J
arita Rayasam, Head of Growth for LJ Hooker Australia and New Zealand, has lived the power of empowering teams. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in experience, having risen rapidly from executive assistant to national growth roles with leaders who gave her autonomy and confidence.

    "I don't believe in micromanaging," Jarita says. "It might deliver compliance in the moment, but it doesn't create leaders." Instead, she trusts her people to drive growth and performance. "If you create a space where people can express themselves without fear, that's where performance thrives."

    Jarita has seen firsthand what happens when leaders don't trust their teams. A micromanaging supervisor reduced her to tears early in her career, making her feel like she needed permission for even the simplest tasks. This experience taught her that leadership is about creating space, not filling it.

    "I lead with a coaching mindset," Jarita explains. "I tailor my approach to each team member, empowering those who want to run and supporting those who need more guidance." She balances flexibility with structure and clarity, starting with trust and accountability. Her team knows their targets and what success looks like, and she removes roadblocks to let them own the outcome.

    Jarita's approach extends to talent development, where she prioritizes finding the right fit for each person rather than pushing them into a role that doesn't suit them. She also brings a human lens to negotiations and business transitions, understanding the emotional aspects of decisions like succession planning.

    For leaders struggling to let go, Jarita advises hiring with a view to the future, looking for people who can take on leadership roles one day. Ultimately, she believes leadership is about creating an environment where people are encouraged to think, act, and grow – not sit idle waiting for instructions.

    "My mantra is simple," Jarita says. "I don't want to be the smartest person in the room. If I am, I've failed. You need people around you who are smarter, more driven."