Residential
Explore
Our next interview of the International Women's Day series proudly presents a leader who has quietly defined Ray White's culture for nearly three decades - Sally Patch . Her immense influence earned her first the Cutting Edge Award in 2019, followed by the prestigious Chairman's Cup in 2022, recognising her as the person who made the biggest impact across the entire Ray White group.
She embodies her own definition of demonstrating leadership: 'it's how we turn up, show up and speak up.' That same commitment to excellence and putting her hand up to lead the way extends beyond our walls and across the wider industry in her role as Queensland Chair (and one of the founders) of Leading Ladies of Real Estate.While navigating the delicate balance of career and motherhood, Sally created a legacy that transcends professional achievements - fostering a culture where curiosity thrives and team members feel empowered to innovate. As she puts it, growth comes from embracing discomfort - a philosophy that's earned her both respect and admiration as a person we turn to when it matters most.
Sally, we're listening.
What piece of advice would you tell your younger self or someone just starting out?
Demonstrate leadership in everything that you do. A leader doesn't have to be the loudest or most qualified person in the room. It is not a title reserved for those who manage people - it’s how we turn up, show up and speak up. Not walking past something that isn’t right, that’s leadership. We all have the ability to be leaders.
Over your 28 years here, what moments or achievements have made you most proud to be part of this organisation?
I have always felt blessed to be in a business where we are empowered to stay relevant, to keep trying new things and keep improving what we are doing. Being part of a culture that supports curiosity and being given permission to make mistakes is one of the most powerful things a leader can provide.
What’s the number one challenge you’ve faced, as a woman, in your exceptional career? Balancing work and family responsibilities after returning from maternity leave can be tough, emotionally. I returned to work in a part-time capacity for many years. For me, the guilt was real - I felt guilty when I was at work and away from my children, and guilty when I was with my children and away from work because others had to take on more. At times being part-time made me feel less visible and less valued than I had before I had children. By the same token, my priority at that time was my family. My work ethic never wavered, I always gave 100% when it was a work day, and I came to accept that it was important to give 100% to my family when I wasn’t at work and not feel guilty about it. This International Women's Day, what message would you like to share with other women about building a long-term career they love?
Growth will come from feeling uncomfortable, so embrace the opportunities to step outside your comfort zone. Be authentic, and find meaning and purpose in what you do. Remember that we need to earn the right to influence others. "People won't care how much you know, until they know how much you care' (Theodore Roosevelt). Demonstrate that you care by listening, asking questions and being curious.
In their words...
Sally Patch is alway first in and last out of the office. She is the person who everyone turns to and the person who provides the perfect blend of wisdom and energy. Closing in on three decades with our company Sally commands respect, whilst doing so with an enormous amount of care, love and attention to detail.
- Jason Andrew, CEO QLD
Within my 35 years with RW, it's no secret that I am Sally Patch's biggest fan. Her professionalism, her care and genuine empathy goes well beyond the hours that most people accept as work. There is a saying in Ray White Queensland, 'everybody loves Sally Patch'. But at the same time, that love has been earned through her diligence to simply be the best in the market. And she doesn't let, and won't let, anyone down.
She is truly an amazing woman.
- Tony Warland, Queensland director
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.
