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Meet some of the Marshall White team members who balance home life with a career in the dynamic world of real estate, and those who are inspired by their partners and own mothers.
Abby lives with her partner, Howie and his son, Jordan (18). Abby’s daughter, Zoe (24), and Howie’s two daughters, Olivia (24) and Tash (21) live independently.
Abby and her daughter Zoe (24) always celebrate each other’s wins and accommodate each other’s needs. “Zoe loves my passion for real estate and knows how much I particularly love the negotiating aspect of my job. Our favourite saying is, ‘Just go out there and be a boss’.”
What advice do you have for working mums on their professional journeys?
“Just do your best. When you feel overwhelmed, tackle each day at a time. Prioritise the important things but when you’re with your kids, communicate openly and give them your full attention. I also think teaching your kids to become independent is important.”
Between her three adult children, husband Paul, dog, Indi, and working in the real estate industry six days a week, Kathy has been balancing her home and professional life for 17 years.
“I started my real estate career during the Global Financial Crisis when we had two children at secondary school and fees to pay. My accountant recommended that I return to work; for many reasons, it was the best advice I have ever been given!” Another career-defining moment for Kathy was when she became a Marshall White Partner two years ago.
How do you prioritise your life as a working mum?
“I juggle! Around 13 years ago, I realised I couldn’t do it all with only one day off a week (Sunday), so I sought assistance from a weekly housekeeper to keep my life on track and save my sanity! My children saw their parents work hard, and now as adults, they have a very strong work ethic and are acutely independent.”
“My mother inspires me through her ability to be completely selfless to her children, especially. It seems that she never tires of being selfless, which I find truly amazing.”
“Observing this makes me a better person; it’s people like my mum that make the world a better place. Mothers are incredible!”
Wendy Hawkins
Wendy and husband, James and have two children – Hollie (13) and son Ted (11), and a 14-year-old Groodle, Harvey (also known as the favourite child)!
What was a career-defining moment for you?
“Having only ever worked in real estate, I knew Marshall White was ‘the one’ when the General Manager asked me to bring Ted to my job interview, who was 8 months old at the time. It was then I realised how important the value of family was to the group. I knew Marshall White was where I could have the best of both worlds – family and work. This was quite unique a decade ago, particularly in real estate!”
How do you balance your home and professional life?
“The juggling of family and work can certainly be a challenge, but I try to not sweat the small stuff too much. I have learnt to prioritise well and not be afraid to say ‘no’ sometimes – its empowering!”
“My husband Josh and I have two Spoodles, Murphy (5) and Milo (2). They are our world; I would have another 10 dogs if I could!”
What does a day usually look like for you?
“I love to start my day as early as possible with a coffee in bed, then a walk with the dogs. If I have time, a 20-minute exercise session before I get stuck into my busy day in Property Management. I always prioritise ending my day with some meditation.”
Who inspires you as a mum and why?
“My mum; she is a real tough cookie. Whilst juggling work, she cared for my dad when he was sick with cancer for three years before he passed. She still juggles multiple jobs, never complains and makes the best out of every situation no matter how dire.”
“My husband and I have a 5-year-old son, Hudson and 2-year-old daughter, Isabella, so our home life has been quite hectic, to which I am sure all working mums and stay-at-home mums can relate.”
What’s a big or surprising lesson you’ve learned as a mother in the workplace?
“It’s a juggling act and has certainly been an ongoing lesson in realising that perfection is unattainable. Marshall White is a family business; they genuinely care and put family first, which has been a huge blessing. There are times when I need to work from home when the kids are sick, and I have the company’s support to be both a mum and employee.”
Who inspires you on their own journey as a working mum and why?
“Our Director, Paula Matlock. She has established an amazing career and has been a leader we all look up to. She has five adult children; however, I remember many years ago she used to say that she came to work for a break. I completely understand that now! I admire Paula as she has built a fantastic Property Management business and also ensured she made time to nurture her children.”
Chelsey and husband, Adam are kept on their toes with their two active boys, Blake (10 months) and Mason (4), and Cocker Spaniel, Gus.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned as a mother in the workplace?
“A lesson that I have learnt during my journey is to be kind to yourself. Being a mother and having a career is an enormous challenge and includes wearing a lot of different hats! I have certainly learnt to separate my personal life from my professional life to ensure I do both jobs to the best of my ability. When I am at work, I am at work, and when I am at home, I am at home.”
Who inspires you on their own journey as a working mum and why?
“I don’t look up to just one person. I am inspired by every woman who has chosen to be a mother and have a career or own a business. I am incredibly proud of the life I have made. Real estate is not just a job it’s a lifestyle and I am thankful that my family understand my job and are thankful for what I do.”
Carina is the mother to two beautiful girls, Harper (15 months) and Willow (4), and fur baby, Alfie. She and husband, Michael have been married for almost nine years.
How do you balance your home and professional life?
“Many people ask me how I juggle working in Sales and being a mother; my response is ‘the juggle is real, but I wouldn’t have it any other way’. My family is my number one priority and knowing that the work and effort I am putting in today is working towards building a beautiful life and future for our girls. This is what gets me out of bed in the morning and motivates me to be my best.”
Who inspires you as a mother?
“Over the past couple of months, I have been fortunate to have many conversations with other women at Marshall White that are also juggling motherhood/work and they have been inspiring (and at times, comforting). They have really opened my eyes and changed my perspective when it comes to finding a balance with family/work and navigating this crazy thing called life.”
“I am bursting with pride and admiration for my incredible wife. She effortlessly balances the demands of being a loving mother and wife and is the shining light in our family, constantly inspiring us with her boundless love and selflessness. Her unwavering dedication to our family is truly immeasurable.”
“Her tireless work and unwavering support have created a loving and nurturing environment for our family to grow and flourish. I am so lucky to call her my wife and best friend, and I am constantly inspired by her strength, resilience, and unwavering love.”
Along with her 9-year-old child, partner in both life and at work, Perry, and their 1-month-old child, Elsa also lives with her parents.
Tell us about a career-defining moment for yo.
“I sold a $9.8m property in Alfred Street, Kew, early in my real estate career. It was a record-setting price and really set the pace for me as an agent.”
How do you deal with the challenge of priorities in your life?
“Luckily, I have strong support from both mine and Perry’s families. Everyone is behind us, and everything we do is through teamwork. My older daughter just turned nine and she’s fast becoming a valuable helper in the family, too.”
Who has been an important mother figure in your life?
“My mother is my absolute rock in life, and her unwavering love for me made me who I am today. I am very grateful for everything she does for me and she’s a role model for my own motherhood journey.”
