'Strata Chose Me" - The Suzanne Cubbin Story

Why Strata

Strata wasn’t a career I set out to choose—it chose me. And in strata, you quickly learn that you either thrive or you move on. I stayed—and thrived.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I love variety, problem‑solving, and challenge—and I’ve never been well‑suited to monotony. 

Career Journey

My career began in 1982 after completing secretarial college, when I joined Mayne & Van Der Linda (M&L) in Durban, South Africa, as a receptionist. At the young age of 19, I soon progressed to PA to the partners, Jonathan Mayne and Barry van der Linda. At the time, M&L were heavily involved in redeveloping Durban’s beachfront, imploding and transforming older walk‑up buildings into high‑rise residential developments.

Due to 99‑year land leases, these schemes were initially set up under Company Title, with M&L remaining on as Company Secretaries. Alongside my PA role, I maintained share sale registries and worked closely with project managers, surveyors, contractors, and design consultants. Many of these schemes were then converted to Sectional Title (Strata Title) which added further complexity and learning. It was fast‑paced, hands‑on, and incredibly formative.

In 1988, I stepped away from strata to raise our first two children. During that time, I taught swimming and water aerobics, designed swim and gym wear, and later co‑founded Belling & Cubbin (BC Management) from a kitchen bench with a strata colleague. Alongside this, I ran an aquatic school employing several swimming instructors. Teaching, nurturing, and sharing knowledge have always been important to me.

In 2000, our family migrated to Australia and settled on the Gold Coast. It was a challenging period—I missed home, familiarity, and a sense of purpose. Once we found our footing, I returned to Strata and spent seven years working with Howard Stewart and Michael Silver. They had very different leadership styles, and I learned valuable lessons from both. That period contributed significantly to my professional and personal growth.

In 2010, I once again branched out from the kitchen bench and founded Aquila Body Corporate Management. Aquila grew into a successful boutique strata business built on strong relationships and service values. I was surrounded by a great and dedicated small team of woman.  Due to health reasons, Aquila later merged with Strata Sphere, where I remain today as a working partner, supported by a strong and dedicated team.

Leadership Style

I lead by example. I’m human, I don’t always get it right, and I’m comfortable admitting that. Kindness, empathy, honesty and self‑awareness matter to me. No task is beneath me—whether that’s folding paper or filling envelopes. We’re one team.

I’m a firm believer in a no‑blame culture. Mistakes happen. What matters is creating a safe environment where issues are owned, understood, resolved, and prevented from happening again.

Balance is essential. I believe in putting self-first, family second, and work third. Without that order, sustainable success—both personally and professionally—is simply not achievable.

Greatest Achievement

My greatest achievement will always be my children. Professionally, I’m proud of building Aquila from the ground up—learning to tune out competitive noise, creating a respected brand, and being named 2017 Strata Manager of the Year. I’m also proud of serving on the SCAQ Board for four years, including my first year working closely with fellow Board Member Jonathan Flannery, navigating and supporting the organization through some particularly challenging operational times which was a rewarding and formative experience.

Advice to My Younger Self

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Stay in your own lane and bring others along with you. You don’t need to be everything to everyone. And asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strength.

What It Takes to Succeed in Strata

Resilience is critical. Conflict and challenges are part of the role, but they don’t define us—how we manage them does. Our job isn’t to buy into our clients’ drama; it’s to listen, guide, and encourage better outcomes.

Ongoing personal and professional development isn’t optional in strata—it’s essential for longevity.

A supportive partner and/or wider support network is also essential, as the challenges of strata are best understood by those working at the coalface.

Why I Still Love Strata

What I love most about strata is diversity. No two days are the same. The industry offers flexibility, challenge, and genuine work‑life integration, which allowed me to grow professionally while raising a family.

As land footprints shrink and vertical living increases, the need for skilled, people‑focused strata professionals becomes even more important. Technology can manage mundane processes, but relationships, community, and trust still require a personal touch.

It’s encouraging to see younger generations entering the strata industry with fresh perspectives, while valuing the experience and wisdom of those who’ve walked the path before them