Office Manager Lauren Johnston boasts a decade of experience in real estate. The role of an office manager can be challenging and unpredictable, but that is precisely what she loves about it and what makes her throw back the bedcovers each morning.

Her drive to succeed has seen Lauren promoted multiple times since joining Little Real Estate in the autumn of 2020. She started as a property manager in Carlton and then managed the busy South Yarra property management team. Lauren is now looking after Mount Waverley and the surrounding suburbs.

Lauren holds a Certificate IV in Property Services, in addition to Certificate III in Business and Hospitality and Tourism. She explains she grew up in the country but fostered a love for the real estate industry even whilst in high school.

“I went straight from high school into a small country agency,” says Lauren. “I did it all - property management, reception, trust accounting and even fed the agency cat! It looked great on my resume though, and I made a seamless transition into the fast-paced Melbourne market when I decided to move to the city.”

“I have strong communication skills; I am a very adept negotiator, and my years of experience have given me a deep understanding of the Residential Tenancies Act. As a leader, I am passionate about developing my people. I think this is because I recognise the time and effort my previous managers invested in me to develop my skills on my way up the managerial ladder.”

A participant in the 2022 Little Real Estate Future Leaders Program, Lauren sees a set of values at Little Real Estate that align closely with her own. She believes the supportive atmosphere motivates everyone to drive hard to achieve their personal and team goals.

“We work really hard at Little, but we feel valued for it, and that is a big differentiator in an industry where burnout is common,” says Lauren. “We speak all the time about ensuring our clients have the best experience possible but also that we take time out to have some fun delivering it.”

Much of her downtime is spent either outdoors or in the local gym, but the sociable property professional says she loves nothing more than sitting down to a nice meal with family and friends.