“Businesses don’t succeed, people do”: The reluctant real estate leader who bets big on people

Marcus Williams doesn’t like to call himself a CEO, he’s what he would call a “reluctant leader”. 

It’s a surprising perspective from someone who has led real estate and financial services businesses for many years.  

Even more so given that he has continued to lead Buxton Real Estate – a well-known real estate business in Victoria with more than 160 years of history – for the past two years.  

“I don’t like the title of CEO, I just like to have great people around me,” Mr Williams told Realestate.com.au.  

“With great people and a vision, you can achieve anything.” 

With more than 30 years of experience in real estate and financial services, he has built a reputation as a leader who prioritises relationships, collaboration and helping his team succeed.   

“Businesses don’t succeed, people do,” the Buxton chief executive said. 

“If you’ve got the right people, it doesn’t matter what the market throws at you – you’ll always be successful.” 

It’s a belief he says has guided him through his career, from his early days in the United Kingdom to his current role at Buxton.  

Mr Williams started out working in real estate in the UK, but he gained experience in finance too, as he rose through the ranks of a national property and finance group.   

“I had experience in both real estate and financial services, and I was very successful in that role,” he said.  

But his heart was set on Australia, so he and his wife made the move about 24 years ago. 

He went on to leadership roles at Ray White and the Loan Market and then took up the CEO role at Harcourts for about a decade before joining Buxton. 

Since joining Buxton, Mr Williams has focused on expanding the company’s footprint and enhancing its reputation as an industry leader. He said Buxton had expanded by 40% over the past two years.  

“I got to meet the team and realised what a wonderful group they were,” he said.  

“The depth and breadth of the talent, the youth, the professionalism – I couldn’t say no. It’s been a phenomenal journey ever since.”  

People first 

Despite his track record, Mr Williams holds firm that he’s a reluctant leader who tries to avoid the spotlight but steps into leadership roles because he believes in the potential of the people around him.  

“I don’t have to be the smartest person in the room, I just need to ask the right questions,” he said.   

“A lot of my inspiration comes from the people around me.” 

Mr Williams has more than 30 years of experience in real estate and financial services. Picture: Supplied

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And it’s not just the people at Buxton who have inspired him along the way. Away from the hustle of running Buxton, Mr Williams relishes spending time with his family. 

Whether it’s riding motorbikes or fly fishing, he’s often out and about with his three sons.  

In his own time, he likes to collect cars and tends to the garden at home.  

“I love to travel, but I’m also a homebody and I love being at home and around the family,” he said. 

Adapting to change  

As the real estate market evolves, Mr Williams remains focused on helping Buxton adapt to the changing needs of its clients.  

“The great Australian dream is changing, and we’ve got to change with it,” he said.   

“There will be more people renting and more people requiring their parents to assist with home purchases. Affordability is becoming harder and harder for people. 

Mr Williams said Buxton had expanded by 40% over the past two years. Picture: Supplied

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“We need to be at the forefront of these changes and help people navigate them.” 

And to do this, Mr Williams is focused on continuing to build the people up around him and solidify Buxton’s people-first reputation and culture.  

“Buxton is 162 years old and I want it to be regarded as the strongest real estate network that truly values its people,” he said.   

“My motivation is to be industry leading in everything we do and to ensure that our customer experience is outstanding.” 

And it’s this belief in people that will help the company grow but also protect its legacy as an industry leader for generations to come.