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Just off the back of hosting her latest Leading Ladies of Real Estate event here in Sydney, our next interview highlights a leader who lives and breathes Ray White's values, Natalie Hortz. As head of organisational development and the engine behind many of our most impactful initiatives over the past 8 years, her journey has been nothing short of exceptional.
Since claiming the 2020 Curiosity Award for revolutionising our network and corporate communications through The Insider newsletter, Nat has consistently transformed ideas into action. From co-founding the Together Wellbeing Initiative with Samantha White during the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic to her recent recognition at our 2024 Chairman's Cup Dinner, winning the Further Together Award, she approaches each challenge with infectious enthusiasm and pragmatic determination.
Yet ask her about her proudest achievement, and she'll likely mention Leading Ladies of Real Estate - the initiative that has blossomed into the real estate industry's largest female-focused community. Whether championing women across our industry or carving opportunities for high performance with the Growth Program, Nat continues to prove her message that you're never 'too young, too junior or too new' to create lasting change.
Over to you, Nat.
What piece of advice would you tell your younger self or someone just starting out?
Be curious - about your role, about the company, and about what your leader does day to day (and how they got there), but most importantly, be curious about what drives you.
Put your hand up and get involved. Maybe it’s my deep rooted millennial tendencies, but in every role and company I’ve worked in, I’ve always wanted to do more, learn more and be part of more. There’s so much opportunity for you to develop if you’re looking for it - this is especially true at Ray White.
Over your 8.5 years here, what moments or achievements have made you most proud to be part of this organisation?
It’s been a big 8.5 years where I’ve been incredibly fortunate to pursue areas I’m passionate about, such as our Together program and Leading Ladies.
As one of the founders, it’s hard to believe that Leading Ladies began as a conversation between a few ladies in corporate. Sally Patch hosted our first event in Brisbane in 2021 with a small group of passionate women, and from there, we’ve become the largest female initiative in the industry. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and I feel like we’re only just getting started. But most of all, I truly love that I get to work with a group of equally passionate women on this initiative. One of my favourite memories/proudest moments though was hosting Curiosity Day at the Crows Nest Conference in 2019 with David Rake. It was the first year we’d introduced the concept of ‘hosts’ for the day (historically people just went up one after another as their name appeared on the screen). We wore matching tuxedos (big Step Brothers fan), roasted poor Stephen Nell (and others), and just had a lot of fun with it. We were determined to make the day more comfortable for those presenting, entertain the crowd and bring new energy to one of the most important parts of Ray White’s DNA - and I think we did that. It was also the first time I’d presented on the big stage for Ray White corporate.
What’s the number one challenge you’ve faced, as a woman, in your exceptional career?
I'm fortunate in that I personally haven't felt like I've faced any specific challenges because of my gender (although I'm still waiting for a Golf Day call up). I think one of the biggest challenges some women face is balancing career goals and determining if and when family comes into that. It's definitely something my female colleagues and friends often talk about - trying to figure out this balance. It's often met with "there's no right time" or "don't wait, your career will be there," but I think it's more complex than that, at least for some.
This International Women's Day, what message would you like to share with other women about building a long-term career they love?
Do what you love and love what you do. You spend more time at work than anywhere else in your life. If you don’t get excited about the work you do and company you work for, you’re not in the right place. Work should fill your cup (as much as it can). This is why I’ve stayed at Ray White for so long. And finally, you’re never too young / too junior / too new to add value and/or have an impact.
In their words… Natalie Hortz is a do-er. it doesn't matter how big or small the task, Nat enthusiastically embraces projects and ensures their completion. She is pragmatic and always welcomes new opinions. Nat has developed into an outstanding leader within our company.
- Jason Andrew, CEO QLD
Nat always goes out of her way to congratulate, encourage and compliment everyone. She has a special way of instilling confidence in people and empowering them to push harder and pursue their ambitions. What she has done particularly with Leading Ladies and the Growth Program is truly incredible and will leave an everlasting mark on the company. She is a friend to so many and an all round LEGEND OF A HUMAN!
- Nina Clarke, corporate affairs executive
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.
