RiSE Leadership 2025 Pushes Industry Forward with Purpose and People at the Centre
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
More than 150 of Australia’s most forward-thinking real estate professionals gathered in Sydney last week for RiSE Leadership 2025 — a two-day event that set a new benchmark for what leadership in real estate should look like: people-first, performance-aware, and purpose-led.
Unlike traditional conferences centred around sales metrics and market forecasts, RiSE offered something deeper — a space to confront what’s really holding back the industry: burnout, digital fatigue, outdated leadership models, and a lack of sustainable wellbeing frameworks.
The theme was Action. And this year, it wasn’t just a slogan — it was a shift.
The event kicked off with the formal introduction of Steve Carroll as the new CEO of the RiSE Initiative.
A respected industry figure, Carroll brings decades of leadership experience and a track record of driving meaningful change. His appointment marks a new chapter for RiSE, building on the foundation laid by founder Kylie Davis and positioning the organisation for its next stage of national impact.
“We don’t need more motivation. We need momentum,” said Nick West, Chair of the RiSE Initiative, during his opening remarks.
“This conference was about what comes next — how we move from intention to implementation, from conversation to culture.”
A New Kind of Leadership Conversation
Throughout the two days, a line-up of respected keynote speakers, panellists, and practitioners tackled the challenges leaders face in a rapidly changing world.
John Brogden opened hearts and minds with Rebuilding After Burnout, courageously sharing his own mental health journey and recovery.
Josh Phegan explored Boundaries and Accountabilities, challenging hustle culture and offering a new model built on self-care and sustainable excellence.
Peter Gilchrist called for greater awareness and emotional intelligence in Go Well and Prosper, while Fiona Blayney delivered a masterclass on reclaiming time in The Time It Takes.
Dr Kristy Goodwin uncovered the neurological impact of digital overload, making a compelling case for leaders to take tech-induced stress seriously.
Dr Ben Hamer offered a futurist’s view of leadership in The Future of Work, helping attendees prepare for what can’t yet be predicted.
Each speaker reinforced the same truth: performance cannot come at the cost of people — and leading in today’s world requires courage, clarity, and care.
From Insights to Tools: The Launch of the Real Care App
One of the most tangible outcomes of the event was the official rollout of the updated Real Care App — now available across Australia and New Zealand.
Designed in collaboration with mental health professionals and real estate leaders, the Real Care App acts like a wellness and performance coach in your pocket. It provides immediate, science-backed support for agents and business owners navigating stress, burnout, and the pressure of constant performance.
The app includes:
Rapid Relief tools to manage stress, anxiety, and frustration in real time
Performance tracking features to support healthier financial, sleep, and work habits
Self-care exercises to build emotional resilience
Access to three free phone counselling sessions, offered confidentially through the Domain EAP program
With multiple industry awards under its belt, the app is now a vital tool in helping the sector move from reactive to proactive when it comes to wellbeing.
Legacy, Culture & The Future of Work
Beyond tools, RiSE Leadership 2025 was grounded in humanity. A deeply moving fireside chat with Phil Stenhouse OAM and Charlotte Pascoe explored what it means to Leave a Legacy, with Stenhouse sharing how his Bridge Builders Youth Charity has changed more than 60,000 young lives.
Michael Sheargold offered practical frameworks to help teams thrive, not just survive. Georgi Bates reframed the power of rest in Do You Need a Gap Year?, and Stavros Ambatzidis challenged leaders to foster cultures where people genuinely want to stay and grow.
Emerging leadership voices — including Nick Brooks, Hayley Van de Ven, and Angus Ferguson — explored what Gen Z and millennial leaders value most: authenticity, impact, and alignment between work and purpose.
The Verdict: A Defining Moment for the Industry
RiSE Leadership 2025 wasn’t another industry event — it was a collective step forward.
It brought real estate back to its roots: people. It gave professionals permission to slow down, speak honestly, and lead differently.
And with initiatives like the Real Care App and RiSE Influencers now in market, it delivered more than ideas — it delivered infrastructure for change.
As the sector braces for its next evolution, RiSE has made one thing clear: this is what modern leadership looks like — and the industry is better for it.
For more information about how you can get involved with the RiSE Initiative please contact CEO Steve Carroll at steve@riseinitiative.org.au
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