Michelle’s journey in real estate began in 1987, and over the years, she has developed a reputation for her strategic approach to leadership and team development.
She has just celebrated 10 years at Rentwest, where she credits Suzanne Brown, the agency’s director, for fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.
“My role is always about working with the team, supporting them, and ensuring they’re motivated and empowered,” Michelle explains.
Her leadership style is deeply influenced by her qualifications, including a diploma in Neuroscience for Leadership.
This has shaped her approach to structuring workflows in a way that aligns with how the human brain processes information.
“Our brains work best when they can concentrate on one thing at a time,” she says. “That’s why we’ve adapted our systems to support a ‘brain-friendly’ working environment.”
Rethinking the work environment
Rentwest has been proactive in adopting flexible work arrangements, including a four-day work week.
While temporarily paused due to software upgrades, the model, originally an all-in-or-all-out approach, is set to evolve to better suit individual needs.
“Some people thrive with a four-day schedule, while others prefer a traditional approach,” Michelle says.
“Flexibility is key to maintaining a happy and productive team.”
Also, while many corporate managers are calling staff back into office, she says remote work has played a significant role in the company’s success.
“Most of our property managers work in the areas they service, which just makes sense,” she explains.
“Driving across Perth every day is impractical, so our model allows them to be more efficient and responsive.”
To keep the team connected despite remote working, Rentwest has implemented structured in-office days and regular team-building initiatives.
“We start every Monday with a ‘kickstart’ stand-up meeting where we celebrate positive feedback and set the tone for the week … It’s all about maintaining a strong team culture.”
Embracing AI for smarter property management
Rentwest is also pushing the boundaries of technology, particularly in artificial intelligence.
Michelle and her team have been exploring ways to integrate AI into their operations, from automating workflows to enhancing communication with clients.
“We’re looking at AI-powered avatars to create personalised, consistent messaging for our owners and tenants,” she says.
“Loom has also been a game-changer for training; its AI-generated step-by-step breakdowns save us so much time.”
Navigating a changing market
While Perth has been a hotbed for real estate activity, (and some experts are predicting another bumper year), Michelle has noticed a shift in the market.
“We’re seeing investors turn their attention back to Melbourne, and vacancy rates in Perth are stabilising at around 2%,” she says.
“It’s a shift towards a more normal market, which means property managers and sales agents need to refocus on traditional prospecting and lead generation.”
Despite the challenges, Michelle remains confident about the future: “We’ve navigated some tough times, from Perth’s worst market in 40 years to the post-COVID boom,” she says.
“Adapting is part of what makes this industry exciting.”
Beyond her role at Rentwest, Michelle is a qualified workplace trainer and assessor, having spent over a decade on the Real Estate Institute of WA’s property management chapter.
She says “training was one of the best things I ever did,“ as it opened her eyes to the broader legislative and political impacts on our industry.
This passion for education extends to Rentwest’s internal culture, where mentorship plays a crucial role.
“We have a diverse team of 42 people, including highly experienced property managers and around 10 assistants who we’re bringing up through the industry,” she says.
“It’s important to provide opportunities for career growth.”
Finding the right balance
At the heart of Michelle’s leadership philosophy is a commitment to fostering an environment where work-life balance is a priority.
“Our team is predominantly women, many with young families or caregiving responsibilities,” she says.
“Supporting them through flexible work arrangements isn’t just a policy – it’s a necessity.”
Looking ahead, Michelle is focused on ensuring Rentwest continues to lead the way in people-centred property management.
“I’ve found my home here,” she says. “Suzanne and I have different leadership styles, but we share the same vision for creating an environment where our team and our clients thrive.”
