With a background in sales and marketing, it seemed a natural progression for Deb Ball to move into real estate nearly three years ago, especially given her love of working with people and a passion for architecture and design. Verve spoke to Deb about her role as a real estate agent in residential sales for Barfoot & Thompson.
What do you love most about your job?
My thing is people, so I love getting to know and understand what their real estate goals are. It is the best feeling helping someone make a move that will change their lives. This can take many forms from getting a first step on the property ladder to selling the family home and downsizing. There are some complex things that go on between those two life stages and it’s incredibly rewarding to be trusted with people’s life stories as well as their property.
Do you work solo, or in a team?
I work in a team with Ben Buchanan and it’s great as we have different personalities, so when we are meeting clients, we know that at least one of us will be relatable. Each of us has different strengths and, identifying them, knowing how to work with them and each other is fundamental to our success. I’m often surprised by how we can flip the traditionally assigned gender roles in real estate.
Do women in general bring something different to real estate?
I think in real estate the difference is not so much about men or women, but more about the way people approach the work and build relationships. Real estate is all about the way people build trust, focus on working hard, problem solving and getting results while being communicative and keeping a sense of humour.
Barfoot & Thompson has donated huge amounts to Starship hospital over the last 20 years, please tell us more about this partnership?
During the past two decades, Barfoot & Thompson has contributed $6 million towards our national children’s hospital, making it possible for great things to be achieved for Starship’s staff, children, and families. Anyone who has had a child treated at Starship, will intimately understand the benefit of the fundraising support and contributions that ensure those who need to be there, or have loved ones admitted, receive the best treatment available.
Celebrate the wins and reflect on the losses but don’t dwell on them for too long pick yourself up and dust yourself off and start a new day.
Is having a philanthropic interest important to you?
Yes definitely. It’s wonderful working for a company that is interested in the greater good and one that gets behind our community.
Proudest achievements to date?
Motherhood.
Has motherhood changed the way you work?
My daughter is grown up and out flatting now but certainly what I have learnt is how to prioritise a work load while remaining flexible, it probably comes from when she was a baby and I had limited time to get other things done while she was having a sleep. I keep checklists so that if I am interrupted I just go back to the list. If I have an idea I write it down. I like routine and structure but being a mother has taught me how to deal with unpredictable work situations and how to remain calm when other people might be feeling overwhelmed.
What advice would you give your younger self?
The same advice I give my mature me (and my daughter). Remain present, laugh loud, breathe deep and dream big (not my words). And, that it’s okay to feel sad or scared and to lean into those feelings until they pass – it’s better to acknowledge feelings and talk about the good and the bad stuff than suppress them.
What’s been some of your most memorable advice in business?
Exercise, sleep and eat well. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, you won’t have the energy it takes to do the job (and enjoy it). Also celebrate the wins and reflect on the losses but don’t dwell on them for too long pick yourself up and dust yourself off and start a new day.
Any books or podcast recommendations?
Books on my bedside table are Dare to Lead by Brene Brown, Legacy: What the All Blacks can Teach us About Life by James Kerr and I dip in-and-out of Love Stories by Trent Dalton.
For podcasts, I like The Minimalists and Betwixt the Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal and Society, which is more entertaining than inspiring.
How do you switch off outside of work?
Before work I run and listen to music or a podcast which I find helps bring clarity to my day ahead. I’ve recently been having singing lessons and when you are trying to breathe, articulate, hold a tune, stand up straight and remember words, it is very difficult to think about anything else. It’s fun and terrifying at the same time! I also enjoy my book club and have some incredible women friends that I can decompress with anytime I like.
What is your biggest indulgence at home?
I love art so will splash out on occasion.
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