Interview with Antonia Mercorella | S6EP06

In this episode of The Development Drum, Antonia Mercorella reflects on her long-standing tenure leading an influential peak body and the benefits of broadening her organisation's scope. She shares a candid look at her professional evolution, shifting from the technical details of a legal background into a big-picture executive leadership role. Antonia also discusses the high-stakes realities of navigating public advocacy, keeping an organisation adaptable through unprecedented industry challenges, and finding the balance between intense professional demands and her personal life. It’s an insightful conversation on the true meaning of leadership, managing community expectations, and what it takes to continuously drive an industry forward.

Guest Bio: Antonia Mercorella is the powerhouse CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), a position she has held for the past decade. Under her leadership, the REIQ has become one of Australia’s most progressive, high-profile, and influential peak bodies. A qualified solicitor with more than 25 years’ experience in the property and legal sectors, Antonia has played a pivotal role in shaping real estate policy and legislative reform across multiple jurisdictions and with all levels of government.

Her career spans private practice and legal counsel roles for real estate industry bodies in both South Australia and Queensland. Her ability to lead and develop advocacy programs has drawn national and international attention. Antonia holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours, a Bachelor of Educational Theatre, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Connect with Antonia Mercorella:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-mercorella-8b516a43/
• Website: https://www.reiq.com/

About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.

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Get in Touch: We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have feedback, guest suggestions, or sponsorship enquiries, reach us at udia@udiaqld.com.au

Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane