Suzanne Brown: Renting Fairly, Leading Bravely & Lifting Women Up because “You can’t be what you can’t see”

Suzanne Brown started in real estate at 21, became one of WA’s youngest licensed agents, and went on to build Rentwest into one of the state’s largest property management firms. Today she’s the President of REIWA, only the second woman in 106 years and the first leader to come from a property management background.

In this uplifting conversation, Suzanne shares how a love of learning (and an early detour from accounting) set her up to scale a values-led business that now oversees tens of millions in rents while championing great experiences for tenants and owners alike. She opens up about saying “not yet” to the presidency while her youngest finished school - why that boundary was fearless leadership, not hesitation - and how stepping into a very public role matters for visibility: “You can’t be what you can’t see.”

We dive into WA’s rental crunch - its disproportionate impact on women, older renters, and those leaving domestic violence - and the policy levers that actually move supply. Suzanne also unpacks why real estate has long been a strong industry for women (pay parity and flexibility when it’s done right), her 10-10-10 morning ritual for focus, and the obligation leaders have to elevate and mentor the next generation.

If you care about housing, inclusive leadership, andbuilding a career that fits real life, this one’s rich with practical wisdom.

Key Takeaways:

• Visibility is leadership. Suzanne accepted a public-facing presidency to model what’s possible: only the 2nd female REIWA President in 106 years - and the first from property management.
• Fearless can be “not yet.” Setting family-first boundaries (delaying the presidency during her son’s final school years) was a strategic, values-aligned choice.
• Real estate can work for women. In residential PM, Suzanne’s seen genuine pay parity, flexible pathways (early or late-career entry), and rapid success built on networks and service.
• Rental crisis has faces. Women exiting DV, single-income renters, and older Australians are bearing the brunt; support must pair demand help with supply solutions to avoid worsening affordability.
• Lead with lift. “Elevate other women” isn’t a slogan - Suzanne mentors actively so opportunity compounds across the industry.
• Operate on routines, not willpower. Her 10-10-10 start(movement, meditation/breathwork, learning) resets focus and energy, even on busy days.
• Purpose over polish. You don’t need to love the spotlight to serve; integrity, advocacy and consistent results build the kind of influence that lasts.

Thank you to Westpac for supporting this episode of Fearless Females Podcast. Even the best ideas need backing. Westpac has committed $1B to support female entrepreneurs and offer the Startup Business Loan. Apply with your business plan and budget projections for up to $50k unsecured. To learn more, search 'Westpac supporting female founders'. Eligibility, credit criteria, fees & charges and T&C's apply. General advice only.If you'd like to learn more about real estate in Western Australia, you can visit RentWest Solutions and REIWA