Equality, mentorship and resilience - the secret sauce to winning listings

In real estate, there’s a saying that every sale has a story—and often, agents become part of that story.

For Liana Power from Ray White Upper North Shore, these stories extend beyond her clients to her colleagues, shaping a work culture that’s supportive, resilient, and inclusive. Fostering peer support and mentorship is as vital as creating connections with clients. By building each other up, agents not only perform better individually but also create a team that thrives even in challenging markets.

Liana’s path to real estate began with her own rollercoaster experience as a buyer and seller, where she saw firsthand the importance of empathy in every step of the process.

"It’s not just a transaction at the end of the day—there’s a lot of emotion involved.

Whether clients are upgrading, downsizing, or purchasing their first home, Liana knows each move represents a significant life milestone, sometimes even carrying generations of family history. This understanding fuels her passion for supporting clients through their journeys, but it’s also a guiding principle she brings to her work culture, believing that agents too need a solid network of support to excel in such a high-stakes, emotionally charged industry.

At Ray White Upper North Shore, this supportive atmosphere is more than just a buzzword—it’s a core aspect of the team culture. “I’d recommend really relying on your peers,” she says, highlighting the value of a balanced, collaborative environment where agents can reach out to one another.

Liana believes that mentorship within a real estate team is key to building resilience, especially for agents facing the ups and downs of today’s tough market. “We work in an industry where we’re constantly meeting client expectations, handling big emotions, and sometimes dealing with unforeseen market changes,” she explains. “Having a team that can lean on one another creates a foundation of trust and support, which ultimately translates into better outcomes for our clients.”

Peer support isn’t just about tackling market hurdles, it’s also a way to cultivate confidence, sharpen skills, and build an inclusive environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.

Addressing gender disparity: Real Estate’s wage gap

Although Ray White champions equal opportunity and diversity, the real estate industry as a whole has notable gaps in gender equality. According to data from Australia’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), the gender wage gap in real estate is 33.6 percent, considerably higher than the national average of 21 percent. This disparity exists despite the workforce in real estate being nearly evenly split—52 percent women and 48 percent men. However, the boardroom tells a different story, with men occupying a disproportionately larger share of the highest-paying roles.

In fact, WGEA data shows that in the top quartile of earners in real estate, who make an average of $313,000 per year, women represent only 34 percent compared to men’s 66 percent. This mirrors broader national trends, where women occupy 35 percent of top-earning positions while men hold 65 percent.

These statistics underline the importance of a proactive approach toward equality, and Liana is proud to work in an organisation that embraces this commitment to gender equity.

“We very much run an equal business,” Liana says, highlighting Ray White’s culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and shared success. In an industry traditionally led by men, Liana believes in setting an example for women in real estate by demonstrating that success isn’t just about individual ambition but also about fostering a network that uplifts everyone.

Liana encourages agents, regardless of gender, to connect with their peers, learn from one another, and embrace mentorship as a path to growth.

"The beauty of our team. Is that everyone brings unique strengths, and when we come together, those strengths amplify our success."

Supporting newcomers and experienced agents

For agents just entering the field, or those transitioning through different roles, a supportive, inclusive environment can make all the difference. Liana’s team is encouraged to openly discuss challenges, share insights, and lend a hand when needed, creating a sense of camaraderie that boosts everyone’s morale.

“Sometimes, simply having a colleague to bounce ideas off or talk through a difficult negotiation makes a huge difference,” she notes. This culture of openness allows agents to grow with confidence, knowing they’re part of a team that values and supports each individual’s journey.

In today’s market of rising interest rates, buyer’s market dynamics, and the emotional weight of each transaction, agent resilience is critical.

For Liana and her team at Ray White Upper North Shore, resilience is something you build together, not alone. By fostering a culture of mentorship, equal opportunity, and peer support, they’re setting a standard for what a modern real estate team should look like—one that’s adaptable, inclusive, and prepared to succeed together, no matter what the market brings.