Breaking Barriers and Achieving Success in Real Estate
Sue Flynn, a founding partner at Fox's Real Estate, is regarded as a pioneer in the real estate industry. She entered the traditionally male-dominated industry with driven ambition and has emerged as a leader in her field. In a candid interview, Sue shares her journey, the challenges faced by women in the industry, and the qualities that set them apart.
Recent data suggests that men have traditionally held the majority of positions in the real estate industry. But things have changed dramatically in recent years, with an increasing number of women entering and making their mark in this sector. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, the ratio of women working as real estate agents has risen from 15% in the 1950s to 48% in the year 2023. This demonstrates the growing presence and influence of women in the industry.
As one of the original partners in Fox's Real Estate, Sue Flynn understands the significance of encouraging and enabling women in the real estate market. Sue and her husband and business partner, Mick Flynn, are committed to providing equal mentoring and coaching opportunities to all members of the team, regardless of gender. Continuous learning and development efforts foster a culture where everyone can thrive and advance to their fullest potential.
Furthermore, Sue believes in providing equal opportunities and support for female real estate professionals. Fox's Real Estate actively encourages women to pursue leadership positions within the company. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in several successful women at Fox's Real Estate who have advanced in their careers, breaking the glass ceiling and inspiring others to do the same.
Fox's Real Estate also recognises the unique challenges women face in balancing work and family commitments. Sue ensures that the organisation promotes a healthy work-life balance, which employees value. As stated by Sue in our interview, "Fox's Real Estate helps women succeed in their professional and personal lives by fostering a supportive work environment".
"Fox's Real Estate helps women succeed in their professional and personal lives by fostering a supportive work environment".
Sue firmly believes that women bring a diverse range of qualities to the business world, particularly in real estate. Sue states “that women’s unique ability to listen deeply, solve problems, and read cues allows them to build strong connections with clients and provide exceptional service. These qualities, combined with great time management skills, empathy, and resilience, make women an invaluable asset to the industry”.
For potential female real estate agents looking to enter the industry, Sue offers the following advice:
For potential female real estate agents looking to enter the industry, Sue offers the following advice:
Embrace your unique strengths: Recognize the qualities and skills that you bring to the table. Women have a natural ability to empathise, listen deeply, and solve problems, which are essential in building relationships with clients. Embrace these qualities and leverage them to your advantage.
Pursue continual learning: Real estate is a dynamic and ever-changing industry. Commit yourself to continuous learning and professional development. Stay updated on market trends, new technologies, and industry best practices. The more knowledgeable you are, the more value you can provide to your clients and employers.
Set clear goals and have a plan: Define your goals and develop a well-thought-out plan to achieve them. Set both short-term and long-term goals and create actionable steps to reach them. Having a clear direction will help you stay focused and motivated during the early years of your real estate career.
Build a strong support system: Surround yourself with mentors, coaches, and colleagues who believe in your potential. Seek guidance from experienced professionals who can provide valuable insights and advice. Having a supportive network can make a significant difference in your journey.
Be resilient and adaptable: Real estate can be challenging, but it's important to remain resilient and adaptable. Learn from your experiences, embrace failures as learning opportunities, and adapt to changes in the market. Your ability to persevere and adapt will ultimately lead to your success.
Exhibit integrity and trustworthiness when interacting with clients and co-workers. These traits are uncommon in the ever-changing Real Estate industry, but they have the potential to make you invaluable to your company and your clients.
Written By Maddison Cameron
31st May 2023