As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Hilary Saxton.
Hilary Saxton is a true force of nature, an empowering leader who has redefined success on her own terms. Her story is a powerful testament to the fact that adversity can be the forge of a remarkable life. From escaping domestic violence as a young, single mother to becoming a formidable presence in the property development sector, Hilary’s journey is one of unyielding resilience and self-belief.
As the co-owner of Property Mastermind, she doesn’t just teach real estate; she teaches a life-altering mindset. Through her work, she demystifies a male-dominated industry, empowering her students—particularly women and underserved communities—to reclaim their financial futures. She is the celebrated author of 3 Wines In, a book born from her own struggles with unworthiness, and the co-host of the popular Property Mastermind Podcast.
With a no-nonsense approach and a core philosophy of “BUILD” (Back yourself, Unapologetically decide, Interpret what’s imperfect, Lean and learn, Do it!), Hilary inspires thousands to take bold, deliberate action. She shows others that true success is not measured in dollars but in the freedom, impact, and legacy one creates. Hilary Saxton is more than a property expert; she is a beacon of hope and a living blueprint for anyone ready to “bounce back better” and build a life of purpose.
In this interview, she reflects on the pivotal moments, hard-earned lessons, and defining wins from her journey in building thriving online ventures.
What inspired your leap into entrepreneurship, and what personal experiences sparked the idea behind your current venture?
My journey began with a desperate need for a new path. After escaping a horrific situation of domestic violence as a young, single mother, I knew I had to build a life that was entirely my own. I had no safety net, and the only way to ensure my children’s future was to become financially bulletproof. This wasn’t about getting rich; it was about survival and freedom. I started with a coaching and mentoring business, teaching people how to tap into their own resilience, and from there, the move into property development was a natural evolution. I saw how it could be a vehicle for creating generational wealth and, more importantly, a way to build a life on your own terms.
What core problem does your business solve, particularly for women or underserved communities—and how does your approach stand out in today’s competitive space?
We tackle the issue of confidently securing a financial future through property development head-on. The property development sector has traditionally been an old boys’ club, intimidating and impenetrable, and that was a big barrier for women to get over. The approach I lead is to demystify the entire process, going further than teaching theory to provide a proven blueprint to follow, while we walk alongside the developers every step of the way. We’re in the trenches with them, offering genuine, hands-on support. We’ve even financially backed some of them with interest-free loans to help them get projects off the ground. What we deliver is more than a course; it’s a partnership. We back our people fully, making sure they’re doing the work and getting help exactly when they need it.
What were some of the toughest obstacles you faced early in your journey as a woman entrepreneur, and how did you navigate through them?
The biggest hurdle was an internal one – the constant wrestling with self-doubt and the residue of feeling unworthy. The world tells you who you are, but you have to decide for yourself. At one point in my life, I was significantly overweight, and I was always trying to keep a low profile. One day, while talking to my next-door neighbour, my self-confidence was at an all-time low. During the conversation, he casually bent down and pulled up weeds from his garden, then nonchalantly tossed them over the fence into my yard. It was a perfect metaphor for how I was living my life – hiding my problems and hoping no one would notice, being so unworthy that people throw their garbage all over me. That day, I decided to stop hiding and start dealing with my insecurities and self-doubt. It was the day my life began to change. I became a personal trainer, lost weight, and started to build a different kind of strength, one ingrained in self-worth and resilience.
When I stepped into the business world, I again felt like an imposter. But my past taught me a fundamental truth: a safe option rarely exists. The real progress comes from picking a direction and being prepared to course-correct on the way. I learned to lean into the discomfort and not wait for the perfect moment, because it never arrives. My resilience was forged in overcoming the odds, and I drew on that strength to push through every challenge.
When the going gets tough, what keeps you grounded and motivated to keep pushing forward?
I apply a simple framework to all difficult choices: BUILD.
Back yourself and the belief that there will never be a perfect time to act.
Unapologetically decide because indecision is the most dangerous risk.
Interpret what’s imperfect by using a simple flowchart to filter options based on values and impact, not flawlessness.
Lean and learn, making the call and adjusting on the run.
And finally, do it! Don’t wait for the timing to be perfect.
This framework isn’t just for business; it’s for life. It keeps me grounded and moving forward, no matter what.
What daily habits or non-negotiable routines help you stay focused, creatively energized, and balanced as a founder?
Nothing starts my day better than a strong coffee. But seriously, aside from caffeine, for me, setting up the day is about being relentlessly deliberate with my time and energy. I don’t believe in the myth of balance; I believe in purposeful imbalance. There are days when I need to be all-in on the business, and others when my focus is entirely on my personal life. My non-negotiable is to move my body every day, even if it’s just a short walk. That physical release is my reset button, a simple act that reminds me of my strength. I also protect my mornings fiercely. I don’t check emails or dive into a to-do list until I’ve had that first coffee and spent time setting my intentions for the day. This isn’t just a habit; it’s a defiant act of self-care against the chaos of the day.
What’s been the most effective growth lever for acquiring new clients or expanding your customer base?
Our most powerful growth lever has been leaning into what makes us different – our authenticity and our radical generosity. In an industry full of slick sales pitches and promises, we speak with honesty and lead with value. We have built our business by providing so much value for free that our ideal client feels foolish not to work with us. We have built a vibrant, thriving community around our podcast, which has seen explosive growth and an incredibly engaged audience. Our approach isn’t about chasing transactions; it’s about building relationships and trust. We have proven that when you genuinely care about your clients’ success, they become your most effective brand advocates.
What branding or marketing decision had the biggest impact in elevating your business and building trust with your audience?
The most impactful decision we made was to be completely transparent and open about who we are and what we stand for. This meant being unafraid to share our personal stories, the messy parts, the mistakes, and the hard-won lessons. By doing this, we established a deeply personal connection with our audience. We didn’t just sell a program, we invited them into a community built on shared values and mutual respect. This approach is what gave birth to my book, 3 Wines In, and my podcast, Bounce Back Better. It shows people that their journey, no matter how chaotic, is a source of strength, not shame. This radical authenticity is what truly builds trust and loyalty in today’s crowded market.
How do you personally define success—not just as a business owner, but as a woman living a purpose-driven life?
Success, for me, isn’t measured in dollars. It’s about the freedom to make my own decisions, the impact I have on others, and the legacy I’m building. It’s in seeing our students, many of whom started with nothing but a dream, go on to create beautiful homes and financial security for their families. It’s knowing that the projects we help develop employ hundreds of workers and provide much-needed housing for everyday Australians.
Success is the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a difference, that you’ve created something of value and helped others unlock their own potential. It’s about living a life of purpose and using your experiences – even the painful ones – to light the way for someone else.
Can you share a mistake or misstep that taught you a lesson you still carry with you today?
One of the most significant lessons came from a development project of our own, where we trusted a supplier too early and skipped a crucial step in our due diligence process. We were excited about the potential, and our enthusiasm overshadowed our critical thinking. As a result, we ended up with a budget blowout that could have been completely avoided. The mistake wasn’t just in the financial cost; it was in the breach of our own core values of being meticulous and diligent. That experience taught me that no matter how good a deal looks or how much you trust someone, you must always rely on your own process. It reinforced the importance of relentless focus on the fundamentals and never skipping a step, no matter how minor it may seem. It’s a lesson in leadership, in being accountable to our own standards, and in the fact that discipline always trumps desire.
Don’t wait for permission to be powerful. Don’t let your past dictate your future. Your story is your most potent weapon. The real risk is doing nothing. The only thing you can’t afford to lose is time. So, go on. BUILD your legacy.
