Sarah Cincotta- Empowering BDMs to RISE

It takes a unique blend of skill, passion, and vision to lead a life full of purpose. Sarah Cincotta, the force behind RISE With Sarah Cincotta, has redefined what it means to thrive as a Business Development Manager (BDM) in this industry. In this exclusive Q&A, we dive into her journey, philosophy, and vision for the future.

How did you start down this career path?

My journey into Property Management began with my love for building meaningful connections and ambitions for continuous growth in my life. Before the Real Estate industry, I had various roles starting in administration whilst having a business as a makeup artist, then working in men's wear retail for many years, I quickly recognised that I had a gift- connection.

I completed my Agents Representative certificate whilst working full time and I moved into Property Management followed years later by a very fulfilling career as an award-winning Business Development Manager. Winning awards validated my efforts, but more importantly, they highlighted the impact I was making in a field I love.

From there, I founded RISE With Sarah Cincotta in 2022, to help other BDMs RISE (raise their revenue, increase their influence, solidify their success, and embrace their evolution), achieve their goals and feel fulfilled in their roles.

What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?

I have witnessed the growth role in Property Management predominately focused on driving sales and closing deals, where from my experience working in the industry and training hundreds of professionals, the motivation of people to grow the rent rolls is not just about the numbers or money they make. They are passionate about contributing to growth because they genuinely love to help people!

BDMs have been lost between sales and rental departments though hold so much value to a Real Estate business. I shine a light towards the value a BDM has to a business and changing the perception of a BDM being a sales role to a relationship role.

What excites me most is witnessing the transformation in the people I mentor watching them grow their confidence, ignite their spark, embrace new strategies, and ultimately achieve their professional and personal milestones. I’m inspired by the trust my clients place in me and the ripple effect that our work together creates in the businesses and their lives.

Lastly, my purpose is clear. To enrich, connect and lead others to positively impact the world and live fruitfully fulfilled lives.

What’s your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?

My approach to customer service is rooted in my authenticity and genuine care. I have that fire in my belly that can not be taught, it has been there since the day I started working in Real Estate.

I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solution and ensure I listen deeply to the people I work with to tailor my approach. I challenge the status quo making the service I provide unique and different.

I ensure my clients feel supported and heard because they are more than just Real Estate Agents, they are people first. My personalised approach, and dedication to building meaningful connections, sets RISE apart.

How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?

Staying ahead in this industry requires my commitment to continuous learning and adaptability. I dedicate time to having a mentor of my own, attending regular training courses, researching different markets, speaking with supportive businesses in our industry, speaking with our professionals serving Investors and Renters everyday, attending industry conferences, and connecting with other thought leaders.

I bring together a community of like-minded professionals through my podcast The RISE Factor - Conversations For Growth, YouTube Channel RISE With Sarah Cincotta and BDM community group. Here I am able to interview and speak with some incredible people to gain deeper insights,

What is the toughest challenge you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?

One of the toughest challenges I’ve faced was balancing a growing business during a significant milestone- welcoming our son Alastair in September 2024. It required me to slow down (something I struggle with because of my ambition) and letting go of activities to offshore to a new team member. Welcoming motherhood has been one of the most challenging experiences I have faced.

Mostly in Property Management, we see women predominantly in this role and I have loved new conversations with those who are navigating the same challenges of integrating Motherhood and work. Many who have like me, found it refreshing to talk openly and vulnerably about our struggles.

Having a support network is so important and asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. I overcame this challenge by asking my support network for help, relying on my remote professional, prioritising self-care, and creating boundaries that allowed me to give my best both professionally and personally.

This experience also taught me that you can have and do it all, and I hope anyone reading who may be facing challenges, dares to speak up and get the support they need so that they can achieve all that they desire.

What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, I envision expanding and evolving RISE training, speaking and mentoring to become the go-to for BDMs across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. I aim to grow my RISE training platform, providing ongoing support and development for those who have completed my training program.

Another key goal is to continue to host large-scale events through thesummitevents.com.au. These events bring our professionals together where they not only receive inspiration through speakers, they get shit done live. I believe innovation will elevate the property management industry.

RISE will welcome more team members and continue to collaborate with other industry trainers who share the same values.

On a personal level, I want to continue evolving as a person, mentor, and thought leader beyond the Real Estate industry through my journey of life where I have overcome recovery from burnout, a benign tumor in my liver, and the road that led me to a purposely filled life.

Family is my highest core value, so whilst I continue to complete my mission in life, I am looking forward to traveling around the world with my family, expanding my investment portfolio, and living each day in the moment.