Professionals Real Estate invited 30 of their future leaders from across the country to take part in the group’s annual Thought Leaders program held in Melbourne this month.

The program, part of the group’s succession planning, is led by highly successful mentors from the Professionals’ national network of industry leaders.

The select group of up-and-coming leaders had the opportunity to network and participate in masterclasses with guest presenters including Gavin Mohney, who provided insights into leadership and team performance, and real estate marketing specialist Julia Dyer.

Greg Earney, a third-generation agent, credits the Thought Leaders program for his successful career as Director of Methven Professionals Mooroolbark, Croydon and Mount Evelyn in Victoria.

“About 14 years ago I attended the Professionals’ very first Thought Leaders program and I believe it was instrumental in setting my path,’’ Greg said.

“I attended three or four of the annual events and it was so beneficial to meet people in the same shoes and take part in networking opportunities, and it opened my eyes to what my future could hold.’’

This year Greg attended as a Thought Leaders’ alumni in the roles of MC and mentor.

“I look forward to continuing as a mentor at future events,’’ he said. “It’s a wonderful initiative by Professionals for our younger members who are nominated by someone in their office who sees their potential to reach the next level.

“I think this year’s participants got so much from their attendance by listening to excellent speakers and gaining new skills. To top it off we all had a fabulous social night at the MCG watching the footy.

“The opportunities to network are important because Professionals is a group of genuinely nice and supportive people. At any time in your career, you can pick up the phone and call someone, even in another state, for advice. It really is like a family.’’

Professionals Chief Executive Officer Katherine Gonzalez-Cork said the goal of the program is to nurture the next generation of leaders who will take up the mantle for Professionals.

“Most of the attendees in our Thought Leaders program are central to their agency’s succession plan, so their career projectile has been set,’’ Ms Gonzalez-Cork said. Professionals Real Estate invited 30 of their future leaders from across the country to take part in the group’s annual Thought Leaders program held in Melbourne this month.

The program, part of the group’s succession planning, is led by highly successful mentors from the Professionals’ national network of industry leaders. Professionals Chief Executive Officer Katherine Gonzalez-Cork said the goal of the program is to nurture the next generation of leaders who will take up the mantle for Professionals.

“Being part of this program defines careers and sets the goals of participants. To learn and grow to become a future Thought Leader it is essential to network with the group’s most successful leaders.

“This program not only fosters the attendees’ personal growth within the group but also connects them with mentors who have successfully navigated their own succession process. These mentors are now Professionals’ most accomplished principals, council members, and board directors.’’

Professionals has become Australia’s fastest growing real estate network with the success of its flat- fee membership system, providing its members with a comprehensive suite of tools and support services for their businesses.

The group was established more than 47 years ago in Queensland and now has 170 offices across Australia, with international offices in New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.