You can't be what you can't see

“An opportunity came up at Ray White with my former colleague, and she asked if she could bring me along and the rest is history,” Tahlia said. “It was a commission only job, which meant also having a second job waitressing until I was confident enough in my sales to commit full time.

“From that point on, I knew I wanted to have my own business at some point. My eyes were open to the Ray White Group and to owning my own business.

“It seemed a natural next step, and it felt like the right path for me to go down.”

After three years an opportunity came up to take over the residential arm of the established Ray White business as the former owners transitioned to livestock and rural sales. Tahlia was 26 when she signed the franchise agreement.

“We started with three staff members - myself, my selling partner and an administrator. I decided against buying a rent roll - but it started to grow organically with my prior experience in leasing. The community has been so supportive, we’ve been very fortunate.”

Bianca asked Tahlia how she faces challenges.

“I’d rather try and know the outcome, then not try and have what ifs. I’ve invested a lot of money, time and energy. I have to keep backing myself, the brand, and the business and continue to invest back into it - I have to take that chance and see if it pays off.”

From three staff members at the start of her business ownership, Tahlia now employs 16 five years later.

“Managing people has been a learning experience,” she said. “But also incredibly rewarding.”

“Becoming the first ever female Chairman’s Elite performer in South Australia was a milestone I knew I wanted to reach as soon as I knew it had never been achieved. But now that I’ve achieved it, my focus is on my people,” she said.

“When I first saw my staff receiving awards - I felt that was the pinnacle.”

When asked about her Chairman’s Elite milestone and how she is now seen as a role model for other women in the network, she said she’s begun to realise the importance of the achievement.

“The females reaching out for guidance and different opinions from a female leader - it’s been so lovely,” she said. “It’s more important than I knew.”

When asked what advice she’d give to her younger self, Tahlia said that it would be to never stop learning, and to be curious.

“Be inquisitive, ask questions and put yourself out there. I probably never used to ask for help or advice, but it’s so important,” she said. “You’re going to move so much faster that way. Go to the best, get yourself a mentor.”

And how does she believe the industry can attract more women into sales?

“Initiatives that promote women, such as Leading Ladies, are what’s going to make that change. You can’t be what you can’t see, male leaders should promote the work of their female team members,” she said. “They need to bring their leaders to the table more - and promote awareness of how women can make it work in the industry.”

Her favourite quote is “no pressure, no diamonds”.

“If you don’t challenge yourself, you’re not going to achieve your fullest potential.”