GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

On 21 May 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic - no co-pilot, no shortcuts, just focus and follow-through. Her achievement wasn’t just about flight; it was about proving that women could lead, take risks, and break ground in male-dominated fields. In business, that spirit still matters. For women carving out their own path, whether launching a company, leading a team, or reshaping an industry, Amelia’s legacy is a reminder: you don’t need permission to go first.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 36 seconds

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PROFILE

Leading with heart, not hype

The boutique brand that just hit $1 Billion

Forget the fanfare. When Stefanie Dobro launched White House Property Partners in 2019, there was no ribbon-cutting, no media blitz, just a clear vision, and a commitment to values over volume. Fast-forward five years, and the boutique WA agency has just passed $1 billion in sales. Stefanie’s reaction? Reluctant celebration.

“I don’t want to be going, ‘Look at me,’” she says. “I want people to know you don’t need that ego-driven, alpha approach to succeed. You can lead with empathy and still kick ass.”

Values, not volume

The White House brand is light, welcoming, and unpretentious, which is a direct extension of Stefanie’s personality. But beneath the aesthetic is a deeper commitment: to create a values-led business where authenticity drives every decision. Recruitment? It’s not about numbers, she says, it’s about alignment.

“I only want people who share our standards and genuinely put the client first,” she explains.

That culture has bred not just internal loyalty but serious client trust. With six sales agents, two associates, and a growing property management team, Stefanie’s “slow and steady” approach has proved that growth doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.

Leadership without the labels

Forget KPIs and command-and-control. Stefanie leads with empathy and curiosity, hosting regular one-on-one business development sessions that address both personal and professional wellbeing.

“We don’t call them accountability meetings. We talk about what’s going on—at home and at work,” she says.

The result? A team that’s emotionally safe, strategically sharp, and fiercely committed. She jokes they’re “not a family” (because not everyone likes theirs), but the culture is one of mutual respect and high standards.

The power of staying true

Before launching White House, Stefanie was a shareholder at another agency. But a values mismatch made her rethink everything. She didn’t just walk away from a title, she walked toward a business model that felt true to her.

“It was scary,” she says of that first solo open home. “But I trusted the signs. The building, the logo … it all lined up.”

Now, five years in, she’s quietly proving that integrity and impact aren’t mutually exclusive.

Her message to other would-be founders? Start slow. Know your why. And don’t try to be someone you’re not.

“There’s enough business out there for everyone who wants to do the work,” she says. “If you’re authentic, the right people will find you.”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday we discussed why admitting you don’t know can make you a better leader.

DEPT OF RENT, RELOCATE, REPEAT

Aussies weigh up pay, rent, and a change of postcode

More than half of Aussie workers are eyeing an interstate move to stretch their pay further, according to fresh data from Robert Walters. With wages lagging behind inflation and everyday costs piling up, many are finding themselves $3,000 out of pocket, even after a raise. Over a million people now work multiple jobs just to keep up. NSW leads the country in salary gripes, despite having some of the biggest pay packets.

DEPT OF HOUSING

NSW housing reforms show progress but still below target

The NSW Government has sped up planning approvals by 15% and increased housing applications by 28% compared to last year. With over 70,000 homes currently under construction, the state leads Australia in building activity. However, despite ambitious programs like the Low and Mid Rise policy and Transport-Oriented Development initiative, Australia is still projected to fall 262,000 homes short of its 1.2 million target by 2029.

DEPT OF AI

AI’s not just talk anymore, it’s renovating bathrooms and writing listings

The AI era in real estate has officially left the chat and entered your open home. Europe just passed the world’s first AI law (yes, it affects you), Zillow’s turning flat photos into full-blown 3D showcases, and renovation apps are pitching design ideas before the buyer blinks. Venture capitalists are throwing big bucks at bots that handle leasing and inspections, and Redfin’s AI is house-hunting with built-in legal filters. The bottom line? The future isn’t coming, it’s already busy doing your admin.

CELEBRITY HOMES

The $30M Skyhouse penthouse once eyed by Nicole Kidman is up for grabs

The Skyhouse, a palatial penthouse crowning Harry Seidler’s The Cove in Sydney’s The Rocks, is on the market for $30 million. Spread across three levels with sweeping harbour views, it features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a rooftop terrace styled like a superyacht, and wellness amenities including an ice bath, steam room and infrared sauna. With past interest from Nicole Kidman and John Symond, this sky-high stunner offers one of the rarest views in Sydney, both the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from a single rooftop.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Harcourts International makes a big leadership change

Paul Wright steps down after 40 years as co-owner and director, with Mike Green and family extending their ownership stake alongside new shareholders including Adrian Knowles, Bryan Thomson, and Jo Clifford. More here.

Michael Willems takes ownership of Ray White Main Beach

The industry veteran with four decades of experience will lead the office alongside his wife Dayna, bringing their deep connection to the local community. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

No one does a five-minute glam like a real estate agent who just got a surprise buyer inspection. Lipstick in one hand, keys in the other.🤦🏻‍♀️ 💄

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Wishing you a productive day!

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