Livia Szikora: Hairdresser, mother, mentor, author, and the voice of a management rights movement
Exclusive interview with Livia Szikora: Co-Founder & Director, AILI Realty | Author of Not Just Caretakers – We Run the Whole Show
When you meet Livia Szikora, you quickly sense the energy of someone who has built everything from scratch. Not just a business, but a belief system around what management rights really means. Her journey from a small Hungarian village to becoming one of Australia’s most passionate advocates for onsite managers is the stuff of inspiration.
I caught up with Livia to talk about her remarkable story, her new book Not Just Caretakers: We Run the Whole Show, and her mission to reframe how the industry sees itself.
This interview was first published in our Resort News magazine. Read the December edition HERE.
From hairdresser to industry trailblazer
Mandy: Tell us a little about your background. Where did your career journey begin?
Livia: I grew up in a small village in Hungary and moved to Australia in 2008 with big dreams, no English, and no safety net. My background wasn’t in real estate at all. I started out as a hairdresser, but I’ve always loved property and taking on new challenges.
How did you first discover the management rights industry?
It actually started through one of my clients at the salon. At the time, I had three young kids, was renovating, and had no family support. When I first heard about management rights, I had never come across the term. The more I researched, the more I thought this could work for us. It offered balance, purpose, and flexibility all in one.
The birth of AILI Realty
What motivated you to start AILI Realty, and what vision drives it today?
Starting AILI Realty was about creating a life that worked for our blended family of four children. I wanted to be present, to go to school concerts, be there when they were sick, and still do what I love. Management rights gave us that opportunity. Over time, I realised it wasn’t just about letting units or maintaining common property; it was about people and community.
Our vision now is to redefine how people see onsite managers. They’re often underestimated, but most are licensed professionals and business owners who hold everything together. We want to bring pride, professionalism, and visibility to this role and empower managers with the tools and confidence to succeed.
Management rights is uniquely Australian
How has your personal experience shaped your understanding of what makes this model so Australian?
Coming from Europe, I had never heard of it before. What makes it unique is how it combines lifestyle, business, and community. You can live where you work, grow a business, and build long-term equity. It’s ownership and contribution rolled into one. But it’s the people side that truly makes it special, that trust between owners, tenants, and committees. Onsite managers are community builders, and that sense of pride is very Australian.
Read more about the management rights industry in AccomNews HERE
From manager to author
What first sparked your writing ambitions?
Frustration and love for the industry at the same time. I am tired of how misunderstood caretakers are, even by people living in their buildings. Outside agents undercut commissions, owners go elsewhere thinking they are getting a better deal, and no one sees how much we do behind the scenes. I wanted to tell the truth and make new managers feel less alone.
Not Just Caretakers is part memoir, part “how-to,” and completely real.
Who did you have in mind when writing it?
I wrote it for the industry, for managers juggling business, family, and community with little recognition. But I also wrote it for outsiders, so they could finally understand what this business really is. If even one person feels seen, supported, or inspired to take the leap after reading it, I’ve done my job.
Behind the pages
What are some key themes you explore?
Honesty, resilience, and self-care. It’s about surviving the chaos of running a business where your home and work are the same space, and still keeping your sense of humour. There’s a strong focus on respect and recognition too. Once you understand how this business really works, it can offer incredible freedom and stability.
Did writing the book change your view of the industry?
Completely. Writing made me stop and see how much we actually do, and how little others understand it. It gave me renewed respect for onsite managers, including myself. It reminded me why I love it, flaws and all, and made me even more determined to educate and support others entering the field.
Industry insight
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for operators right now?
The workload and increasing regulations are one thing, but the emotional pressure from owners, residents or even committee members can be just as tough. Bullying and unrealistic expectations still happen. New managers often don’t know where to turn. They need real guidance, not just seminars.
That’s why I’m passionate about mentoring, giving newcomers the right start so they never feel lost or alone. When caretakers are empowered, the whole industry thrives.
How do you see the relationship between managers, investors, and bodies corporate evolving?
Slowly improving, but there’s still a long way to go. We’re all on the same team, yet there’s so much misunderstanding about roles and responsibilities. When everyone communicates and respects each other’s contribution, everything runs smoother. It’s not about power, it’s about partnership.
Leadership and legacy
What makes a great manager-operator in 2025?
Adaptability, calmness under pressure, and genuine care for people. This isn’t a “mow the lawns and collect the rent” kind of job. It’s about communication, fairness, and resilience. You need self-awareness, boundaries, and balance, because you can’t pour from an empty cup. The best managers lead with heart and just enough humour to stay sane.
What’s been a defining moment in your career?
Learning to respect my own time. For years, I said yes to everything and everyone. I thought being available 24/7 made me good at my job, but it only burned me out. Real growth came when I stopped trying to please everyone and started running my business on my terms. That’s when I found confidence and peace, and built a life that truly worked for me.
Empowering the next generation
What advice would you give to women entering management rights or property investment?
Back yourself. You’re capable of more than you think. Don’t wait for perfect timing or permission. Take the leap and learn along the way.
Set boundaries early and protect your energy. You can be strong and kind at the same time, professional and feminine, successful and still true to yourself. Those things don’t cancel each other out, they’re your edge. And surround yourself with other women who get it. There’s plenty of room for all of us at the top.
Read about the management rights industry association ARAMA HERE.
The road ahead
Between brokerage, mentoring, and authorship, what’s next for you and AILI Realty?
We’re building Australia’s first dedicated Management Rights Buyers Advocacy, working exclusively with buyers from start to finish. We’ll guide them through understanding, purchasing, and settling in. It’s the kind of help I wish I had at the start.
We’re also expanding our training programs, so managers don’t have to learn everything the hard way. Between that, the book, and mentoring, this really feels like the start of something bigger, a more connected, confident industry.
The personal side
How do you unwind?
My family keeps me grounded. Beach days, movie nights, gardening, or just doing nothing together. I love a good renovation project, but I also value the quiet moments: coffee, music, and space to breathe. Those are the moments that keep me balanced.
If you could make one change for the future of management rights, what would it be?
Changing public perception. I’d love to see onsite managers recognised as professionals who hold communities together. Greater awareness would attract new people and help others appreciate how vital this role really is. This industry changed my life, and I want others to see its potential too.
Book launch
How did you celebrate the launch of your book, and where can people find it?
The book launched in November, which still feels surreal. I celebrated quietly with my family—they’re my reason for everything. But I can’t wait to connect with readers and hear their stories.
Not Just Caretakers: We Run the Whole Show is available at www.notjustcaretakers.com.au and through Amazon.
Final note:
Livia’s story is one of grit, grace, and a little bit of rebellion, the kind of voice this industry needs more of. She’s proof that management rights isn’t just about caretaking; it’s about community, courage, and creating a life that works on your own terms.
Livia’s book, Not Just Caretakers can be purchased HERE
Read the December edition of Resort News HERE
