Fostering talent today lays the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders.

That’s the astute ethos of not just Ray White Chairman, Brian White, but of Australasia’s largest real estate group as a whole.

In a very special edition of the Elevate podcast, Brian sat down with host Samantha McLean, at Ray White’s recent Leadership Academy, peeling back the layers on the 122-year-old group’s strategic approach to nurturing the next generation of real estate pioneers, building a culture of competitive selling and a focus on always innovating.

Brian also reveals the nuances behind trademarking the term ‘Competition Creators’, why auctions are a core philosophy in the group and why they are not merely a sales tactic, but a driver of market momentum that offers advantages for vendors and buyers.

He also shares insights on The Tesolin Group leader Josh Tesolin’s meteoric rise in the industry, including the traits that foster his success and the principles industry newcomers can adopt to craft their own careers.

Brian and Sam also discuss Ray White’s strategies for tripling its market share in just a few years,  how a culture of excellence propels agents forward, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing real estate practices, and the essential nature of mental resilience for agents navigating market fluctuations.

“Being a family business has a lot of advantages. We are the springboard for our people, and the harder they jump on us, the higher they’re going to go.”

The early years of Active Agents were characterised by a commitment to innovation and client-centric strategies. Tara set out to establish a paperless office, addressing the needs of the Hervey Bay market. Traditional, paper-based applications were replaced with streamlined online systems, making the process more accessible for out-of-area clients.

Initial hurdles included resistance from within the industry and documents requiring physical signatures. However, the introduction of digital signatures and a gradual shift in attitudes towards technology allowed Tara’s innovative approach to flourish. Her priority was clear: to deliver high-level service that benefited landlords and tenants by embracing cutting-edge technology.

Adapting to Market and Regulatory Changes
In a constantly shifting industry, Tara’s ability to adapt has been critical. From navigating COVID-19 challenges to tackling legislative changes in Queensland, including new pet policies, she emphasised proactive communication and education. By prioritising transparent relationships and compliance, Tara has built trust and a strong reputation among property owners.

Harnessing Technology as a Differentiator
The integration of virtual tours has been a significant innovation, enhancing the tenant experience and offering landlords comprehensive insights into properties. As market challenges arose, such advancements helped Active Agents retain a competitive edge.

Customer Service as a Growth Catalyst
Tara attributes much of Active Agents’ growth to tenant referrals—a testament to the company’s exceptional service. By providing genuine assistance and feedback to prospective tenants, even when they weren’t leasing from Active Agents, Tara created brand advocates among tenants.

Looking Ahead: Growth with Purpose
Under Tara’s leadership, Active Agents has grown while maintaining its core values. The addition of a sales department, led by Shane Bradbury, marks a strategic expansion. However, the company remains committed to selective, purpose-driven growth that aligns with its ethos.

Managing Work-Life Balance in a Family Business
Working alongside her husband, Shane, Tara acknowledges the importance of clear boundaries between work and personal life. Strategic communication and prioritising family well-being have been central to managing these dynamics effectively.

Future Prospects and Unyielding Resilience
The next chapter for Active Agents will focus on continued growth, innovation, and maintaining its ethical foundations. Tara’s dedication to exemplary service and adapting to industry changes will remain central to the business’s ongoing success.

Summary
Tara Bradbury’s journey with Active Agents highlights resilience, innovation, and a steadfast vision. Her story offers invaluable lessons for business leaders navigating change. Tara’s advice resonates deeply: never let naysayers define your path; remain true to your vision, ask the right questions, and forge ahead with purpose.

1. Who is Tara Bradbury?
Tara Bradbury is the founder of Active Agents, a real estate agency based in Hervey Bay. She is recognised for her innovative approach to property management and her commitment to leveraging technology to improve client experiences.

2. What is Active Agents?
Active Agents is a boutique real estate agency known for its paperless operations, tenant-focused innovations, and exceptional customer service. The agency recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.

3. What were the challenges Tara faced in the early days of Active Agents?

4. How has technology played a role in Active Agents’ success?
Tara implemented several tech innovations, including:

5. How does Active Agents handle regulatory and market changes?
Tara stays proactive by:

6. What makes Active Agents’ customer service unique?
Active Agents focuses on providing genuine support and advice to all clients, including prospective tenants who may not end up leasing from them. This approach has led to strong tenant referrals, a key driver of the agency’s growth.

7. How has Active Agents expanded its services?
The agency recently introduced a sales department led by Shane Bradbury, focusing on selective and value-aligned growth while maintaining its property management foundations.

8. What challenges does Tara face working with her husband, Shane?
Tara highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, strategic communication, and prioritising family well-being to manage the dynamics of a family-run business.

9. What advice does Tara offer to others in the real estate industry?

10. What are Tara’s plans for the future of Active Agents?
Tara aims to:

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