International Women’s Day 2025.
International Women’s Day strives to celebrate the achievements of successful women who have thrived in their respective fields, and to support and empower women globally. Today we recognise some of our own outstanding women of OBrien who have made significant accomplishments and contributions in the real estate space and beyond. We interviewed some of our key female leaders of OBrien, Anna Molinaro-Kelaart (Blackburn), Katie Jones (Hastings), and Michelle Stephens (Carrum Downs), about their achievements and how they use their success to empower other women.
Anna Molinaro-Kelaart – Rental Department Manager/Licensed Estate Agent – Blackburn
Anna Molinaro began her real estate career while completing her VCE in 2001, balancing her studies with part-time work in her family business. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, but her long-standing passion for property led her to explore a career in real estate, starting as a Receptionist. Over the years, Anna discovered her true passion for Property Management, having won many awards for her exceptional services.
Who has been a key mentor in your career and how did they help shape your success in real estate?
My Mum has been my greatest mentor throughout my career. She taught me the importance of hard work, integrity, and resilience—qualities that have been instrumental in my success in real estate. Her guidance has shaped my approach to challenges, problem-solving, to lead with confidence and to build meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues. She always encouraged me to trust my instincts, stay persistent, and never stop learning, which has helped me navigate the challenges and opportunities in this industry.
You work alongside many young women in the property management space – what’s one piece of advice you’d give to young women starting out in real estate?
Confidence is key— believe in your ability to succeed and never be afraid to speak up. Real estate can be a fast-paced and demanding industry, but with the right mindset and a strong support system, you can thrive. Be open to learning, ask questions, and seek out mentors who will guide and support you. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and never compromise your values.
How do you empower and uplift other women in the industry?
I empower women by fostering a supportive and encouraging environment where they feel valued and heard. Whether it’s through mentorship, sharing experiences, or celebrating their achievements and successes, I make it a priority to uplift those around me. I believe in leading by example—demonstrating that success in this industry is attainable and that women can excel in leadership roles. Just as my Mum consistently inspires me, I strive to inspire and support the next generation of women in real estate
Katie Jones – Director/Licensed Estate Agent
Katie Jones is an accomplished sales agent and director in the real estate industry, with over 14 years of experience in the field. After building a successful career as a sales agent, she became a director of her own real estate agency, which she has led for 9 years. Her background in healthcare has instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and attention to detail, which she brings to her work in real estate.
Can you share your journey into real estate and what inspired you to pursue a leadership role?
Moving from being a nurse, straight into real estate sales and within just four years, purchasing my own franchise office with the support of OBRE founders, definitely came with challenges in what was then was a male-dominated industry. However I soon saw the parallels between nursing and real estate—both being about guiding and supporting people through major life transitions. I am also extremely proud to be apart of a network that supports the growth of all woman from young females to mums and so on. It is a credit to the group in supporting our growth with so many becoming leaders and directors.
What moment are you most proud of in your career journey?
There are so many moments that have made my 14 years in real estate so rewarding and fulfilling, from small to large achievements. The two main thoughts that came to me are; Now being in the position to help guide and support other females in the industry and secondly, being able to balance being a parent and a businesswoman. However, I would not be here today without the support of my peers and the general public.
How do you celebrate and recognise the achievements of women in your organisation?
With our office being mainly females, only having one male, we tend to celebrate each other all the time. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we will be playing a list of music by strong independent female artists in the office along with a team lunch discussing all our career and personal goals
Michelle Stephens – Licensed Estate Agent – Carrum Downs
Positioned as one of the most respected and influential real estate experts in Victoria and number one across several states, Michelle Stephens is at the top of her game – with no sign of slowing down! Michelle is highly considered as one of the country’s best, winning multiple awards through the REIV and REIA as the number one salesperson across Victoria and Australia.
What advice do you have for women looking to step into leadership roles?
My advice is simple: go for it! Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t achieve. If you’re passionate about pursuing a particular career or role, give it your absolute best effort. Stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for growth, both professionally and personally. Leadership development requires pushing beyond limitations to reach new heights.
The key to success is continuous learning—invest in developing your skills and knowledge. Remember to acknowledge and celebrate all achievements, no matter how small. Perhaps most importantly, develop your own authentic leadership style rather than comparing yourself to others. Your unique perspective is your greatest strength.
What does it mean to you to be a female leader in the real estate industry today?
Being a female leader in real estate today means having the privilege to guide and shape the industry while championing gender equality. I embrace the opportunity to create pathways for other women to succeed in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field.
What strategies do you use to promote personal and professional development among women in your team?
I focus on creating an environment where women can thrive through several key strategies. First, I make celebrating achievements a priority—recognition builds confidence. I establish a supportive and psychologically safe work environment where team members feel comfortable taking risks and sharing ideas.
Mentorship is another crucial element; I provide guidance based on my own experiences while encouraging women to develop their unique strengths. Finally, I invest in continuous training opportunities and actively help team members identify and work towards their personal and professional goals.
How do you handle the competitive nature of the real estate industry while maintaining work-life balance?
I maintain focus by not concerning myself with what other agents are doing. I stay in my lane and concentrate on what truly matters: assisting my clients with their property journey. By backing myself with confidence and consistently demonstrating my value, I prove to clients why I’m the best Agent to represent their homes. This focused approach allows me to be fully present both in my work and personal life, creating a sustainable balance that keeps me energised and effective.
At OBrien, we are proud of the many hard-working and inspiring women that occupy all aspects of our business. Together, we achieve excellence. We wish all women a very happy International Women’s Day.
