In this candid and engaging conversation, Cleo—a property manager with 17 years of experience—shares her insights into the demanding yet rewarding world of property management and the realities of balancing work and motherhood. She explains how the role is centered around problem-solving, with property managers often only contacted when issues arise. Cleo emphasizes the value of experience and structure, noting that much of her day operates on autopilot thanks to routines developed over years in the industry. She describes the importance of clear frameworks and setting boundaries both at work and at home, highlighting how these strategies help her juggle the many responsibilities she faces daily.

Cleo also opens up about her personal journey as a working mother, detailing how taking time off with her children and returning to work gradually helped her avoid feeling torn between roles. She stresses the necessity of honest conversations with employers about expectations and flexibility, and shares her “golden goose” lesson: letting go of perfection. Rather than striving for 100% in everything, she advises working mothers to focus on making small, manageable improvements and to accept that 80% is often enough. Her story is a mix of wisdom, practicality, and humour, offering encouragement to other parents navigating similar paths.