In honor of International Women’s Day, Rainy Hake Austin, President of The Agency, sat down virtually with the company’s agents and staff for a live Q&A. During the discussion, she chatted with moderator Makenzie Green, Director of Partnerships and Events, and opened up about her career journey, juggling work-life balance, what it means to be a leader and the future of real estate.
Rainy’s plate is certainly full with running an international brokerage—especially as The Agency rapidly expands across the globe. When asked what she wished she could tell herself ten years ago, she shared that she has learned to stay in the moment and be laser-focused on whatever is at hand. “I love my job every day because I’m in the moment all the time. It’s about being intentional,” she said.
When asked about her career path, Rainy shared her unique story: “I fell into real estate and never fell out. At age 15, I started in a front desk position at a real estate company. From there, I became an office coordinator, office manager, VP and managing director and then eventually the COO of a boutique Bay Area brokerage.” After working for Compass, she yearned to return to the world of boutique, luxury real estate. Enter The Agency.
And you could say it was a match made in heaven. Rainy is strategically fueling The Agency’s expansion and evolution with her signature calm presence, creative perspective and humble demeanor. “We’ve had so many amazing accomplishments the last 18 months… big foundational changes. I’m appreciative the team has stayed so open to ideas,” she said. “I’m always asking, how do we take what they’ve created to the next level?”
When it comes to the future of real estate, Rainy shared her thoughts: “It will be different and the same. We’ve been riding a 12-year high with the market. Price correction will happen, but the luxury market is going to be quite active over the next few years.” She noted that while the future of the industry will revolve around tech, it will always be a people business. “It’s a lifestyle experience and we need to assist clients through every stage,” she said.
Supporting her team is Rainy’s passion. As a leader, she focuses on making her colleagues feel significant, certain, proud and empowered. Her people-forward approach is apparent; she strives to give people the tools they need to thrive and sets a culture built around transparency, where everyone has a voice. “My staff members are my clients, and I want to provide them with exceptional experiences so they can provide the same to our agents,” she said.
And her job doesn’t stop come evening time. Rainy is a mother to two young daughters. “Mom guilt is a real thing! You never feel like you’re doing enough,” she said. “Acknowledge it and know that you are doing your best.” An optimist at heart, Rainy finds balance in the imbalance, nimbly and gracefully shifting from attentive mama to business guru come Monday morning.
Her favorite part of working at The Agency? That answer was easy: “The people, by far. It’s so amazing to be part of a group of incredible, passionate individuals who make it fun to come to work every day.”
