If you had told me over 10 years ago that I’d one day start my own Estate Management company, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Back then, I was just getting started — learning the ropes and building confidence. Fast forward to today, and I’m incredibly proud to run Micaro, a company that reflects everything I’ve come to value in this industry – professionalism, integrity, and people first service.
Working in Estate Management isn’t always easy. It’s very fast paced and a demanding job, balancing resident concerns, Trustees / Director expectations, legal compliance, maintenance issues, budgets and that’s all before lunch some days, but there’s something incredibly rewarding about helping schemes function well, and creating an environment where people feel safe and looked after, a place they are proud to call home.
As a woman in this space, I’ve definitely had moments where I felt underestimated. There have been times when I walked into meetings and it was clear that some didn’t expect me to be the one in charge. But those experiences also pushed me to work harder, learn more, and show up consistently and over the years, that effort has paid off.
Before launching Micaro, I worked for two well known estate management companies in the Northern suburbs. I’m grateful for those years, they gave me the hands-on experience and foundation I needed. I had a desire to create a company where communication is clear, service is personal, and relationships built on trust.
What I’ve found is that people appreciate a management style that’s not just about ticking boxes, but about actually caring. As women, I think we naturally bring a different energy to the role, one that’s detailed, consistent, and often more empathetic. I truly believe that combination of heart and professionalism makes a big difference, especially in this industry and that’s what Micaro is about – MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
To any women thinking about stepping into this field, do it! There is so much value in how we approach things, and the industry needs more of it.
I love that I am still learning every day. I’m proud of what Micaro stands for, and I’m excited to keep growing.
By Michaela Odendaal, Founder of Micaro
