LifestyleCelebrating Family and Legacy
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09 May 2025
Mother’s Day is a special opportunity to honour the women whose influence extends beyond the home, shaping careers, leadership and community.
At Marshall White, we are proud to celebrate the mothers within our team whose example has inspired the next generation. This year, we spoke with a number of remarkable mothers and their children to reflect on how growing up and now working together in real estate has shaped their passion, values and pursuit of excellence.
For Paula Matlock, leadership and motherhood share a common foundation: mentoring, guiding and supporting others. "Just as I learn from my children, I learn from my team – each has helped me be a better leader and mother," she reflects.
Raising five children while managing a successful real estate career taught Paula the value of organisation, resilience and flexibility. "Even the best laid plans can change. Real estate, like parenting, teaches you to adapt and keep moving forward."
Paula’s own mother set a strong example. "She was a doer who showed me that with kindness, hard work and connection, anything is possible."
Paula’s daughters, Sophia Lynch and Amelia Lynch, have carried those lessons into their own careers at Marshall White.
Sophia, a Property Management Coordinator, says, "Mum’s strength, kindness and leadership have shaped the way I work. She has shown me that resilience, effort and authenticity earn real respect."
Amelia, a Campaign Coordinator, shares, "Mum’s confidence and compassion taught me that true leadership is about listening and leading with integrity. Growing up with real estate as part of our lives made it a natural path for me too."
For Sales Executive Beckie White, motherhood has been one of life's greatest teachers. "Patience, compassion and resilience are lessons you learn through motherhood, and they naturally shape the way I lead and work," she reflects.
Raised by a strong mother herself, Beckie believes in leading by example, staying true to her values and continually evolving. "Kindness is strength. My mother taught me that empathy builds real trust, and that principle has guided me throughout my career."
Family remains Beckie’s highest priority. "No matter how busy life gets, being present with family is non-negotiable. Those moments are what truly last."
Her son, Bailey White, now an Associate Director at Marshall White, carries forward the values instilled by his parents.
"My mum has had an incredible influence on the values I live by," Bailey shares. "She showed me that hard work, kindness and integrity are the foundation of everything, both in business and in life."
For Bailey, real estate is deeply personal. "I was raised to value relationships and to lead with empathy. That shaped how I approach clients, colleagues and the broader community."
The most valuable lesson he's learned? "Be kind to everyone, and always remember to smile."
For Rae Tomlinson, energy and integrity have been the cornerstones of both her career and motherhood. "Fortunately, I am a high energy person, and that trait has enabled me to continue my career in real estate," she shares.
Throughout her journey, Rae has drawn strength from her family. "They have always been there for me as a strong support network." That sense of unity has also informed her parenting. "I have tried to teach my sons to do what is right, not necessarily what is popular."
Rae’s example clearly left a lasting impression on her sons, Hugh and James, who now work alongside her in real estate.
"Mother’s Day reinforces the importance of family and what matters most," says Hugh. "We usually celebrate by giving Mum flowers and cooking her favourite brunch at home."
Hugh credits Rae’s approach to life and leadership as a powerful influence on his own. "Do what you say and lead by example. I try to follow my mother’s example as best I can."
Working within a family environment for more than 16 years has shaped Hugh’s view of the industry. "My mum taught me that integrity in your business and doing what is right will always set you apart."
For James, real estate has been part of life from an early age. "I was delivering pamphlets when I was 12 – real estate has always been a constant," he says. Rae’s values shaped more than just his career. "She taught me that hard work and true leadership are not defined by gender, and that punctuality is a sign of respect. Those lessons continue to guide how I approach life and work today."
At Marshall White, we are privileged to witness the profound impact that mothers have on shaping not only families but the future of our industry. Through their leadership, resilience and unwavering commitment to others, they instil values that extend far beyond the workplace.
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the exceptional women whose influence has created lasting legacies, nurturing the next generation of leaders and setting the standard for excellence, compassion and community, both within real estate and far beyond it.
