Across YPA, female leadership isn’t a strategy. It’s happened naturally, with over half of their 24 offices now owned or co-owned by women.
It’s not something that was ever mapped out, but over time, female leadership has become a defining part of the YPA network. Today, women own or co-own over half of its 24 offices, a shift that has happened steadily rather than through any deliberate push.
Across different markets and office sizes, that leadership shows up in different ways, but there are some common threads. Most have come through the industry the same way, starting in junior roles, learning the business, and gradually taking on more responsibility before stepping into ownership.
For Nancy Crupi, it started early. What began as Year 10 work experience turned into a full-time role straight out of school, starting on reception more than 30 years ago.
“I started on reception 31 years ago,” she said. “After that I moved into property management and then into a role where I was able to learn all aspects of the business, which helped me progress throughout my career.”
That broad exposure has shaped how she now leads her team.
“I try to always be inclusive and listen to staff needs,” she said. “Everyone is different, so you try to be there as much as possible for all.”
A similar sense of progression can be seen in Tracy Kilkenny’s journey, although her entry into real estate came unexpectedly.
“By chance really,” she said. “It was my husband’s passion and I was on maternity leave from my job and he needed help.”
Nearly a decade later, that decision has evolved into a leadership role, shaped by both structure and awareness of people.
“My leadership style is structured and process-driven, balanced by awareness of people and culture,” she said. “You have to remember we are all human beings that are individually different.”
For many within the network, some of the most defining moments came during more challenging periods, particularly through the pandemic.
“I would have to say the pandemic,” Tracy said. “Keeping our business running, following ever-changing guidelines, making sure the team was safe, happy and employed, while also managing family life… the mindset that nothing lasts forever got me through.”
For Jalpa Patel, the journey into real estate came from a completely different starting point. Without a sales background and entering a highly competitive market, she built her career by focusing on service and consistency.
“I didn’t start with a sales pitch; I started with a compassionate heart,” she said. “I had to be better, not just louder.”
That approach eventually led to her opening her own office, where she now leads with a clear philosophy.
“My leadership is built on honesty, transparency, and a ‘giver’ mindset,” she said. “When people feel secure and valued as humans first, they perform at their peak as professionals.”
Elke Remscheid’s path into the industry began after moving to Australia, studying real estate while raising her family before stepping into the business full-time.
“When YPA took over the office, my work life changed completely,” she said. “The level of training and support, and access to leadership, was exceptional.”
That support has been a consistent theme across her career.
“We are a very close-knit group,” she said. “Everyone is integrated and cared for, and there is always support if you need it.”
Across the network, offices vary in size and structure, from smaller community-based teams to larger operations covering both sales and property management. Despite those differences, the way they operate often reflects similar values, communication, consistency, and a focus on people.
For many of these leaders, their experience has naturally shaped how they approach leadership.
“Yes, I think as a female director you see things a little differently,” Nancy said. “There’s a more caring side for people and wanting to help people grow.”
Jalpa agrees, pointing to the ability to balance both the practical and emotional sides of the role.
“Women are natural orchestrators,” she said. “We manage the complexity of deals while remaining tuned into the emotions of our clients.”
Within YPA, that mix of leadership styles is not only accepted but encouraged.
“There’s no one way of doing things,” Tracy said. “We all bring different perspectives, and that’s what makes it work.”
As the network continues to grow, the presence of female-led businesses is likely to remain a key part of its identity, not because it was ever planned, but because it reflects the people within it and the way they’ve built their careers over time.
For many, it’s still about doing the work, just now from a different position.