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Described as "jack of all trades, master of all" and our NZ head of marketing, Larissa Tuhaka is next in our series in recognition of International Women's Day. Larissa is a true leader that moves with integrity and kindness, and never sacrifices "doing the right thing".
Her impressive career with Ray White has been marked by consistent excellence, culminating in the Ray White 2020 True Believer Award that recognised her unwavering commitment to our brand values and vision. Under her guidance, the New Zealand marketing team has elevated our presence through innovative campaigns, including collaborations with national icons like former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen that have set new standards for real estate marketing across the region.
With not only professional prowess but as a former international athlete and 100m champion, Larissa’s unique combination of creative vision and unstoppable determination creates an energy that inspires her team to consistently push boundaries and exceed expectations.
Take it away, Larissa.
What piece of advice would you tell your younger self or someone just starting out?
Work hard, be brave and stay true to yourself by always doing 'what's right' to your values/morals, instead of pleasing others to do what they think is right. You're not going to be everyone's cup of tea, and that's ok.
Over your nearly 10 years here, what moments or achievements have made you most proud to be part of this organisation?
Oh my gosh, so many! I'm most grateful for the relationships and friendships I’ve built with corporate members, business owners, and our amazing marketers across Australisia. Knowing I can pick up the phone, bounce ideas around, and ask questions with hundreds of people is something I truly value.
There have also been some incredible bucket-list achievements, creating a marketing campaign with Steve Hansen, hosting our Business Owners Symposium, hosting the Crows Nest Curiosity Day, being accepted into the inaugural Growth Program, MCing the recent Central North Island Half-Yearly Awards, and, of course, winning the True Believer Award at Crows Nest. That moment was truly special, I treasure the photo I got with all the White family - its front and centre on my Linkedin profile.
What’s the number one challenge you’ve faced, as a woman, in your exceptional career?
I can't narrow it down to one challenge, so here's my top 3 challenges since starting my work career.
1. Taking on too much. Early in my career, I was a total “yes person”, wanting to fit in, make my mark, and burned myself out. I quickly learned that I couldn’t do everything for everyone, I needed to communicate “no” in a way that was clear but respectful, even if it annoyed a few people.
2. I’m a sensitive soul and used to take things personally. Building resilience and understanding that other people’s opinions of me are none of my business was a tough but necessary lesson.
3. My most recent challenge, being a Mama! I've got 2 beautiful boys, aged 6 and 3 years old, navigating this brand new role as a Mama, as well as the love I have for my career and work ethic has been a big learning curve on time management, priorities, sacrifices, and keeping a work/life balance and being fully present.
This International Women's Day, what message would you like to share with other women about building a long-term career they love?
You are in control of your life, don’t expect or rely on others to build it for you. Put yourself out there, be ambitious, get uncomfortable, and surround yourself with a strong support network for advice, help, and accountability.
It’s like the saying goes: “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Create a career and a life, you truly love in all aspects.
In their words...
She's a jack of all trades, master of all. It's quite rare to find a marketer that can do it all, usually they're quite specialised. She's got such a broad range of skills that she's such a weapon for not only anything that falls in the marketing realm but across the business too as she's got such a wealth of knowledge in our industry. And she's SO eager to learn and grow too, she's always trying to dip into other areas to make sure she's across everything along with professional development in general. The woman doesn't stop. But I think what sets her apart is her versatility so she's such an important and resourceful team member. The other main thing that sets her apart (I literally don't know anyone else like this) but she ALWAYS does it with a smile. If I give her three words that set her apart at work it would be: ATTITUDE, VERSATILITY, GROWTH.
- Hanna Kelly, NZ marketing manager
Larissa is unwaveringly positive, supportive and inclusive. It is hard to think of a time that Larissa has ever thought something is not possible, whether that is her undertaking a project or one of our other team members - she always backs herself and everyone around her.
- Daniel Coulson, CEO New Zealand
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.
A special thank you to Kristen Purcell and the Ray White Design team for creating the wonderful artwork to accompany this series!
