When Catherine Rogers started her career in reception, little did she know that more than 20 years later she’d take a senior position at a leading real estate agency.
A former network operations executive at Stockdale & Leggo, Ms Rogers has now been promoted to chief operating officer at the network.
Ms Rogers said her real estate journey started as an eager 18-year-old receptionist at an eastern suburbs advertising agency that focused on real estate.
She’s since gone on to hold various industry positions, including as a sales agent, compliance manager and a marketing co-ordinator.
“I initially started on reception and over the course of five years I learnt as much as I could and worked my way up to a senior account manager, where I began to build relationships with real estate business owners and agents,” Ms Rogers said.
“I decided to take the leap and move into a real estate agency for the first time in 2001.
“Over the next 20 years I’ve held positions such as sales administrator, EA to C-Suite executives, sales agent, office manager and compliance manager, working with a number of successful brands before landing here at Stockdale & Leggo.”
Ms Rogers said she had been able to take experience and knowledge from each of those roles and looked forward to sharing her nous with the Stockdale & Leggo network in her new position.
She attributed her career progression to her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and saying “yes” to more opportunities.
“I look at change in a positive way and I want to continue to learn and grow,” Mr Rogers said.
“This industry is ever-changing and when opportunities present, I am a firm believer in making the most out of them and not putting limits on anything.”
Stockdale & Leggo Chief Executive Officer, Charlotte Pascoe, said Ms Rogers was the obvious candidate for the COO role, with her extensive real estate background and ability to create special connections.
“Our corporate team are all well experienced and have can-do attitudes – they are always ready to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand to help our franchisees grow,” she said.
“Catherine has fit right into the ‘Stockies Family’ and will continue to be a great asset to the growth of our brand.”
Ms Rogers she was looking forward to embracing the ethos that real estate is about people, not just property.
“I think the biggest shift in my time is how the industry shifted from being ‘about properties’ to be ‘about people’,” she said.
“Opening opportunities to people from all walks of life, removing stereotypes, focusing on employing people who are able to build relationships and roles offering more work-life balance and flexibility.
“It’s now about empowering employees with the right tools, education and providing a positive and healthy workplace culture, which in turn breeds successful careers and businesses.”
