Page 85 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

Watching her team members grow and

succeed is another source of immense pride.

that began several years ago. Kim commented, “It’s each individual. Kim recognises that there are times when
Co-owner,
been a really interesting journey to watch the people some agents require more guidance, while others may
Tyson Properties
that have been in the industry for longer terms, not need her support for extended periods. Having her
embracing the new people, taking them under their son involved in the business has been advantageous, as it
im Woods, co-owner at Tyson Properties, brings wings and helping them to grow.” Of note this culture allows them to share the load and ensure that someone is
nearly three decades of experience in the real estate has strengthened the entire team as they’ve learned always available to assist those in need.
Kindustry, managing a territory that spans from the to understand each other and the diversity of each of
Umbilo River to the Umhlanga River. Kim advises young people entering the real estate
the individuals.
industry to fully embrace the profession. She believes
A significant part of Kim’s early dreams has been to make a In her role as a leader, Kim takes pride in being a “mum” many newcomers mistakenly think they can balance real
success of her real estate business which she has fulfilled. figure to her team, providing support not only in estate with other pursuits, but the reality is that it requires
She considers herself blessed to work alongside her professional matters but also in personal challenges. She complete dedication. Kim emphasises the importance
two children, expressing immense fulfilment in sharing sees herself as a good listener and makes herself available of approaching the field with passion and commitment.
her professional life with her family. Her son co-owns to her team 24/7. Her approach is not necessarily to offer While the numerous accreditations and qualifications
the business with her, while her daughter oversees the advice but to be there when all a person needs is for can seem overwhelming, she encourages new agents to
marketing and social media aspects.
someone to listen. prioritise their work more than anything else. “Decide that
you want to do it and decide that you’re going to give it
Her journey to becoming a successful real estate Kim’s career has been shaped by the mentorship she
professional was not straightforward as before finding her received early on, for which she is deeply grateful. She your all,” she advises. With the right mindset, the learning
passion for property, she explored various careers. After credits her original boss as a phenomenal mentor who and qualification process becomes manageable, as the
leaving school, she started in banking but quickly moved encouraged her daily. “She’s always been somebody that love for the job fuels the motivation to succeed.
on to different ventures. It wasn’t until she tried her hand at I’ve aspired to be like,” reflected Kim. She also taught Kim A Positive Attitude
real estate that she found her true calling. Her dedication how to acquire the resilience necessary to succeed in the
to the industry has been unwavering, and she continues to real estate market even during tough times. “She definitely One of Kim’s most difficult challenges has been her son’s
love what she does. battle with kidney disease. Once an avid sportsman,
taught me the bounce back ability thing,” Kim recalls, his illness took a toll on the entire family. “It was really
Immense Fulfilment adding that this lesson has been invaluable throughout tough to watch him struggle,” she shares, revealing
her career.
Kim’s enthusiasm for her work is driven by a passion for the emotional journey of searching for a kidney donor.
people. She relishes the opportunity to meet different Additionally, an early partnership with a younger colleague “We’ve just celebrated his fourth year of having a new
individuals and embraces the constant learning that allowed her to learn and grow alongside someone equally kidney from this Angel, who is now part of our lives,” Kim
comes with the profession. Even after 28 years, she enthusiastic about the industry. Even though they now says with gratitude. This experience tested the family’s
acknowledges that “every single week there’s something work in different cities, they continue to share ideas and strength and taught them the importance of maintaining
else that’s new and different.” Despite the frequent support each other. a positive attitude.
changes in legislation and business practices, which can Greatest Achievements Despite her busy professional life, Kim values her
be challenging, she finds that they keep her ‘on her toes’ downtime, which she spends with close friends and
and eager to learn. Her love for interacting with people For Kim, one of her greatest achievements has been raising family. Whether it’s walking on the promenade, enjoying
extends beyond just her clients. Kim is particularly her children to be “decent human beings.” Watching her coffee, or having relaxing weekends away, she cherishes
proud of her team, a diverse group with a mix of young, team members grow and succeed is another source of the time spent unwinding. As a grandmother to three
middle-aged, and older individuals, which she believes immense pride, particularly when she sees former interns wonderful children, she also dedicates a significant
contributes to the dynamic nature of the business. who knew nothing about real estate now ranking among portion of her time to playing the role of “granny”, which
the top agents at Tyson Properties. “That is just the best,” she brings her immense joy.
Her team at Tyson Properties also feels like an extension says, describing the joy of celebrating their achievements.
of her family. She has always aspired to grow a team As for the future, Kim has no plans to retire. As long as her
where seasoned professionals could mentor newcomers, Managing a large team of 48 agents presents its own health and energy remain strong, she intends to continue
and she has achieved this through an intern programme challenges, particularly in understanding the needs of doing what she loves.

Kim WOODS | 83