WIP Around Joanne Fotakis

WIP Around: Joanne FotakisIn this week’s WIP around, we spoke to Joanne Fotakis, Business Development Manager at Realmark Real Estate Group. What do you consider to be your greatest achievements in life? (personally or professionally)I’ve always strived to achieve the respect of my parents – parental love is unconditional and a given in our family, but being respected has always been my ultimate measure of success.What advice would you give to future leading women in property?Surround yourself with the most capable and innovative people you know. People you respect, that you can learn from, who will challenge you, believe in you and champion your capabilities and achievements.What are the greatest challenges you have had to overcome in your career to date? Every stage of my career has had its unique challenges, but the most common theme is overcoming stereotypes and assumptions. From a country public school education being less than a private school – despite achieving straight A’s; that the achievements made in a Senior regional role were less significant than a junior City-based role, that my skills weren’t transferrable as I moved one sector to another, or that my aspirations should be career or family, not both, purely because of my gender.What can/ should the industry be doing to promote women in industry? Too few companies have inclusive talent and advancement strategies in place. We need more involvement by our senior leaders, more flexible work arrangements and a widespread cultural and attitudinal shift.What is the next goal or project you are working towards?I am a member of the City of Vincent’s Leederville Connect Committee, Member of the Design Committee and Chair of the Activation Committee. These groups are successfully driving the activation of their town centres through large events like the Light up Leederville Festival but are also influencing local policy and helping local communities take the lead and determine their future. How did you come to be the Business Development Manager of Realmark Real Estate Group? A chance reunion with a past work colleague quickly led to an introductory meeting. I was instantly drawn to Realmark’s innovative and respectful corporate culture and John and Anita Percudani’s strong leadership and authenticity. They are focussed on cultivating a diverse and inclusive culture and work environment so it’s no surprise that most of the 260 Realmark employees are women. Who have been your greatest influences, both personally and professionally?Personally my parents, they gave me a strong work ethic, instilled the importance of being respectful of others and to give back to the community. To have self-belief and know that our origins don’t have to be our future. I was raised in minimum wage family where both parents left school at 13 and am proudly the first female University graduate from both my mother and father’s side of the family.Professionally, I’ve had the good fortune to work with and for some truly inspirational people. This includes, Mr Chris Hall, now CEO of Mercy Care, back then as Executive Director of Relationships Australia. Chris is an exceptional manager, a leader within the social economy and one of Australia’s leading advocates for social justice. Chris taught me great leaders have vision, great managers lead by example.What do you think are the biggest issues affecting the property industry?Affordability is an issue not just with the first home buyers but for retirees and seniors as well, many of whom remain locked into the family home because of the significant taxes and change-over costs or the lack of alternative housing options. Why did you choose to be involved in the Property Council and what are your thoughts on our various diversity initiatives? I’ve worked for a Property Council member company since 2003 and have supported Property Council’s strong leadership and advocacy ever since. In those early years, the amount of women young professionals involved was limited. That is why the activities and events of the Future Directions and Women and Diversity Committees are so important.