Oreana General Manager Ken Munro has enjoyed a stellar career spanning two continents and almost 40 years – first as an architect and then as a development expert.

While Ken loves city shaping, with some of Victoria’s most notable and awarded projects to his name, he also loves to mold the next generation of development managers and devotes much of his time to mentoring up and coming talent.

He also likes to ‘give back’ and takes on extra voluntary roles with industry bodies such as the UDIA, Australian Property Council and Property Council Academy.

We sat down with Ken to find out what makes him tick and why he decided to join Oreana.

Q. What do you like about Oreana?

Innovation. Oreana is innovating, growing, adapting and I like where the company is going – it’s a company of the future.

With a diverse portfolio and projects from South Yarra to the growth areas, Oreana has a good balance sheet and strategic plan.

I also like the way it develops and grows talent to unlock the potential in people. I wanted to be part of that.

Q. What excites you about your new role as Oreana General Manager?

For me, it’s about supporting and growing the business and talent for the future. I am a strong believer that people are a business’s most important asset and Oreana shares that view with me.

I also believe Oreana’s projects are city shaping and I’m excited to work across the portfolio while mentoring a diverse workforce filled with new talent.

Q. Why are people so important to a business?

Oreana places a lot of importance on their people – it’s a very important part of the Oreana business.

With our values aligned, I am excited to work with other senior leaders to continue to grow a team of high performing, results-driven individuals that are genuinely passionate about their roles and want to call Oreana home long term.

It’s about supporting their aspirations and providing them with professional development opportunities. That’s why we are working on implementing initiatives such as a ‘Lunch n’ Learn’ series and an in-house development education program.

Q. You’re a big believer in mentoring. Why?

When I came through the ranks you had to sink or swim – no one taught us anything. The adage of ‘fake it till you make it’ was something many people in the industry lived by, but it’s a flawed model.

There’s a lot of value in supporting and growing diverse talent. The trick is to strike a balance between passing on wisdom and embracing fresh ideas.

I’d like to eventually make myself redundant by shaping the next generation to take over in the industry.

Q. What is your advice to people wanting to make a career in the property industry?

I don’t think age should be a barrier at either end – you’re never too old to learn and you’re never too young to grow.

Oreana’s founders Steven and Tony are dynamic. They didn’t wait for the baton to be passed to them. They jumped up and did it for themselves.

My advice is to do the same. Don’t wait for your opportunities, make them and always be willing to accept a challenge.

Property is a fulfilling career at any life stage. Working in property development means being part of shaping communities of the future.

This is indeed, an awesome opportunity and responsibility – all at the same time. And unlike most other categories, working in this space means seeing your achievements come to life and seeing communities of people benefit from your achievements.

Oreana is always on the lookout for people who share our focus of innovation, quality and execution.