Connect 2022 kicks off in style

Ray White’s Connect 2022 conference kicked off in fine style on the Gold Coast today with almost 3000 members coming together from across Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia to be inspired and learn from the best.

The best auctioneers in the business from across Australasia gave a dazzling display of a fantastic fast-paced international auction aria which impressed the crowd.

Ray White Managing Director Dan White (pictured here) said the group had never been in a better position.

“The hard work, curiosity and commitment of everyone here has given us a wonderful opportunity, and put us on a higher perch and to look out to bigger possibilities. And they are quite amazing. The quality and honesty of our collective discussions and debate on how we best seize these opportunities are critical, and everyone’s role in that is vital. Remember – that’s what a springboard is all about,” Mr White said.

He said the leading group was lucky as the unique experience it offers is “a family experience”.

“Being proud of what we do, one of hard work, and one of responsibility. Accepting everyone for who they are. Recognising ambition, celebrating success, and being there for the disappointments. We are open and honest with our communication that sometimes may be difficult but is always given with the best of intentions, to grow and move forward. That is our unique experience,” Mr White said.

“Our best days are still well ahead of us. That’s a challenge for me and for all of us.”

The broader activities of the White family group take place in the related industries of real estate, finance and technology.

They’re influenced by similar trends, face similar threats and challenges, and pursue related opportunities.

“Ray White is a place in which we all seek to be proud of every relationship and every transaction,” Mr White said.

“We use the concept of a springboard to help describe what it is that we seek to provide. A springboard helps you go higher, and the harder you jump on it, the higher you go.

“There ‘s much of our ‘springboard’ that has remained the same over our 120 years. There’s also much that has changed. And it will continue to do so as the industry, our network, and indeed the ambitions of our members, changes and evolves.

Just because we have had a remarkable few years doesn’t guarantee us any continued success.

Mr White reminded everyone that just by having a large network, and a well recognised brand, it won’t guarantee momentum. “We have seen a decline in the market presence of all of the networks on that chart except for the yellow one over this time.

Loan Market Group Executive Chairman Sam White said said the group settled more than $136 billion in loans, in the last financial year, with more than 250,000 customers.

“Your mortgage business does write more loans than some of the Big 4 banks. Together we are the biggest real estate and mortgage business.”

In his keynote address, former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir John Key (pictured) discussed the idea of mastering leadership.

As the 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt Hon Sir John Key led his country through the aftermath of the global financial crisis and a series of devastating earthquakes.

At the time of his retirement from office, New Zealand had one of the highest growth rates and best fiscal position of any advanced economy.

With a degree in accounting and a passion for being at the leading edge of business, Rt Hon Sir John Key carved out a successful career in investment banking, taking him around the world, including working in Singapore and London.

Pursuing a childhood dream of becoming Prime Minister of New Zealand, Sir John Key entered politics which saw him hold the Helensville seat in Auckland from 2002, and the Prime Minister role from 2008 until his retirement in 2016.

In his keynote address, former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir John Key (pictured) discussed the idea of mastering leadership.

As the 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt Hon Sir John Key led his country through the aftermath of the global financial crisis and a series of devastating earthquakes.

At the time of his retirement from office, New Zealand had one of the highest growth rates and best fiscal position of any advanced economy.

With a degree in accounting and a passion for being at the leading edge of business, Rt Hon Sir John Key carved out a successful career in investment banking, taking him around the world, including working in Singapore and London.

Pursuing a childhood dream of becoming Prime Minister of New Zealand, Sir John Key entered politics which saw him hold the Helensville seat in Auckland from 2002, and the Prime Minister role from 2008 until his retirement in 2016.