Championing Women Across The Region & Beyond
Michelle Champion, founder of Champions in Real Estate, was thrilled to win the prestigious Cairns Business Women’s Club Business Woman of the Year award. We talked with her about her win, passion and her secret to success.
How did you feeling winning this award?
It was an incredible honour. It’s humbling to be recognised among such talented and inspiring women, and it really reinforced for me that hard work, passion and backing yourself does pay off. It’s put the fire in my belly to continue to keep uplifting and empowering other women.
How long have you been in real estate and what made you decide to enter this field?
I’ve been in real estate for over 11 years now. I tried to get into real estate when I left high school, but it didn’t work out. I then became an accountant and worked in various roles in management and accounting. I always had this feeling that I was meant to do real estate and I wanted to give it a proper crack, so I got a job as a receptionist at a local agency. After months of begging, they finally gave me an opportunity in sales, and I’ve never looked back. Real estate gave me the perfect balance of relationships, strategy and the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. There are very few industries where you really get out of it what you put in, and I thrive off that.
When did you start Champions in Real Estate and why?
I started it in 2018 because I wanted to create an agency that did things differently – an agency built on innovation, marketing and people. I wanted to raise the standard for how property is marketed in Cairns while building a business that genuinely invests in its clients, its team and the community.
What do you think Champions’ point of difference is?
We are family owned and operated, results-driven but also a people-driven business. We combine cutting-edge marketing, consistency and strategy with a human approach. Our clients know we’ll get them the best outcome, but they also feel supported and cared for throughout the process. Our mission is simple – we champion our team, our clients and our community.
How big is your team?
We have 13 amazing team members. Each one of them brings unique strengths, and together we’ve built a culture of growth, collaboration and excellence.
What do you like best about working in this industry?
I love that no two days are the same. Real estate is fast-paced, ever-changing, and challenges me to keep growing. But most of all, I love helping people through major life milestones – it’s incredibly rewarding.
What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m a mum to two boys, and family is everything to me. I also love travelling, supporting local community initiatives and mentoring other women in business.
What do you think are the benefits of being part of the CBWC?
The CBWC provides a space for women to connect, collaborate, and champion each other. It’s about building networks, sharing knowledge, and celebrating achievements – which is so important in business which can be lonely. I’d like to thank the CBWC for the recognition and the amazing women who inspire me every day. Success isn’t something you achieve alone – it’s about the people around you who push you, support you and grow with you. I’m grateful to be part of a community that embodies that.
