Future-focus inspires young leaders 

“Young leaders don’t get the comfort of leading in a time of certainty. They get to lead in a time of constant change,” said emerging leader Holly Ransom recently.

Ransom’s words resonated with the record contingent of 135 young leaders aged under 35, who were inspired by a powerhouse of property influencers this year.

Ransom was just one of the speakers who shared insights at exclusive sessions for the Property Council’s growing Future Directions network.

“Fifty per cent of the world’s population is under 30. It’s extraordinary to think of this shift and what it will do for cities, work and how our societies function. The sheer weight of a generation will shift the way we live,” Ransom, chief executive officer of Emergent Solutions, said.

At another breakout session, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, Mirvac’s chief executive officer and managing director, shed light on the secrets to her success, and emphasised the importance of mentors. In fact, the need for mentors only grows with time, she said.

“As you get more senior, having people who ‘tell it like it is’ is really important,” she said.

Von Slater (pictured), development manager at Armitage Jones and active member of the Future Directions network, moderated the morning tea discussion with Lloyd-Hurwitz.

“Susan’s message – about the need for authentic leadership – captured the audience’s attention. We all felt we were really lucky to get special access to such a great business mind,” she says.

“These Future Directions sessions were a great way to gain exclusive snapshots with inspiring leaders and to meet people in an organic way – it makes networking less daunting for people who are new to the industry,” she adds.

Slater says the industry’s emphasis on innovation, growth and change were reflected in the conference program.

“It was a really future-focused, forward-thinking program that got everyone really excited,” she says.

The Property Council has made a concerted push to expand the Future Directions events program, and the network continues to grow.

“My theory has always been to build your network before you need it. Future Directions is a perfect platform for younger people to create those connections that they’ll need one, five or 10 years down the track,” she says.

The Property Council’s Future Directions network for emerging leaders can help you connect with like-minded contemporaries and expand your skills in a positive environment. Learn more about Future Directions in your state and how you can become involved.