Women of Influence shaping the conveyancing industry

PASSION, resilience and a determination to give back to the community.

These are just a few of the qualities that shine brightly from the stories told by the incredible women featured in the second annual International Women’s Day edition of Australian Conveyancer.

All 10 of the female leaders who talk about the journeys they have made, have powerful words of wisdom to share for all practitioners – whether they are just starting out in the conveyancing industry, or have been active for many years. 

Coming from all corners of Australia, their experience of conveyancing may be nuanced by the state-by-state nature of the sector.

But their underlying professionalism is driven by a common goal – to ensure their businesses, clients and the community can depend on them every step of the way.

Ann Blannin-Ferguson, Lauren Cunningham, Shakila Maclean, Denise McKay, Susanne Mosely, Kim Reed, Baylea Rose, Jodie Sherman, Peta Stewart and Teresa Wise came together for our special event to mark International Women’s Day.  

But their voices and their impact on the sector should extend far beyond just one day of the year.

And their messages of leadership – and their advice on ways to drive change – will inspire the next generation of conveyancers.

With so many challenges staring down at conveyancers – including the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence and an ever changing regulatory landscape – those who make their living from this all-to-often underappreciated profession need to be given all the help they can.

That’s why Australian Conveyancer has sought the advice of 10 truly exceptional businesswomen.

AIC VIC President Shakila Maclean’s message about juggling cutting edge technology with the need to maintain that human touch essential to developing and maintaining relationships with clients will resonate with many.

It’s certainly a sentiment that rising star Baylea Rose shares when she says: “Technology will never replace us but I do think it is definitely here to help our customers and to help us streamline processes.”

The long-lasting trust built up by these phenomenal business leaders should not be surprising – especially as we are talking about handling the fine, legal details of the costliest and most stressful purchase families make.

As AIC NSW President Ann Blannin-Ferguson says: “Quite often I assist two or more generations in a family with their buying and selling.”

For Hunter Legal owner Sue Mosely, three generations of her family have been at the heart of the conveyancing community they serve.

And Sargeants Bayside Conveyancing owner Kim Reed sums up the way her business operates. “Everyone talks about lifelong friends, we have lifelong clients,” she says.

But there are challenges “that seem to impact women more, and lower fees can be one of them,” explains Teresa Wise, of 

“It’s the classic case of being really good at what we do but sometimes undervaluing ourselves.”

triSearch Head of Sales, Lauren Cunningham has witnessed this.

“I’ve often seen women conveyancers who are exceptional at what they do but lack the confidence to advocate for themselves,” she says.

But all speak about their desire to help the next generation to change this mindset.

Peta Stewart says a big success has been creating a business model that consistently supports her female trainee conveyancers – funding studies while they get hands-on experience.

When it comes to upheavals facing the industry, Gold Coast-based conveyancer Jodie Sherman is clearly relishing that change will be for the better when the introduction of the Seller Disclosure Regime brings Queensland into line with the rest of the country.

For all – like former AIC SA President Denise McKay – making sure conveyancers are properly recognised and rewarded is paramount.