Spearheading this expansion is Isabella Kou, an accomplished leader whose appointment as director not only underscores her personal achievements but also reflects the importance of diversity within both Barry Plant and the real estate industry at large. 

She is partnering with Barry Plant Eastern Group Directors Spiro Drossos, Mark Di Giulio, and Theo Politis in the new venture. Spiro, Mark and Theo’s vast expertise and strong back-end operations will help to accelerate Isabella’s inevitable future success. 

Having built a remarkable career over the past seven years, she brings her extensive experience and dynamic leadership to the new Balwyn office. 

Originally from China, she moved to Australia in 2016 after completing her studies in journalism and communications and interning at a newspaper in Beijing. 

She quickly developed a passion for property, working for two major property development groups in Beijing before migrating and earning a Master of Property from RMIT University. 

In 2020, she joined Barry Plant as an independent agent under the Manningham office and swiftly made her mark. 

She is now recognised as one of the leading agents across the Barry Plant Group, as well as one of the top agents under 35 across all agencies in the state.

Her appointment as director of the Balwyn office is a defining moment, not just for Barry Plant but for the industry as a whole. 

“It was always my dream to become a female leader in this industry, and I’m incredibly proud to achieve this in my journey with the leader in the industry, Barry Plant, where I’ve found shared values of integrity as well as a great vehicle for high performance,” Ms Kou said.

“The demographic and the world are changing, and it’s exciting to be part of that shift. I want to encourage other young Asian women to pursue their dreams in real estate and see success in this evolving industry.”

The new Balwyn team has already achieved early success, with several off-market and on-market sales under their belt and a growing presence in the area.

Isabella’s vision is set to drive even greater outcomes for clients, with the office poised to become a key player in the booming Balwyn real estate market.

Barry Plant Eastern Group Director Spiro Drossos said he and his partners have now ‘nailed the formula to help agents become successful’ and where they have the appetite, take them on the career path to leadership.

“We have a leadership program for all of our partners across all offices, where we use both internal and external trainers to work on our professional development,” Mr Drossos said. 

“Isabella has already achieved so much in her time with us and we don’t doubt the new Balwyn office will flourish under her hand.