Built on Trust: Jenny Strong and 25 Years Alongside Strata

Born in Brisbane, I am the daughter of an ambitious and courageous Greek immigrant. From an early age, education, opportunity, and new experiences were central to my upbringing. Around the time the world was bracing for Y2K, I was a Law and Business graduate in Brisbane with big dreams of supporting Australian small business. If you had told me then that I would spend the next 25 years immersed in the strata industry, I would have laughed, and probably asked, “What’s strata?”

Late 1999 marked a pivotal chapter in my career. I had the privilege of working under two exceptional mentors at Macquarie Bank in Queensland, leaders with a deep passion for strata and property services. Their belief in me, and in the value of integrity, accountability, and opportunity, shaped my professional foundation. Trust and relationships underpinned everything we did.

It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with property people. Their authenticity and practicality resonated deeply. These were not just transactional relationships, but partnerships and friendships that extended well beyond business.

In the early 2000s, I was given the opportunity to expand the bank’s regional footprint across Queensland, working with clients in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, and Mackay, and later across New South Wales and the ACT. These experiences reinforced the importance of understanding local communities and building trust over time.

What has kept me in strata for more than two decades is simple: the people, and the constant evolution of the sector. Strata presents an ongoing intellectual challenge, supporting owners, managers, and committees through complex decisions, changing regulations, and an ever-shifting business landscape. No two days are the same.

Over the years, I have supported clients through natural disasters, economic cycles, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. One moment that stands out involved helping a client rebuild after devastating flood damage. It was not about numbers alone, but about listening, empathy, and restoring a sense of security.

Leadership, to me, is both what you do and how you do it. Early in my career, I believed leadership meant having all the answers. Experience has taught me that it is about asking the right questions, empowering others, and valuing the input of many. Diversity of thought is a powerful driver of innovation and better outcomes.

If there is one lesson I would share from my years in strata, it is the importance of communication and common purpose. Clear, honest conversations can prevent misunderstanding and build stronger outcomes. If in doubt, ask rather than tell.

Looking ahead, the strata sector will continue to evolve in who we serve, how we work, and what we deliver. Collaboration, empathy, teamwork, and understanding will be essential as we shape the future together.

I share my story because stories connect us. They remind us that we are not alone in our challenges or our triumphs. My hope is that others see something of themselves here, and feel encouraged to keep growing, learning, and enjoying the journey.

Here’s to the next chapter, may it be just as rewarding as the last.