International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, worldwide. 2026 marks 115 years of working towards gender equality and celebrating the courage and strength of women who have made waves in their respective fields. Today, we celebrate the achievements of some of the wonderful women from our network.
We invited Katie Jones (Hastings), Ashleigh Nelson (Carrum Downs & Langwarrin), Sarah Nunn (Cranbourne), and Jo Barclay & Jasmyn Barclay (Chelsea), to chat with us about their achievements both professionally and personally, and why International Women’s Day is important to them.
At OBrien Real Estate, we are proud to have strong, inspiring women right across our network who lead with intelligence, resilience, empathy and authenticity. Their stories are a reminder that success is not built on one path or one voice. It is built through courage, hard work, care for others and the determination to back yourself, even when the road is not easy.
One of those stories is Jo Barclay’s, whose journey in real estate is not only one of success, but of determination, authenticity and legacy. Working alongside her daughter Jasmyn at OBrien Real Estate Chelsea, Jo represents the strength of women across generations.
For Jo, working with Jasmyn is something truly special.
“It is amazing. We are best friends and know each other inside and out. Our relationship has always been built on respect, so I think this is why we work so well together.”
Real estate runs through their family, with Jasmyn now the third generation following in these footsteps. It is a story grounded not just in family connection, but in shared values, mutual respect and a commitment to excellence.
Jo says what she is most proud of is how hard they both work and how they always put their clients’ needs ahead of their own. She speaks with pride about the work ethic passed down through generations, and the belief that empathy is one of the greatest strengths women bring to the profession.
That belief is echoed in the experiences of so many women across our network. Sarah Nunn from Cranbourne, Berwick & Narre Warren shared that one of her proudest achievements is being a working mum to four children, a role that demands constant balance, resilience and selflessness. Her perspective is a reminder that success is not one-dimensional. It is often found in the ability to juggle career, family and personal growth, while continuing to show up for others with strength and grace.
Sarah also reflected on the importance of uplifting other women in everyday moments. Sometimes, it is the smallest things that make the biggest difference. Noticing someone’s effort, complimenting their outfit, or offering a few kind words that give them a boost of confidence. It is a powerful reminder that supporting women does not always have to happen in grand gestures. Often, it starts with being present, being thoughtful and choosing to build one another up.
That same sense of encouragement is reflected in Katie Jones’ (OBrien Hastings) perspective on leadership. For Katie, it is incredibly important to see female leaders in organisations like ours because leadership should never be viewed through the lens of gender. Jobs should be seen as equal, and opportunities should never be defined by whether a role has traditionally been held by a man or a woman. Her insight speaks to the importance of representation, not just for today’s leaders, but for the next generation watching what is possible.
Her advice to younger women stepping into leadership is equally powerful: be brave. No one else can bring the same passion, perspective or unique drive that you can. In a world where women can still question whether they are ready, experienced enough or capable enough, that message matters. Back yourself. Take up space. Trust what you bring.
It is this idea that makes International Women’s Day so important. It is not only about celebrating achievements, but also acknowledging the barriers that women have overcome, the progress that has been made, and the work that still continues. It is about championing women who lead in different ways and recognising that there is power in empathy, in humility and in lifting others as you rise.
Ashleigh Nelson (OBrien Carrum Downs & Langwarrin) captured that beautifully in sharing how motivated she is by the strong women in her office. She spoke about being inspired by the kind, humble and hardworking women around her, and how their example pushes her every day to be the best version of herself. She is proud to support these women in their roles and to be part of their success, which is a powerful reflection of what real leadership looks like. It is not always about being the loudest person in the room. Sometimes, it is about how you encourage others, celebrate their wins and contribute to a culture where everyone can thrive.
Together, these stories paint a picture of what makes the women of OBrien Real Estate so remarkable. They are leaders, mentors, mothers, role models and teammates. They are driven and compassionate. They are resilient and generous. They understand that success is not just about individual achievement, but about the way we empower others along the way.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women across our network who continue to make a difference through their leadership, courage and care. We celebrate the women who challenge outdated thinking, who create opportunities for others, who lead by example and who show that strength can be both powerful and deeply human.
To the incredible women of OBrien Real Estate, thank you. Thank you for your passion, your integrity, your resilience and your impact. You are shaping our network, our communities and our industry for the better every single day.
And to women everywhere, thank you for the strength you carry, the barriers you break, the care you give and the change you create. Today, and every day, we celebrate you.