We’re bringing RedBalloon’s Naomi Simson to Canberra to talk impact

When you wake up in the morning and your feet hit the floorboards, what are you thinking about? How stressed you are? How much you’ve got to get through? How much money you’re going to make that day?

Do you ever stop and think about the impact you want to have over the next 24 hours?

In fact, if you’re a business owner, did you build your business around the impact you wanted to have in the property industry?

Naomi Simson hopes you did.

The founder of online travel experience company RedBalloon, and later Big Red Group, and judge on Channel 10’s Shark Tank, arrives in Canberra next week as part of the Zango presents series. 

Naomi had a corporate career with Apple, KPMG, IBM and Ansett Australia prior to becoming an entrepreneur. She’s a prolific blogger, podcaster and business commentator and a non-executive director at Big Red Group, Australian Payments Plus, Colonial First State and Weebit Nano.

With more than 2.7 million followers, Naomi is Australia’s most followed person on LinkedIn. Her best-selling books include Live What You Love and Ready to Soar.

Previous speakers in the Zango presents series have included economist and businessman Mark Bouris, cyclist Anna Meares and former Olympian and doctor Jana Pittman.

Naomi Simson is famous for helping brands articulate the impact they want to have in the world. When it comes to the property industry, Naomi says it’s a sector that needs to do a complete 180 and look forward, rather than backward.

“The property industry needs to be forward-focused,” she says.

“And it needs to think about where it's going – not about where it's come from. 

“There’s lots of disruption happening. And there’s one thing that will protect you from disruption. And I will talk about that.”

The industry’s approach to leadership will also be a central theme in her presentation.

“Leadership as a word is bandied around a lot,” Naomi says.

“Ultimately, it’s how to unite people. People need nurturing. And I'm not talking about running a kindergarten. But they need to be nurtured, rather than just lead. 

“They need to believe and feel a part of something bigger than themselves. And if we’re going to be future-focused in the property industry, then we really need to talk about the role that people play. And how we create community within our workplaces.”

A serial investor, Naomi looks for one thing in the companies she backs.

“It's always about the person,” she says.

“It's never about the business. And it's always about their ability to understand the impact they're having. Is purpose driving them?

“I have to be able to get along with them. If I don't think I can work with them, what's the point?”

Ahead of Naomi’s presentation, property industry growth expert Peter Gilchrist will provide tips for expansion and success in 2024 and beyond.

Peter has lectured in the UK, Singapore, South Africa and New Zealand and is considered an expert in auction, presentation, pricing, re-pricing, marketing, business planning and much, much more.

Zango presents Naomi Simson will take place at the National Gallery of Australia on Tuesday 5 March 2024 from 8am. The event is free and open to property industry professionals.