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Rounding out the first week of our International Women's Day showcase is the formidable Vanessa Rader, our head of research whose 11-year journey with us caps an impressive 25-year career in property research.
The author of numerous published report collections and a sought-after industry voice, Vanessa recently took her expertise global, representing us at prestigious speaking events in Las Vegas.
Known for combining razor-sharp analysis with infectious enthusiasm, she's made a career of turning complex challenges into opportunities and transforming industry conversations with her unique perspective.
The stage is yours, Vanessa!
What piece of advice would you tell your younger self or someone just starting out?
For those starting out, don't be afraid to tackle big or difficult tasks. Break them down into manageable chunks and trust in your abilities. The sense of accomplishment when completing projects that others find challenging is unmatched. Over your nearly 10 years here, what moments or achievements have made you most proud to be part of this organisation?
In my 11 years here, one of my proudest achievements was creating annual books compiling all my published reports. Several of these books, each containing around 65 reports, are still in the library today. I'm particularly proud that I was given full control over the content and direction of these reports, with my analysis being considered the house view. This level of flexibility and responsibility was incredibly rewarding. More recently, representing Ray White at speaking events in Las Vegas, no doubt will be a memorable milestone. What’s the number one challenge you’ve faced, as a woman, in your exceptional career?
The male-dominated nature of commercial property has always been a challenge. However, I've always operated with the confidence that comes from having comprehensive knowledge of commercial property markets. Throughout my 25-year property research career, I've had some interesting debates with people who underestimated me – it's been a recurring theme, but one I've learned to handle and quite frankly enjoy.
This International Women's Day, what message would you like to share with other women about building a long-term career they love? The key is finding what you truly love. I wouldn't have achieved such longevity in my career if I didn't genuinely love what I do. Everyone's path to finding their ultimate career is different – some journeys are long and complex, while others, like mine, are more straightforward. I was fortunate to start early, systematically eliminating career options before many of my peers had even begun their first jobs. In their words...
The most valuable lesson I've learned from Vanessa is the power of combining excellence with enthusiasm. While she's an exceptionally talented researcher, what truly sets her apart is how she channels her passion into uplifting our entire team. She's shown me that individual brilliance reaches its full potential when paired with genuine support for colleagues. Her unwavering commitment to our shared goals has transformed how I approach collaboration
- Nerida Conisbee, chief economist
It was around 10 in the morning when Channel 7 called me to be on live TV that same afternoon for my Valentine's Day story. I'd never done live TV before, so I was pretty nervous. When I asked Vanessa how she would prepare, her answer caught me off guard. She just told me to go home and take it easy for the afternoon. This moment sticks with me because it taught me something really important - there's a kind of power in just letting yourself be calm. Vanessa showed me that being stressed all the time isn't some badge of honour or necessary for doing well. Sometimes the best way to prepare is just giving yourself permission to chill out and trust that you've got this.
- Atom Go Tian, senior data analyst
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!
