Kelly Tatlow. Since joining Ray White 19 years ago, she has transformed Concierge into more than just a thriving business in our ecosystem - it's become a launchpad where thousands of young professionals have discovered their potential.

A celebrated Chairman's Cup (2014) and Cutting Edge (2009) Award winner, Kelly embodies her own philosophy: 'It's your choice to be amazing at what you do.' She masterfully balances her executive role with personal and family responsibilities - while acknowledging how tricky this can often be - and in doing so, has created a culture where excellence is expected and support is unwavering.

What truly sets Kelly apart is her commitment to lifting others. From those working closest to her, this is described as 'a remarkable ability to make those around her feel valued and motivated to keep pushing for excellence'. From championing work-life integration to teaching team members to 'control the controllables,' Kelly continues to demonstrate why authentic leadership creates lasting impact.

Kelly, let's hear it.

What piece of advice would you tell your younger self or someone just starting out?

To be passionate about everything you do (it’s a choice) and to decide to be as amazing as you possibly can at the job you are currently doing! You will enjoy your current job more (or even love it), you will impact others positively and over time, you are highly likely to be presented with opportunities to do more and to grow. Then… don’t be afraid to take those opportunities even if they are outside your comfort zone or if you feel not quite ready for them. My advice is: “If someone else can do it, then so can you. There is always a way! You’ve got this! It’s your choice to be amazing at what you do!”

Over your nearly 19 years here, what moments or achievements have made you most proud to be part of this organisation?

I’m most proud of the people and the culture of our group! Obviously the culture starts with the White Family however it is then owned and protected by everyone within our group. It’s quite amazing that our group attracts and retains A Team players across every area of expertise and then as A Team players we are given trust, autonomy and an expectation to grow our roles and to continually stretch ourselves. It’s pretty rare to have absolute confidence in your colleagues and to have their unwavering support and access to their ideas and assistance. This is evident daily however I would say that this is best highlighted in key moments such at our Crows Nest Conference, our Curiosity Days, our Chairman's Cup Awards and at our Connect conferences.

I’m incredibly grateful and proud of the opportunity I have been given to shape and grow Concierge and to build our amazing team. So many amazing people started at Concierge early in their careers and have made such an impact on Concierge and other areas of our group. I am super proud of being able to help hundreds or maybe even over a thousand young people straight out of high school, to develop amazing communication skills and a zapper approach to work and life. I regularly run into past team members or their mums and dads who express such appreciation for the opportunity that Concierge gave them.

I feel recognised and proud every day however some personal key moments would be when I receive regular congratulatory calls from Brian White, when Concierge hits its goals and budget and is recognised amongst my peer group, when my team members are recognised and in my recognition as a Cutting Edge and Chairman’s Cup award winner.

What’s the number one challenge you’ve faced, as a woman, in your exceptional career?

I would say that as a woman with children aiming to build an exceptional career, trying to be amazing at your job, amazing with your team, amazing as a mum, amazing as a partner or wife, amazing as a friend, and amazing as a daughter/sister/family member/family carer, even amazing with your pets, is quite a lot to balance and achieve!

I feel that women might take on more personal responsibility to manage relationships and tasks across a broad spectrum and therefore take on a huge juggling act. Something often has to give at certain stages of our careers and life. As most women in similar situations may have done, I have often not had time to be amazing to myself and I have foregone sleep, personal time to exercise and to do hobbies that bring me enjoyment. I’ve also felt guilty that I haven’t always excelled in each area. In saying this, I do feel very proud of how I have been able to navigate this challenge and how many other women do. As my team and colleagues know, I willingly share my experiences and advice so that I can help other women navigate their own journey and I am proud of so many women in our group who are managing similar challenges and building exceptional careers.

This International Women's Day, what message would you like to share with other women about building a long-term career they love?

Be kind to yourself and not too hard on yourself whilst you are building a career and trying to be amazing at everything that is important to you. Be kind to other women and acknowledge that men as well have their challenges whilst building their careers. We are incredibly lucky to have a culture within our group that provides flexibility, trust and support as well as growth opportunities and being a springboard for us all to build amazing careers - let’s keep helping each other!

In their words...

I've had the privilege of working with Kelly for the last 15 years, and in that time, I've witnessed her help shape the careers of countless team members while also being an inspiring role model and mentor. Her passion for motivating and developing those around her - particularly young people starting out in their careers, is evident in the incredible business she has built. Kel is not only one of the most driven people that I know but also an exceptional leader, and has this remarkable ability to make those around her feel valued and motivated to keep pushing for excellence.

- Jenee Bilsborough, Concierge business manager

Kelly has taught me so much in the last couple of years I have worked at Concierge, not only directly but even just being a fly on the wall in meetings with her. Forming, storming, norming - a practical approach to building and managing a team through constant transitions, keep the momentum going knowing the different stages - and coping strategies.

Another big one, which is something I think about a lot is control the controllables. With this in mind, I focus on what I can influence, with the right attitude and energy!

- Clare Anstey, Concierge performance and business development manager

About the series...

In recognition of International Women's Day on Saturday 8 March, we are spotlighting women in our (corporate) business who are setting an example of determination, growth and success for all of us.

In this exclusive interview series throughout March, we will be learning directly from our female leaders about their journeys, advice and secrets for success in their careers and in real estate, as well as a behind-the-curtain take from those that know them best.