THE Australian Property Institute is holding its 2020 National Board election. The API is urging members to cast their vote and help shape the future of the Institute. Steven Boyd is one of the candidates seeking to be elected to the national board of the API.
- What is your interest to come on board with the Australian Property Institute?
To work with our members, API staff and board, sharing my experience in research, innovation and education to help develop a strong and agile institute.
For many years we have investigated tech advancements and made sound steps to upskill valuers and diversify from valuation to a broader property professional. But disruptions, such as the pandemic, have had a profound impact on our industry. Due to the pandemic some traditional valuation practices have stagnated, and there is a risk that, when the markets resume and the virus passes, that a new future for valuation may be pushed upon us.
I believe that, by introducing further experience in research, innovation and education, the API board may be better positioned to take advantage of new work practices and prepare our members for a future of property advisory that we can shape.
- What financial experience or expertise do you bring to the API?
There has been significant change in the global economic environment, and we have seen some businesses disappear while others have thrived. In the lead up to the financial crisis I acquired and managed property investments as part of a Brisbane based funds management company before moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2007 to manage a consultancy and valuation practice.
In the period from the financial crisis to today’s pandemic I had great interest in how businesses adapt, and performed a series of leadership roles within higher education while self-managing a consultancy business. During this time, I focused on learning and personal development completing a masters, then doctorate in higher education. In addition to these studies I advanced my governance and financial management experience graduating from the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.
- What governance experience do you bring to the API?
My not-for-profit governance experience extends from leading vocational training in surf lifesaving through to directing economic initiatives in a biosphere reserve and presiding over an active chamber of commerce.
In 2016, I was awarded as a leader/manager regional finalist for the Australian Institute of Management. The nomination made specific reference to an empathetic leadership approach and successes in designing and then delivering on aspirational training and education plans.
- What strategic planning experience do you bring to the API?
As head of property studies in the university field, my daily duties relate to educating our future property professionals and leaders. This role requires the reshaping of education offerings to enhance the learning experience of university students.
In addition to coordinating courses, working at university has created opportunities to plan, design and develop tools to enhance the decision making around property investment. One tangible example of a product planned to improve decision making in property development is the REFeasibilty application. REFeasibility was specifically designed to enable the quick and easy assessment of project feasibility on the move. The application is available free from Apple’s Appstore.
For the API more broadly, I have had the pleasure of providing strategic planning and support through chairing an API discussion group, as a divisional councillor, and as a member of the national education innovation group.
I am currently working with the institute’s national education committee and contributing to the Future Property Professionals working group.
- To further pursue API’s strategic direction, it would be of great benefit if prospective Directors could contribute advocacy, policy and/or digital communications experience to the Board. What is your experience in one or more of these areas?
Advocacy and policy were the core focus areas during my time on a regional Property Council of Australia committee and as president of the Noosa chamber of commerce.
That said, in my opinion, the pandemic and related rapid advances in tech adoption will change the valuation profession and require further strategy changes for the institute. These disruptions present threats and opportunities where research, education and innovation experience should be sought after in a new board appointment.
My qualifications and experience should serve to fill this gap, extending through undergraduate and post graduate university degrees in property and education to, appropriate training and assessment qualifications in vocational education.
- In general, what can you bring to the API and why should members elect you?
Disruptions such as the pandemic and artificial intelligence adoption can change our valuation practice and the strategic direction for our institute. The disruptions present opportunities for research, education and innovation. A practical understanding of how to leverage university research should be a skillset sought in this board appointment.
Education and innovation are my passion. That said, I have been active in property funds management, valuation and consultancy. Long enough to become a Fellow of the institute, but not long enough to lose my energy or interest in the future of our profession.
I take pride in being a valuer, a Fellow of the API and look forward to working with the board to take advantage of new work practices and collaboratively shape the future for a property profession.
More information on the 2020 Election can be found at https://www.api.org.au/about/api-pty-ltd-board-governance/meet-the-candidates-2020-api-board-elections/
