1. Please provide an overview of your career to date.
I have built my career in commercial real estate over 20 + years. I started at CBRE, moved to London for five years and when I returned, I joined Knight Frank where, I was Head of Asset Management and Executive Director. In that role I over saw the asset management business across Australia and led a team of over 400 operators. I left Knight Frank to join Realside in 2020.
2. Please tell us a bit about your current role at Realside.
As Chief Executive Officer at Realside, I oversee our investment and funds management platform which means working with our asset and funds management teams to deliver performance across our portfolio.
From there, I divide my time equally with transactions, sitting on our investment committee and working with our transactions team in finding new opportunities and leading our capital strategy, liaising both investors that are new to Realside and existing investors who support us across our funds.
3. What do you like most about working in the Real Estate sector?
The property industry is fundamentally about people — and I’ve always enjoyed that aspect. The relationships and networks you build can help uncover new opportunities and provide valuable support when solving challenges that arise across projects or portfolios.
4. How and why did you decide to work in the Real Estate sector?
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after finishing Year 12, so I started working to explore different industries and understand what might interest me. I was fortunate to secure a role at an architectural practice that also had a tenant representation arm. That role introduced me to commercial real estate professionals who helped me see the potential in the sector. That same year, I enrolled in a Property Economics degree at Western Sydney University — and the rest is history!
5. What are you most proud of in your career to date?
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Realside. Nearly everything in the business has been created from the ground up — by bringing in great people and staying true to our core principle: identifying quality real estate opportunities, adding value, and delivering performance.
We’ve built a team that’s passionate, aligned, and genuinely takes pride in the outcomes we deliver. Seeing their work and the impact they make across our portfolio is something I’m deeply proud of.
6. What are the biggest challenges you have experienced in your career to date?
I believe that you aren’t pushing yourself unless you are challenged. When I left Knight Frank to build a funds management business with Mark (business partner), I had previously only held roles in commercial property agencies, concentrated in asset management. I backed myself to learn anything I didn’t already know based on my fundamental commercial real estate knowledge. Driven by a passion for property and a passion for building businesses. All of which was within my skillset.
The trade off with me joining, was that I wanted to do everything. Funds management, transactions, investment management and managing relationships with our capital partners so I took on a lot and it was challenging, but also very worthwhile.
7. What are your tips for young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in the Real Estate sector?
Align your strengths and interests to the area of real estate that you operate in. There are so many different pathways within the sector across many different specialities. If you align your interests and passions, it won’t feel like work.
Also, be authentic and build genuine relationships. Real estate is a people-driven industry—your reputation and network – matter they can open doors and help you navigate challenges. Authenticity goes a long way.
8. What other industry roles do you currently hold? What led to these positions?
I sit on the PCA National Capital Markets Division Fund Managers Roundtable and the PCA National Industrial Roundtable. I’m also an active member of the Property Funds Association (PFA) and support their initiatives where I can.
I believe in contributing to the industry — both PCA and PFA are strong advocates for the sector, and it’s important we support their work to help shape policy and outcomes that benefit the broader industry.
9. Please provide insight into the current sector. What do you think are potential issues and opportunities prevalent in the sector over the next 12 months?
One ongoing issue is the uncertainty caused by frequent changes to tax and regulatory settings, which can make real estate investment less attractive. For long-term capital to flow into the sector, governments — at both state and federal levels — need to work more closely with the private sector.
A prime example is housing. We’re falling short of our supply targets, yet red tape, taxes, and regulatory costs continue to hinder project feasibility. Policy should focus on incentivising supply, reducing upfront tax burdens, and streamlining approvals to boost productivity and delivery.
On the opportunity side, we continue to see potential in the living sector, though this is highly dependent on the specific asset and location.
10. Can you share any recent legal trends or developments impacting the Real Estate sector and how your team has adapted to these changes?
Yes! There are a few but what is critical to our investor base is critical to us, taxing unrealised gains in superannuation is detrimental to investment into the property sector. It imposes a tax on gains that may never eventuate and that to me seems unreasonable.
Another example was the proposed tightening of the wholesale investor test, which could have had significant implications for our capital-raising efforts.
There have also been a number of tax changes in Victoria that we’re actively assessing as we review new opportunities in the state — some of these changes have made it a less attractive investment environment.
Fortunately, our team works with great legal advisors, like Hamilton Locke, who help us stay ahead of these changes and adapt our strategies accordingly.
11. How do you approach issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the Real Estate sector and from a legal perspective?
I believe in leading by example—ensuring diverse voices are heard at the decision-making table. From a legal perspective, we maintain inclusive policies and partner with advisors who share our values. Internally, we support flexible work and career development across all levels of our business.
12. How do you see your role evolving in the future, particularly in light of technological advancements and shifting societal norms?
Technology will continue to reshape how we engage with investors, manage assets, and analyse data. I see my role evolving to embrace digital tools while staying grounded with out connection to people which sets the real estate industry apart.
13. What are your top reading/listening/watching recommendations?
- Reading: The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek — I’m currently reading this. It’s a great reminder of the value of long-term thinking, which aligns with our approach at Realside.
- Listening: Real Estate Capital by Park Madison Partners — A great source of global insights, especially from the US, on how larger real estate players are thinking.
- Watching: The Wire — An old series, but I’ve finally gotten around to watching it. Great storytelling and still very relevant.
