As the global community commemorates International Women's Day, CEO of Turner Real Estate, Emma Slape, generously shares her insights, triumphs and experiences of being a leader, offering a compelling glimpse into the remarkable journey that has shaped her career.

In our recent conversation with Emma, she delves into the intricacies of her leadership approach, shedding light on the strategies and principles that have contributed to her success. From navigating industry complexities to breaking barriers traditionally faced by women in leadership.

Q: As a woman in business, have you faced any specific challenges? How did you overcome them?  

A: The battle of work-life balance never ends, however there has been a lot of change in this area in the past few years and I believe businesses are still focused on executive positions being more flexible.

I was fortunate to have a husband working part-time to help with the juggle with a young family and keep my career growth progressing.

Q: Can you share a memorable success or achievement in your business journey and the lessons learned?

 A: Since joining Turner Real Estate, the business has doubled in size. This has presented a lot of challenges, but it’s also opened our business to more diversity in both our client base as well as the team. All of my Team Leaders have been promoted internally, and I always look to give all of the team the next opportunity when they are ready. 

Being able to offer more in a larger business has given stability and longevity to our wider team.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style? Are there specific principles or values that guide your leadership?

A: Whenever the team wants to workshop a problem, I always ask for their answer first to encourage critical thinking and empower them to make strong decisions.

Q: Have you faced any gender-related biases or stereotypes in your leadership role? How have you addressed them?

A: Starting in real estate 20 years ago, there was much more of a male presence in leadership. However, some of the best mentors and people to encourage me in this field have been males, and I feel very fortunate for that support and the opportunities I’ve had.

Q: Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your entrepreneurial journey? How did their guidance impact your decisions?

A: Being part of an active executive network has been really important. Leadership can be a lonely journey at times and having this cheer-squad in your corner is both valuable to support and also challenge you. 

Meeting the group, all as leaders is important too, as you form your relationship based on business first, (but friendship quickly follows). These groups also keep you accountable.

Q: How do you view the importance of mentorship for women in business, and have you been involved in mentoring others?

A: All business leaders should value having mentors and these people can change during your journey as well. I have received just as much from mentoring others, and I’m still proudly involved with many women who have worked with me over the years–even if they are in different industries or workplaces.

Q: In your opinion, what can businesses do to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the workplace?

A: Each workplace is different and recognising this is important. There isn’t a one-size fits all. Any flexibility needs to be there for all employees to be balanced and be accepted and knowing more about a team member’s life is also important to give that balance, (without being intrusive).

Often when you know a little more about someone and what would make a difference to their day-to-day life, you can find the magic piece that gives them a better work environment, whilst achieving an important balance in their home life too.

Q: How can individuals contribute to fostering a more equal workplace?

A: Real estate can offer an incredible lifestyle that is busy but can be more flexible than many corporate or office-based roles and over the years, I have seen people use this to their advantage to enjoy the workplace and also achieve personal success either with their family, in sporting arenas or even in other corporate areas such as Board Directorships and community roles.

Q: Balancing work and personal life can be challenging. Can you share some strategies or tips you use to strike that balance effectively?

A: After having a family, I certainly know that every part of your life needs to be included in your plan. Also, those time pressures can make you more focused on tasks to get more done every day. 

Keeping fit is important to me, so I do this in the morning and generally avoid early morning breakfast meetings. That also allows me to miss peak hour traffic, and work much longer in the day when I find more distractions are removed and I work until I’m done without the pressure of finishing at a certain time.

Q: What advice would you give to women who aspire to start their own business? Are there any lessons from your journey that you wish someone had shared with you earlier?

A: Be focused on limited services and nail that first. People will always ask if you can do this or that–but use your referral network to cover those and focus on your core offering, especially until you build momentum and success.

Q: Are there specific skills or qualities you believe are crucial for female entrepreneurs to cultivate?

A: Networking and selling yourself. You always need to have a pipeline of work and connecting with like-minded businesses are important to this success.

Q: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave through your contributions to your industry or community?

A: My philosophy is that industry is always stronger together so thinking more broadly and working with property professionals has always been a focus of mine.

Q: How do you see your role in paving the way for future generations of women in business?

A: I’d like to show people the diversity of what a career in property can look like–for newcomers to the industry or those wanting to achieve more.

All leaders have a role to play in identifying people’s strengths and coaching through learning experiences and I hope that I have offered that to people that I have worked with through the journey.

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Conversation: Emma Slape, the dynamic CEO of Turner Real Estate