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Professional encouragement pushed this agent to put her hand up for leadership roles. Now a national board member, she reflects on what the position has given her, and how she’s been able to give back.
Kirsteen Ryder, now the part owner of Professionals Ryder in Melbourne’s outer western suburb of Melton, has had a lot of encouragement from those who could see her natural talent to first take a step into real estate, and then end up on the board of a major network. Now, it’s something she hopes to do in turn for newer professionals to the industry.
After working in administration running a medical centre for 17 years, it was her cousin, Jayson Ryder, who said that he felt she would be good at real estate. Having just purchased the Melton business, he offered her a position if she decided to give it a go.
She excelled from the first day on the job, earning a reputation as an agent with “the golden touch” from the people she worked with.
That was 13 years ago, and she has since bought into the business, which now numbers more than a dozen including the leadership team.
Due to her high performance record, she was encouraged by the Professionals’ CEO to join the network’s regional council, and in 2020, she took the advice.
Still a member of the Victorian regional council, it was only a year into that role that she was tapped for a national board role – becoming its second female member.
“While I never envisioned myself becoming a member of a board, I relish the role,” Ryder explained.
What she has found through this role is not only the ability to have a hand in shaping an organisation that she is heavily invested in, but also that she now has the chance to give back some of the encouragement that she benefited from.
“Serving as a board member has allowed me to take on an important leadership role, influencing the direction and strategy of Professionals. It’s an opportunity to be a voice for myself, other members and the brand,” Ryder said.
“I enjoy mentoring others, particularly young women coming up in the industry. It’s personally rewarding to contribute my skills and experience to a brand I respect so much,” she added.
Speaking of the people who pushed her to put herself forward, Ryder said that she was “thrilled that people thought I was capable of the challenge and it has taken my career to the next level”.
Professionals CEO Katherine Gonzalez-Cork commented that the current board is “one of the most supportive and engaged boards I have had the privilege to work with”.
“I appreciate all Kirsteen brings with her enthusiasm, hard work, genuine passion for the industry and as a mentor and inspirational leader,” she added.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet Helmke
Based in Sydney, Juliet Helmke has a broad range of reporting and editorial experience across the areas of business, technology, entertainment and the arts. She was formerly Senior Editor at The New York Observer.
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