From leaders whose careers have taken unexpected paths, to young women building confidence, visibility and influence early in their journeys, this year’s event explored the realities behind progress, culture, flexibility and self-belief, and the courage it takes to keep stepping forward, even when fear and doubt are present.

On Monday, 2 March, at Leonda by the Yarra, the Barry Plant International Women’s Day Lunch brought together team members from across Victoria for two insightful panel discussions and a powerful keynote from Emily Wallace, founder of Wallace Advocates.

Across all three sessions, one message rang clear. Leadership is not about fitting a mould. It is about backing yourself, backing others and having the courage to do the hard things, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Hosted by Barry Plant HQ, the first panel featured Lara Drossos from Barry Plant Eastern Group and Candice Hill from Barry Plant Warragul–Drouin. Both were refreshingly honest about the fact their leadership journeys were anything but linear.

“I definitely fell into leadership,” Lara said. “I came into the business without real estate experience and had to go straight into change management. We started small, got quick wins, earned respect – and then we could go big.”

Candice admitted leadership was not something she always saw for herself.

“I never actually thought that I had the personality to be a leader. I thought you had to be more dominant. But I’ve learned that great leaders, especially women, can be kind and assertive at the same time.”

Both spoke candidly about being underestimated in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

“There’s been plenty of times I’ve walked into a room and been considered the assistant,” Candice said. “There’s nothing wrong with being an assistant, but as a director and sales agent, that gendered assumption is frustrating. The most helpful part of that journey has been leaning into who you are. Own your space.”

Lara echoed the importance of strength and self-belief.

“You have to be kind, but also strong and courageous. I’m often the only female in the room, but I have a voice as much as anyone else in the business.”

The discussion also highlighted the importance of culture and flexibility. Candice shared how four-day workweeks and work-from-home options have supported working mothers in her office.

“What we get in return is a sense of accomplishment from women who feel they can be a strong part of the business and still be present for their families.”

For aspiring leaders, the advice was simple. “I don’t think you’re ever 100 per cent ready,” Candice said. “The growth is truly in the stretch. Put your hand up and give it a crack.”

The second panel turned the spotlight to the next generation, with Sofia Lauricella from Barry Plant Essendon and Imogen Hammond from Barry Plant Doreen - Mernda sharing their experiences as young women forging their paths.

Imogen spoke about the power of visibility.

“It’s about being seen. You might meet a young girl who has never seen someone who looks like them in the industry. Just showing them they can do it as well is empowering.”

She also challenged perceptions around so-called ‘soft’ qualities.

“Being empathetic, kind, too soft – those things are actually our strengths in real estate. It’s not just about selling houses; it’s about walking people through separation, financial stress, a death in the family. Holding their hand through the process matters.”

Sofia reinforced the impact of women working behind the scenes.

“We have major influence on campaigns – the brochures, compliance, checklists. Those properties don’t get sold without the teamwork happening behind the scenes.”

When asked about bias, Imogen spoke openly about being judged on age and appearance.

“People often think age equals experience. So I make sure I’m over-prepared. I don’t just walk into an appraisal and wing it. I know everything about the property and the area. It pushes me to be better.”

Her advice to her younger self was grounded and clear.

“Know who you are and what your values are. There’s no one way to succeed in real estate. Work out what it is you want to get out of it and be confident in that.”

Keynote speaker Emily Wallace brought energy, humour and hard truths.

“Fear is the anticipation of pain,” she said. “Whether it’s physical or emotional, it’s the fear of the unknown. We experience it every day in our jobs.”

Sharing her journey from invoicing $37,000 in her first year to surpassing $1 million in annual revenue by year five, she credited discipline and consistency for her growth. Her advice drew laughter across the room.

“You need to get over yourself. Get out of your own way. Nobody cares as much as you think they do.”

She closed with a challenge.

“Consistency means doing the same thing over and over again. Discipline means doing it regardless of how you feel. That’s where success lives.”

Barry Plant CEO Lisa Pennell was thrilled with this year's Barry Plant International Women's Day Lunch.

“This year’s event was again incredibly thought-provoking, as every panellist and speaker shared powerful insights drawn from their own experiences as women in real estate. What was even better was seeing a significantly bigger representation of men in attendance this year.”

“It is critically important that both genders are present for these types of conversations, because equality is everyone’s business and in everyone’s best interest. You can feel the attitudinal shift within both the Barry Plant network and across the industry – and the best way to continue progress is to make sure everyone feels included at these events.”

As conversations continued long after the formalities ended, the tone of the day was unmistakable. Women in real estate are not waiting for permission. They are stepping forward with their male counterparts, speaking up and shaping the future of the industry – together.

Important Conversations at Barry Plant's International Women's Day Lunch