Elodie Allegret and Michelle Flanagan are leading Realmark Commercial’s Asset Management Team continuing Realmark’s proud tradition of promoting women in leadership.
Elodie Allegret and Michelle Flanagan are two highly regarded asset managers in the property industry who have a combined 30 years of experience both within Australia and around the world. After joining the Realmark business are leading their teams and contributing to growth whilst also working together to advocate for inclusion and equality in the property industry.
Elodie Allegret has had a professional property career spanning across several countries including Malaysia, Singapore, France and Australia working across residential developments and commercial industries. Elodie in her role as an asset manager has always focused on building relationships with the people that use the property, as well as the people that own those properties. She brings a high degree of empathy and care, and a unique approach founded in her values.
As a mother of three Mrs Allegret knows first hand the challenges of balancing family with a career in property when she felt she had to leave the industry due to her family commitments. Previously workplaces in property were not flexible enough to work around family commitments and like many others in the industry Mrs Allegret recognises that the industry has changed, that organisations are celebrating and championing inclusion and flexibility to ensure a healthier workplace and better outcomes for businesses, owners and other stakeholders.
“I think work/life balance is so important for many working people who have children. Realmark champions those who have something to offer and contribute to the industry and seek to achieve their best outcomes for their clients and in their career, whilst also supporting their team by ’listening to our ideas and providing flexibility and equal opportunities, be it male or female to thrive in the industry” said Mrs Allegret.
Since joining Realmark, Mrs Allegret has contributed to the expansion of the Asset Management team to 14 team members, developing an expanding portfolio of diversified managements appointments from both Australian and International corporate Private and Institutions.
Mrs Allegret said “I always enjoy a challenge and the industry can be at times, especially in recent years where the landscape was everchanging and traditional paradigms in property challenged. I wanted to continue to manage assets with a high degree of skill as well as care despite the challenging and changing times. At Realmark I have been able to lead and share my experience and contribute to organisational change. Supporting new asset managers and sharing my knowledge with other young men and women has been very rewarding, some who have come from other areas of property as well as those from other industries.”
Elodie collaborates in this leadership role with Michelle Flanagan. Ms Flanagan is in her tenth year within the property industry starting out as a Guest Services Manager for a neighbourhood shopping centre, progressing through property roles, to work on site at a benchmarked Perth CBD mixed use precinct, undertaking a major retail redevelopment. She has extensive knowledge of the retail industry and what it means to be a retailer, spring boarding her career into Retail Asset Management at Realmark.
Ms Flanagan believes having a strong female mentor has helped her within the property industry and navigate the workplace challenges faced by women in the industry as well as managing assets with a high degree of skill and empathy.
“No day is ever the same working in Asset Management. I have had various female leaders over the years who believed in my capabilities, more than what I had for myself. Watching and learning from them and having them push me and give me the opportunity to grow is something I am so grateful for. I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am without them. Ensuring you have a mentor, be it male or female, in both your personal and professional life is vital for success.”
Michele aspires, with Elodie, to build a resilient diverse team, who collaborate with each other as well as the leasing and sales team, to achieve the best outcomes for clients whilst supporting each other professionally and personally.
“Realmark provided me with a seat at the table. They identified a need for more females in leadership roles. Leadership needs to be about your ability, your passion and your knowledge.” said Ms Flanagan.
As a major WA employer of women in the property sector, Realmark has always advanced opportunities for talented people to realise their potential both professionally and personally. Gender balance and inclusion compliments the authentic and empathetic approach Realmark provides in property sales, leasing and management services.
Realmark, is leading the charge with ensuring their workplace provides a balanced environment for both men and women property professionals with women occupying significant leadership and business ownership roles across the group in commercial and residential property.
Anita Percudani, is Realmark’s co-founder and executive director, who was a finalist in The Telstra Business Women’s Awards program and is recognised for her achievements in the property industry for over 30 years.
Mrs Percudani said “Realmark provides great diversity where inspired women can pursue their career aspirations. Realmark is committed to helping women explore their full potential with networking and mentoring opportunities, we attract talented individuals and nurture their career path.”
Mrs Percudani noted that support and inclusion initiatives such as wellness days, flexible working arrangements, supporting new parents to transition back from maternity leave, as well as providing training and mentoring across the team and in particular for those in leadership roles were critical to achieving this outcome.
Mrs Percudani explained “International Women’s Day is always an important time to stake stock, and reflect on how we support women to achieve their personal and professional aspirations. At Realmark we recognise those who are leading and contributing to others, and Elodie and Michelle are great examples of the women at Realmark who inspire me and the team in their tenacity and eagerness to grow.”
Anita recognised that the industry needs to shine a light on those who care for properties day to day in asset management as well as support staff to transactional roles to be championed and recognised for their valuable contribution they make. Realmark leverages its diverse team, skills and experience across the board to the advantage of their clients and the industry as a whole.