In a diverse workplace, we’re shining a light on the accomplishments of the incredible female-led team behind our new Sage community in Burpengary this International Women’s Day.
Each of the four women highlighted has forged their career through determination, creativity and education, helping to shape many of our award-winning, dynamic residential communities across Queensland.
Being held globally on March 8, this year’s International Women’s Day focuses on digital education. We sat down with the team behind Sage – Michelle Wooldridge, Belinda Ryan, Maddison McKimm and Jo Townsend – to reflect on their individual journey and insights for women considering a career designed around creating new communities.
Michelle Wooldridge
As Cedar Woods Queensland State Manager, Michelle heads our team and portfolio of Queensland residential communities, including Sage, along with working on building new opportunities throughout the State.
What advice would you give women looking to take the next step in their career?
“Seek to work with good people who embody a similar work ethic. Professionally, my focus is on people and culture, which is so important in driving successful projects and communities. A strong team can have differing creative ideas, but when we come together with a shared focus, we grow and flourish both individually and as a group, while generating the best possible outcomes for the communities we’re developing,” says Michelle.
Belinda Ryan
Belinda is the Development Manager for our Sage community, bringing almost 20 years' of experience in the property industry to the job, including eight years leading development teams.
What is your advice for women wanting a career creating and delivering new residential communities?
“Do it! It is a truly rewarding career path, and women have so much to contribute to what makes a community great,” says Belinda.
What do you enjoy about your job?
“I love seeing a community grow from vision and concept plans to a thriving and engaged community. Nothing inspires me more than families proudly moving into their new homes, kids safely riding their bikes through their neighbourhood and the local community enjoying a barbeque in the parks. I get a kick out of knowing people create wonderful life moments in a place I was part of bringing to life,” she says.
Maddison McKimm
Our Contracts Administrator for more than six years, Maddison is the friendly voice you’ll hear or face you’ll meet, as she liaises with our buyers to ensure a seamless sales and settlement experience.
Tell us about yourself and your role.
“My role is very diverse, which is one of the things I enjoy the most about it. My title is Contracts Administrator, but I’m also responsible for Design Standards approvals, house and land packages for our communities, including Sage, and as a customer liaison. I was also given the opportunity to work in sales when we launched Sage, which I really enjoy,” says Maddison.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, focusing on education in the digital age to empower all women and girls. What does this mean to you?
“Equality through digital education means ours, and all other industries, will be greatly improved. It will increase the participation of women and girls from a more diverse range of geographical backgrounds, not just those in metropolitan areas. There will be more innovation and work efficiency. It also means an increase of unique perspectives and experiences that will heighten innovation and change," says Maddison.
Jo Townsend
Jo is Sage’s knowledgeable Sales Consultant, bringing more than 15 years' of industry experience to her role. You’ll find her in our new Sage Sales Suite or can contact her on 0491 155 408, to find out more about the community, Burpengary and the Moreton Bay region.
What is your proudest career achievement?
“I’m proud of the moments where I’ve met a challenge and mastered it. For me, this includes putting in processes and procedures to streamline systems to make them more efficient for everyone. I enjoy looking at ways to improve operations,” says Jo.
What is your advice for women in the workplace?
“Be confident and always look to learn from your colleagues – there’s so much they can teach you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and see obstacles as an opportunity to learn and grow. For those working in sales, always consider ways you can improve the journey for buyers and ensure their experience with you is a positive one.”
To learn more about our new Sage community and to meet our experienced team, visit our Sage Sales Suite at 64 Hunt Road in Burpengary or call 0491 155 408.
