Winning formula! Turning challenges into gold in management rights

Ashtyn Leary, a young dynamo in Gold Coast management rights, recently returned from cheering on her sister, Alexa Leary, at the Paralympics in Paris. Alexa made news worldwide after recovering from brain injuries from a life changing cycling accident and then going on to win gold and silver medals in Paris.

Like her younger sister, Ashtyn Leary is an unstoppable high achiever, balancing hard work with determination and personality-plus to win gold in the business of management rights.

How was it watching Alexa in Paris?

It was truly unforgettable—a whirlwind of emotion, and so inspirational to watch her compete for Australia after all she has overcome. We travelled as a family and spent much-needed quality time together. Mum, Dad, all seven siblings plus our partners—it felt like our own little Contiki tour!

Europe never disappoints, with its vibrant culture, delicious Aperol spritzes, and refreshing dips in the Mediterranean Sea. However, without a doubt, the highlight was watching Lex triumph.

It must have been gut-wrenching to hear about her accident?

Absolutely. I was one of the first to hear the news, and it felt like we were living in a movie—everything changed in an instant. Alexa’s accident was one of the toughest challenges our family has faced together. In those early days, it was a life-and-death battle for Alexa—incredibly hard. However, it brought us closer as we rallied around her. With so many siblings, we each took on different roles to support her recovery and each other. It was a testament to the strength of our family bond, and while it was an incredibly difficult time, we found ways to uplift and support one another through the journey.

She made a stunning comeback!

Nothing short of a miracle. We all lost our voices from cheering “LEXGO!” at the top of our lungs! Witnessing her bring home two golds, a silver, and the world record was an incredible achievement. It fills us with joy to see her thriving again and shining so brightly on that stage!

You’re a director of the Gold Coast Resort Group with your sister Madison?

It’s been an exciting journey! We focus on innovating and injecting fresh energy into the management rights industry. Our vision is to acquire and manage properties, working diligently to elevate them to high-performing levels, while also creating positive experiences for both guests and owners.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is transforming buildings from run-down, forgotten properties into welcoming places.

Seeing a property flourish after our hard work makes it all worthwhile, and we’re committed to continuing this mission as part of the Gold Coast Resort Group. We prioritise building strong relationships with the body corporate and fostering a sense of community within our buildings. It’s all about creating a welcoming environment where stakeholders can thrive.

What’s it like working with your sister?

Madison is 30, so four years younger than me. Working with her is an absolute blessing! We complement each other perfectly. She’s grounded and an exceptional communicator, while I focus on innovation and team morale. One of the keys to our successful partnership is our ability to separate our professional and family lives, which actually strengthens our bond as sisters. Sometimes we discuss work matters, then hang up and immediately call back to say, “Hey, sis!” and dive into a normal sister conversation. I see Madison as one of my best friends and the best business partner I could ask for.

Read more HERE: Madison shooting to the top as young gun of management rights

What was Sovereign like when you took over three years ago?

The property had definitely seen better days, with 20 years of maintenance issues. The atmosphere among owners, management, and the body corporate was far from harmonious. While it felt like a significant challenge, we saw potential. It was an opportunity to breathe new life into a building that desperately needed some love and, let’s say, a lot of dusting!

You’ve overseen big changes at Sovereign?

Our focus has been on building a strong relationship with the committee and owners, which has allowed us to implement numerous improvements. From tackling outstanding building maintenance issues to enhancing guest experiences, the transformation has been incredibly rewarding. Madison has taken on a lot of the responsibility at Sovereign while I managed our Noosa buildings when we first took over. She has done an extraordinary job, working tirelessly day in and day out to elevate Sovereign to where it is today.

Currently, I primarily run our other building in Varsity Lakes, called c.

This is our first permanent-based building, and like Sovereign, it has over 200 units. I initially thought this would be easier than holiday letting, but I quickly learned that with a permanent building, we have owners and committee members living onsite, which requires a different approach and 24/7 eyes on you as managers, so there is no room for error.

We’ve had The Reserve for just over a year, and the previous management hadn’t conducted scheduled maintenance for many years. It’s been a big project to get this building back up to standard, and we’re working directly with the committee to regain their trust. We’re making progress and restoring faith in management. Notably, before our management, they were considering running the agreements out.

You were born into the management rights business?

My dad, Russell Leary, and his brother, Adrian, have been in management rights for decades. Growing up, we were making beds in Dad’s hotels for pocket money. I was surrounded by the ins and outs of the business from school age, which has given me a unique perspective and deeper understanding of the industry. You could say management rights is in our blood. It feels like a family legacy that I’m incredibly proud to help flourish and continue, hopefully for generations to come.

Growing up in management rights properties was a unique experience. A lot of the time, we lived onsite at hotels and resorts.

As a child, my friends thought that was incredibly unique and special. It gave me valuable insight into the importance and methodology behind great service. My dad’s old-school approach as a building manager really shaped how we operate today. I remember he always went the extra mile to ensure guests had memorable experiences. He always instilled in me the importance of making sure every guest gets that personalised service. We try to go above and beyond, making them feel special from the moment they check in. Simple acts like good service, local knowledge, recommendations, and a smile go a long way. I credit my dad’s upbeat, positive attitude for inspiring my own approach to hospitality.

When did you start work in the industry?

I started helping with housekeeping as a pre-teen and later flew up north in my early 20s to assist with our building in North Queensland. This job involved ensuring consistency in front desk procedures across all our properties. Working from such an early age in an industry I loved instilled a strong work ethic in me.

What advice would you give to management rights buyers?

Prioritise understanding the dynamics of strata management and building strong relationships with committees. Success in this industry relies heavily on collaboration, communication, and trust among owners, managers, and the body corporate. Remember all buildings are different, so this can take some tweaking when you first start.

I’ve also noticed that many buildings haven’t kept up with modern digital practices, so being open to innovative approaches to improve guest experiences and property management is essential.

Do you have thoughts on the future of management rights?

Yes! It’s a very exciting time, particularly with younger operators bringing fresh ideas to the table. While challenges like economic fluctuations, inflation, and the trend of owners wanting to self-manage will always exist, I believe that innovation and a focus on demonstrating the value of professional management can elevate the industry.

By providing excellent service, offering cost-saving ideas for committees, and fostering community engagement, we can showcase the necessity of onsite management. There’s still tremendous potential for growth and reinvention, and the demand for effective management is making a strong comeback.

What do you do away from work?

You’ll find me searching for the best sunrise spots, visiting markets, and trying out new restaurants and cafés. I love to travel, so I’ll board a plane to any destination at any chance I get. My little pug, Alison, is my loyal sidekick on these adventures. I also enjoy organising themed events to bring people together.

I adore creating connections and memorable experiences for the special people I am lucky enough to have in my life. This truly is what life is all about for me!

First published in the December edition of Resort News read it HERE