Christine Mikhael knows what it means to take a leap of faith.
At the tender age of 22, she struck out on her own and launched her own real estate business, amid the early 1990s recession that Australia infamously ‘had to have’.
It was a move many considered risky, even foolhardy, with eye-watering interest rates and inflation pummelling the economy.
“I got phone calls from competitors saying it was commercial suicide,” Ms Mikhael said
“But I thought I would give it a shot. I was just a kid and I didn’t have a big team around me, but I had this belief that I could make it work.”
Looking back on it, it was an early sign of her determination, optimism and self-belief.
It’s no wonder Ms Mikhael would go on to become the chief executive of LJ Hooker – one of the biggest real estate brands in Australia, with some 4,300 property professionals across 420 offices.
With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Ms Mikhael has not only navigated the complexities of the real estate market but has also redefined leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field.
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Christine Mikhael has more than 30 years of experience in real estate. Picture: Supplied
Early days
Fresh out of high school, she stepped into a role in property management in 1988.
“It wasn’t a planned path,” Ms Mikhael said. “I was drawn into real estate through opportunity and challenge.”
Ms Mikhael came from a family that worked in property and was surrounded by entrepreneurial thinking.
Her father and brothers were developers and builders, and this environment helped foster her ambition.
“I’ve always had a great support team through my dad, mum and my siblings,” she said.
“They would ask ‘why you would work for someone else when you could do it yourself?’.”
Ms Mikhael was appointed chief executive officer of LJ Hooker in 2022. Picture: Supplied
Reshaping leadership
While many leaders pride themselves on leading from the front, Ms Mikhael has a fresh approach that she described as ‘leading from behind’.
“People talk about having a backbench, but I feel like my executive leadership team are my front bench,” she said.
“They’re people I’ve handpicked to work with because they’re brilliant at what they do, and it means I don’t need to be brilliant at everything.”
This collaborative approach extends beyond her immediate team.
Ms Mikhael is a firm believer in seeking out diverse perspectives, even from outside the real estate industry.
“I’ve learned from leaders at McDonald’s and other major brands in the US and UK,” she said.
“Going outside of the sector reshapes my thinking and gives me another lens to approach problems or strategise for growth.”
Her philosophy of seeking help and mentorship has been a cornerstone of her career.
“I’ve always sought out help, whether through mentorship, counselling, books, or podcasts,” she said.
“People often think seeking help is a sign of weakness, but it’s a strength.
“It’s about asking the right questions and learning from those who are already where you want to be.”
Navigating challenges
Ms Mikhael’s career hasn’t been immune to challenges though.
From starting her own business during a recession to steering LJ Hooker through the uncertainties of the pandemic, she has faced numerous obstacles head-on.
Her secret to staying motivated during tough times has been to start each day at zero.
“No matter how the day before ends, every day is a new start,” she said.
“If I had a -10 out of 10 day, I start the next day at zero.
“Conversely, if I had a 20 out of 10 day, I still start the next day at zero because it keeps me motivated during tough times and humble during winning times.”
This mindset, combined with a focus on what she can control, has allowed her to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
“I can’t control interest rates or other external factors, but I can control my attitude, my behavior, and the time I spend acting out particular behaviors,” she said.
“That’s what being market-proof is all about.”
Ms Mikhael believes in starting each day at zero, no matter if the previous day was good or bad. Picture: Supplied
Giving back
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms Mikhael’s personal life is deeply rooted in family and community.
As one of eight children, she comes from a tight-knit family that has always prioritised collaboration and support.
“Family is number one for me,” she said.
“I have two teenagers, a husband, and a little puppy who’s a big part of our family.“
Ms Mikhael’s commitment to giving back is equally strong.
She is an ambassador for Vinnies CEO Sleepout, an initiative that raises awareness and funds to combat homelessness.
“Homelessness has always had a soft spot in my heart,” she said.
“As real estate agents, we provide shelter for people who can afford it, but what about those who can’t afford it.
“Especially in the past couple of years, with the housing crisis and rising cost of living, it’s something I’m really keen to help make a difference in.”
Ms Mikhael is an ambassador for the Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout, which raises awareness and funds to combat homelessness. Picture: Supplied
Next steps
Under Ms Mikhael’s leadership, LJ Hooker has embarked on an ambitious six-year strategy to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028 while future-proofing the brand for the next century.
The strategy focuses on transformation, innovation, and enhancing the customer experience, and it’s a task that the chief executive takes very seriously.
“LJ Hooker is an iconic brand, and I never underestimate the responsibility of looking after something so precious,” she said.
“I just want to ensure I play the right role in steering the brand in the right direction.”
Yet the most rewarding part of her job has been watching people grow and achieve things they never thought possible.
“My purpose is to plant the seed of confidence in people, watch them grow, and take them places they never thought possible for themselves,” she said.
“Whether it’s a new business owner, an agent stepping into leadership, or a team member achieving their true potential, that’s what drives me.”
Her journey is a reminder that success is not just about individual achievement but about lifting others up along the way.
