On Friday, March 8th, International Women’s Day will be celebrated across the globe, with this year’s focus on the pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls everywhere.
We asked Sarah Case, Annabelle Feng, Lily Passarelli, Candace Smith, Vicki Sayers, and Taylah Cagalj a series of questions, including who inspired them and what they believe is the key to financial empowerment for women.
From Taylor Swift to Princess Diana and Rosa Parks, some admirable global role models inspire RT Edgar’s leading female sales agents and property managers; however, all the women we chatted to were unanimous in that it was their mothers who had the most influence on paving the way to them achieving financial independence.
We also asked them what the most important qualities are for being a good female role model. The words empathy, resilience, authenticity, confidence, and respectfulness are strongly featured.
And as for the best financial advice received from a woman? We received some interesting responses from ‘marry someone rich’ to ‘don’t rely on a man for financial security’. However, Sarah Case probably summed it up best: “In my mid-20s, when I started earning reasonable money, my esteemed older client, who subsequently became a good friend, said, ‘Stop wasting money on shoes, handbags, and cars, buy a house darling’. Great advice!”
Read all of our participants responses here:
Sarah Case, Director
RT Edgar Toorak
Inspiration
My mother is still the most inspiring woman I know. Growing up, I watched first-hand how hard she and my father worked – six and seven days a week each – to provide a better life for us in a small country town. I was lucky enough to receive a private boarding school education, an opportunity they never had. I can’t remember my mum complaining or telling me that I ‘can’t or won’t be able to do that’. She has always had a ‘can do’ attitude. Mum always encouraged me to forge my own path, always be true to myself, be that colourful and outgoing person and to never, ever, change who I really am. She told me to learn from my mistakes and always treat people how I would want to be treated.
Role Models/Mentors
Some fabulous women I have met through work over the years that have inspired me and I admire so much are: Good friend and philanthropist Susan Harris; she is the most divine and unassuming human who does so much for local charities, including Epworth Freemason Maternity, Coeliac Foundation, Salvation Army, The Smith Family and The Alfred foundation – just to name a few. She is a true inspiration to me and has changed many lives with her ongoing and unwavering support of those in need. Wendy Stops is a real go-getter and is on numerous boards, but one, Fitted for Work, is a tremendous organisation. It helps women experiencing disadvantage to get work, keep work, and navigate their world of work. One of the most dynamic women I have had the pleasure of meeting is Peta Credlin. She has been in the thick of politics and now just says it how it is, which is so refreshing; she doesn’t care what others think!
Role Models’ Key Qualities
Firstly, to be open to change and a good listener. Secondly, empathy towards others is critical; thirdly, resilience in the face of challenges for women is paramount.
Achieving Financial Empowerment
Our government is making it increasingly difficult to build a property portfolio. However, one positive is that we are not taxed on our principal place of residence. I hope this never changes. Although we have one of the highest stamp duties in the world, the Melbourne real estate market is one of the strongest and most consistent. Investing in property is a very safe bet, and you can hopefully have long-term equity growth in your home that you can leverage for further property gain.
Best Financial Advice Given by a Woman
Starting out, real estate can be a roller coaster with sales. Some months, you are up, and properties are listing and selling; other months, not so much. Not great when you are young and not on a regular wage. A top female executive said to me one day in my mid-20s: “You are good enough. You work harder than your competitors, so back yourself in, never doubt your abilities and do it your unique way “. I’ve never forgotten it.
Annabelle Feng, Director
RT Edgar Boroondara
Inspiration
My mother is the most inspiring woman I know. During the 1950s, she faced tremendous hardship when her sister, brother, and mother passed away due to starvation. Furthermore, her father left to go to another province far away, and she barely had any communication. Despite these challenges, she remained strong and resilient. To this day, I still look up to her.
Role Models/Mentors
I believe Princess Diana was the world’s most inspirational woman. The greatest lesson that we can take from her life is that, with courage and honesty, our vulnerabilities and weaknesses can be turned into our greatest strengths. My favourite story about Princess Diana is when she visited the hospital and shook hands with the many doctors and nurses who treated patients with HIV/AIDS. What shocked the public was when she sat on the bed of a man with HIV/AIDS and held his hand. I think holding the patient’s hand reaffirmed Diana’s courage and kindness as an inspirational woman.
Role Model’s Key Qualities
Independence; Humbleness; Resilience.
Achieving Financial Empowerment
Equity and Wealth Building: Property ownership allows individuals to build equity over time as they pay down their mortgage. Property values generally appreciate, so homeowners may accumulate wealth through real estate investments. Owning a home can provide a sense of stability and security. It can offer protection against rising rental costs and provide a stable living environment for families.
Best Financial Advice Given by a Woman
I have received a lot of solid financial advice; however, the number one on my list is to build an emergency fund. Many financial advisors, including women in the field, often stress the importance of having an emergency fund. This fund can provide a financial safety net in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies, helping to avoid debt and financial stress.
Vicki Sayers, Director
RT Edgar Mount Eliza
Inspiration
My mother has been an inspiration to me. She has always had a career and never shied away from a challenge. She has owned her own retail business, had a clothing design business, worked in gyms selling to corporate clients, and finished her working life as a successful insurance broker, which was predominantly a man’s world. She also managed to buy and sell homes throughout this time and completed her Agents Representative course.
Role Models/Mentors
We are often looking for someone to represent women, and there are many great women in politics, environmental advocates, writers and artists. I can’t single out one. I have been following two women lately: Ellidy Pullin and Holly Ringwood. After the tragic loss of her partner, Olympic snowboarder ‘Chumpy’ Pullin, Ellidy has created a life, literally, by giving birth to his child and has a community around her that is giving her daughter an incredible extended loving family, whilst also building a career and helping young women who have lost a partner too soon. The Holly Ringland book The Seven Skins of Ester Wilding has profoundly affected me, leading to decisions and insights I never expected to have.
Also, Amanda Haimona had her own real estate business locally when I met her, and our eldest children started prep together. She inspired me and supported me in my transition from my health career to real estate. When unsure what to do next, I often called her for advice. She was very encouraging. There were not many women in real estate then.
Role Model’s Key Qualities
Authenticity and humility; Self-awareness; Positivity and confidence.
Achieving Financial Empowerment
Property ownership, for anyone, is key to financial empowerment. I know quite a few women with the skill set to project manage a renovation and style a home, increasing its value. After selling, they move on to the next one, providing them with a good income. Many others have bought investment properties, allowing them to increase their wealth.
Best Financial Advice Given by a Woman
Don’t rely on a man for financial security. Having a career you love and work hard at will come with rewards and provide options and independence. Whilst this may contribute to the family overall, it will also allow you to have options on your terms, which is empowering.
Candace Smith, Sales Agent
RT Edgar Bellarine
Inspiration
My Mother is by far the most inspiring person I know. She is my rock, my ‘ride-or-die’ and the person who I know I can always rely on, no matter what. Mum is beautiful, strong, resilient, kind, loyal, fun, and intelligent – so I thank her for passing these qualities onto me (wink-wink!).
Role Models/Mentors
There are so many influential women who come to my mind. However, one, in particular, has recently stood out to me. The positive impact Taylor Swift has had on the world has been astonishing. Not only is she an incredible performer/musician, but she has also used her fame to stand up for what she believes in and address specific issues many people don’t have the courage to do.
I didn’t have a particular mentor/role model when I started in real estate; I was surrounded by male colleagues who were great mentors. However, I am now surrounded by incredible women I love working with.
Role Model’s Key Qualities
I believe that no matter what gender you are, these three qualities are required to be a good role model: 1. Self-awareness, humility, and empathy. 2. Having a positive attitude; and 3. Being respectful.
Best Financial Advice Given by a Woman
Don’t live outside of your means.
Taylah Cagalj, Business Development & Leasing Manager
RT Edgar Toorak
Inspiration
The most inspiring woman I know personally is my mother. She embodies strength in every sense of the word. Not only is she physically strong, but her resilience and unwavering determination to overcome any obstacle inspire me daily. What sets my mother apart is her selflessness. She always puts others before herself and ensures everyone around her is okay. Whether lending a helping hand to a neighbour in need or actively participating in community initiatives, she embodies the true spirit of compassion and generosity. Even in the face of adversity or challenges, my mother remains composed and positive. No matter the situation, she will never let stress or emotions take over, which inspires me, and I am endlessly grateful to have her in my life.
Role Models/Mentors
On the world stage, I find Angela Jolie an inspiring role model. She's involved in humanitarian work and is an activist for human and women's rights and gender equality. She uses her platform to raise awareness about important issues. She donates a lot of her money to charity, shows so much courage and resilience in her personal life, and is committed to positively impacting the world.
Closer to home, my mentor's name is Zana. She has been a guiding light in many aspects of my life. She emphasizes a holistic approach to health, including meditation, breathwork, exercise, nutrition, and mental well-being. Zana has underscored the importance of self-care, especially in a fast-paced and demanding industry where work can easily overshadow health. Having someone like her, uninvolved in the industry, to rely on for guidance and support is invaluable.
Role Model's Key Qualities
Empathy; Resilience; and Integrity.
Achieving Financial Empowerment
Owning property can provide various financial benefits, such as building equity, generating rental income, and potentially gaining property appreciation over time. Moreover, property ownership can offer stability and security, especially regarding housing.
Best Financial Advice Given by a Woman
Keep expanding your knowledge about finance, and don't hesitate to invest. Remember, you don't have to depend on men to achieve financial success. Trust in your abilities and take charge of your financial future.
Lily Passarelli, Senior Property Manager
RT Edgar Northside
Inspiration
My mother immigrated to Australia when she was only 17, without the support of her parents, and managed to raise me and my sister. Even though she endured some very difficult challenges, she was always encouraging, caring, and resilient.
Role Models/Mentors
The woman I find most influential worldwide role model is Rosa Parks, for her heroic act in Alabama, USA, in 1955. She demonstrated courage and belief and became a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement.
As far as a mentor goes, I did have a friend who, in similar circumstances, got into the real estate industry. I exercised my options after becoming a single parent. I researched roles that were known to have longevity.
Role Model’s Key Qualities
Authenticity; Confidence; and Knowledge.
Best Financial Advice Given by a Woman
Marry someone rich (LOL)!
