Romina Edwards is a Senior Development Manager in Retail Mixed Use (RMU), responsible for the $250 million redevelopment of GPT’s Melbourne Central rooftop.
Her experience in property began with Colliers Jardine as an Assistant Property Manager in 1995 and then as a Hotel & Leisure Analyst. Romina also held various roles within the Lendlease business from 1998 including Retail Research Analyst, Retail Development Manager, Senior Retail Development Manager and Senior Development Manager – Retail BU, Urban Regeneration before moving to GPT as Development Manager RMU in October 2016.
Biggest challenges you have faced during your career?
Large developments where tight programes and large budgets are involved are stressful, particularly when having to deal with setbacks. It takes resilience to pick yourself up again, find a solution to the problem, gain endorsement from management and keep moving forward. But honestly, I think my biggest challenge is working full-time and being an involved and available parent for my son.
What advice would you give to someone starting in development?
If a large development opportunity presents itself, get involved, even if you undertake a role that is below your current position. Large development opportunities don’t come up all the time and you have an opportunity to learn so much on the job and from the team you will be working with.
In your opinion, what qualities make a good Development Manager?
Collaborative and a team player, trust, resilience and having great insight to your target customer needs. Great vision and being able to communicate and bring key stakeholders on the journey is important to establish and progress a new development project.
What’s your definition of a successful development?
Achieving the Place Vision aligned with the commercial approved metrics.
How do you manage stakeholders to get the best outcomes?
I listen to their feedback and act on it, or explain why we can’t. It is important each stakeholder feels valued throughout the process for a successful outcome.
An artist’s impression of the Melbourne Central development
How does GPT promote diversity?
GPT are supportive about diversity in the workplace and it is strongly advocated by our CEO. Diversity is a key GPT policy with initiatives including Talent & Succession planning for Women, Flexible Working Policy, participation in mentoring programes such as the 500 women in Property and a commitment to improving the number of senior women employees in the business.
How important are mentors in your career?
Very important – they can be the most unlikely sources and not always people you meet on a regular basis. When there is a difficult decision, I think to myself, what would my mentor do?
What makes a good leader? How do you lead?
I think a good leader is a good listener. Letting your team members shine and empowering them makes for a successful team outcome.
How would your peers describe you?
I think they would describe me as creative, insightful and assertive.
When are you most creative?
When I have focus time and alone time – either early in the morning before the family is up, or sometimes in the evening going for a run.
How can women invest in themselves to support their career?
Have a great support network of women, and also invest time in your health. Exercise, sleep and healthy eating is important to feeling confident and being in the best mental state for good and smart decision-making.
How do you manage balance in your life?
It can be difficult when juggling competing priorities, but I make sure I leave at a reasonable time a few days a week to have time with my son. I play a team sport once a week and I plan an annual ski holiday so I have a fitness goal to works towards during the year.
Most memorable moment of your career?
Coming back to work on Melbourne Central redevelopment again with many of the same team members, 15 years later. To have the opportunity to be part of its successful reposition again, is a privilege.
An artist’s impression of the Melbourne Central development
What do you like least about your role?
I don’t enjoy mundane administrative tasks. I try to delegate where I can.
Do you have a favourite project?
The one I am working on now – a rooftop redevelopment at Melbourne Central.
How do you keep your day on track?
I get up early and prepare for the day – emails, prep for meetings, delegation of tasks. I block out time in the day wherever I can for ‘work time’ and go to a private meeting room if I need to concentrate. If I need to concentrate I won’t pick up phone calls so I can keep my focus. Similarly in meetings, I always will be present – no emails or phone calls. At the end of the day, I will revisit my email/calls.
Single biggest lesson you’ve learnt in your career?
It’s OK if you don’t know the answer to everything. Find the right people and ask the right questions. There is a lot of great experience in the industry and people who are willing to advise you.
What’s great about this industry?
It’s not boring! There is always change in this industry which makes it exciting and challenging. There is a great network of passionate, smart and interesting people to work with in this industry and it’s small so you always cross paths with people.
