2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
Community. Connection. Integrity. It’s upon these values that Principal Rachel Lawrie has founded Stadium Real Estate. Leading her exceptional team with energy and passion, Rachel is setting new standards in the real estate industry.
A true professional, Rachel’s exemplary standards mean she’s no stranger to success, with a former elite career as one of Australia’s most diverse marine biologists. Transitioning to real estate in 2013, Rachel has brought her thirst for knowledge and continual drive for improvement to the sector. She’s constantly looking to undergo training and hone her skills in leadership, negotiation, marketing, sales and property management.
First-class service is a non-negotiable for Rachel, who is a former winner of the South Australia Community Achievement award. Dedicated to serving clients and the community with respect, care and honesty, Rachel is deeply committed to exceeding the expectations of every client. A great believer in transparency and being accountable, what you see is what you get with Rachel. She instils a strong sense of integrity and honour in her team that informs every action and decision.
Family is number-one for Rachel, and business comes a close second, with both of her daughters involved in Stadium Real Estate. Proud mum Rachel loves nothing more than spending time with her daughters at sports events, travelling and, of course, a bit of well-earned retail therapy.
// Favourite inspirational quote
“For life is the mirror of king and slave, ‘Tis just what we are and do;
Then give to the world the best that you have, And the best will come back to you.”
// Let’s get to know you
My genuine personality is a signature strength that has paved the way for my professional career and allowed me to take an unconventional journey to become Principal at Ray White North Adelaide.
Prior to entering real estate, I had a colourful career spanning marine biology and professional horse riding where I was responsible for world firsts (in-sea abalone farms) and achieved multiple royal show championships (riding ponies, galloways and hacks). As a marine biologist I learned to adapt to new circumstances quickly, finding unique solutions to export live products – thinking on your feet has been a key skill for my work as an agent. I’m malleable, and can easily work with different personalities, largely shaped by 35 years of horse riding. My strengths in discipline, resilience and structure were honed in these jobs and most notably, my thoroughness in preparation (I’m the first to admit I leave nothing to chance).
I’ve been in the real estate industry for 13 years and I pride myself on my distinctly bold approach to property sales, customer service and team culture. I’ve always said ‘I bring the country girl into real estate’, I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not, and I’ve built rapport and respect amongst my peers for these traits. This also extends into my work as a community leader, where I have sponsored local initiatives, organised charity sporting events and contributed over $700,000 to causes close to my heart. I’m a proud business owner and thankful for the experiences that have laid the foundations for my real estate career and defined who I am today.
// What is your goal or intention for the year ahead? And how are you going to achieve it?
This year marks 10 years of community involvement and I want to see at least $100,000 go back into the community through business fundraising efforts and referrals.
To meet this target, throughout the year I will be organising a series of fundraising events; movie night, celebrity cricket match, continuing our community referral program and Little Ray of Giving collections. In addition, we’ll be celebrating our 10 year milestone in the media, partnering with Sports Entertainment Network radio to showcase sporting greats and those who have supported me with fundraising events. Clubs will be invited to nominate champions in their community to share their story – fully sponsored by Ray White North Adelaide.
Organising these events is important to me, as this year will be a celebration of what I’ve achieved over the past decade, not only with my health and family, but my genuine ability to give back to those who have supported me. I want to raise awareness that you can run a successful business, live well and support your community. I want to leave a legacy to my girls, and for them to be proud of what I’ve achieved in their community, and I would challenge you to find another small business owner who has consistently contributed to the community, to the extent I have.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I want to be a Woman to Watch in 2024 to show young women what is possible in real estate, and that you can break with tradition to forge a successful career and stay true to your values. I’m known for my bold approach in the real estate industry, implementing distinct and innovative marketing strategies. I differentiate myself as a service-based business, with a hands-on approach that ensures clients are well-informed and supported through every stage of the selling process, up to and including auction. I go above and beyond for my clients, I work seven days a week and while I charge higher fees than most agents, I consistently prove my worth through successful sales.
My ability to do things differently is inherent, and my commitment to community has been a cornerstone of my values. For the last decade I’ve proudly contributed over $700,000 to local initiatives and organisations, including Childhood Cancer Association, Foodbank SA/NT, Australian Lions Hearing Dogs and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation. My community engagement has extended beyond financial contributions, with my participation in charity cricket matches, game day activations for local teams including Port Adelaide Football Club, Port Power Football Club Adelaide United, North Adelaide Football Club, and West Adelaide Women’s Soccer Club. I’ve also supported the local homeless community, organised Foodbank fundraisers and participated in collections like Little Ray of Giving.
Community connections are important to me and are embedded in my business operations. If someone from a particular club or charity refers business to us, we give a proportion of our professional fee back to them. For me, this is a testament to the power of community and the reciprocity and support that provide the foundations for local businesses to thrive.
// What are the challenges that you have faced previously? What challenges may you face this year to reach your 2024 aspirations?
Being a sole female principal in a male-dominated industry is hard work. This has been my number one challenge to date.
Looking ahead to 2024, I’m conscious of the cost of living, rising inflation and interest rate rises and the impact this is having on employee retention. The reality is people need higher wages and as a small business owner in real estate this is hard. It’s highly competitive to attract good employees and big businesses can pay big dollars. I’m resigned to the fact that I can’t compete with the big end of town on wages, and if someone is offered more money, you’ve got to let them go. You can’t ask them to stay for less.
This is why culture is such a strong driver for my business. Traditional real estate business models focus on turning over the numbers, whereas mine is service based to get a higher professional fee. I’m proud that I stay true to my values, yet am very aware of the external pressures that may impact on the business and my goals for the year ahead.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
I’d love to see more female principals. There’s not many of us out there. We’re seeing more female real estate agents, but I’d love to see more women get into the auction space and not be fearful, because it does make your businesses more efficient.
People need to see more genuine real estate agents and great young females excelling with energy. There’s value in leading the way and setting an example for professional women that you don’t have to be a dominant person like myself, if you put in a good service with high moral and ethical standards, you’ll do well because people will see it.
This will go a long way in breaking traditional perceptions of agents especially when, for far too long, we’ve been compared to car salesmen. To do this there needs to be accountability – the community needs to hold professionals accountable to their standards, especially when it comes to support. You see this play out spectacularly in regional areas, where towns support their local club in times of need and the favour is returned. There’s an energy that builds when you support community organisations or a charity you feel close to. Emotionally and morally, you see the benefits and that’s what I get a real kick out of. A recent example was with the Gaza Sports and Community Club. They were one of the earliest clubs I sponsored, and when they were in strife I backed them, helping with funding to get them back on track. They had a wonderful outcome which I’m extremely proud of, a new committee made up entirely of women, and a female president. I’d love to see more people find their passion in the community, embrace it, work together and be there when they need you most.
Get in touch with Rachel:
LinkedIn: Rachel Lawrie
Website: www.raywhitenorthadelaide.com.au
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.
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