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Driven by a passion for property, strong family values and a collaborative spirit, Debi Thorn rose to agency director at Coronis in less than 18 months. She shares her insights on what makes an effective agency leader.
According to government data, women comprise 22.3 per cent of CEOs, 35.1 per cent of management, and 18 per cent of board chair positions in Australia.
Described by her agency as “fierce yet compassionate”, Thorn worked hard to land the position of agency director at Coronis on the Sunshine Coast.
Before joining Coronis, she spent over 10 years at Stockland, Australia’s leading diversified property group, driving record results across a vast portfolio of residential, retirement and land lease communities.
Yet after a decade she wanted new challenges and greater career growth.
Despite her extensive sales and leadership experience, Thorn believes that effective leadership comes from understanding the work, rolling up your sleeves, and tackling the challenges alongside one’s team.
To be a good leader, Thorn recognised her shortcomings and dedicated herself to Coronis’ comprehensive training program.
“I’ve always believed in learning a business from the ground up,” Thorn said.
“While I had strong property development experience, committing to the Coronis training program allowed me to fill those gaps, ensuring I could lead with both knowledge and experience.”
According to Thorn, a good leader leads by example and never asks anything from their team they wouldn’t do themselves.
“It’s about being hands-on, understanding their challenges, and working alongside them to achieve success.”
She said good leaders also empower their staff by building trust and providing support.
“Be present, listen, and genuinely invest in their success. Walk the walk, celebrate their wins, and give them the tools and confidence to grow.”
While she enjoys her role, Thorn also experienced challenges such as gaining trust from the more established agents and the high turnover rate in the industry.
“I had to show I was here to stay, not just passing through, and genuinely invested in my team success,” Thorn said.
“By being consistent, leading by example, and proving my commitment, I’ve built strong relationships and a solid team foundation,” she said.
Prior to joining Coronis in 2021, Thorn said her life took an unexpected turn which played a key role in shaping her into the leader she is today.
In 2018, Thorn was diagnosed with bowel cancer just months after welcoming her son, Fraser.
Due to complications, Thorn and her family had to move to Brisbane for treatment, which involved a temporary ileostomy and several months of chemotherapy.
After recovering from surgery and beginning treatment, she returned to work managing her health and family responsibilities.
“It’s one thing to return to work as a new mother, but another to do so while undergoing cancer treatment.
“It was tough, but I took it one day at a time with my family by my side. I was open about my health journey to move past any awkwardness, especially across boardroom tables.”
In 2021, life threw another curveball as she discovered a lump in her neck, which she had removed immediately and became cancer-free.
Thorn said her health journey has taught her to accept that not everything is under her control, which she said is primordial in real estate.
“I’m a highly structured person, I’ve had to adapt to real estate’s unpredictability – you don’t always get closure.”
“Motherhood and health challenges taught me to let go, roll with the punches, and focus on what you can control,” Thorn concluded.
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