‘Reinvention’ key to success amid rapidly changing industry: REISA
The chair of REISA has told the AICSA annual conference that practitioners must focus on reinvention to succeed over the next decade amid industry upheaval.
CONVEYANCERS should embrace “reinvention” to succeed over the next decade as artificial intelligence disrupts industries, including conveyancing, REISA chair Cain Cooke said.
Speaking the AICSA annual conference in Adelaide, Cooke told the state’s conveyancers that reinvention was “now essential if you want to survive in business today”.
“Diversify or die – it’s a bold statement, but it’s true. Reinvention is the most valuable currency you can trade in business. Whether that is through education, services, technology,” he said, according to speech notes obtained by Australian Conveyancer.
In addition to challenges common to many industries such as artificial intelligence, conveyancers face a big few years ahead with national anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing laws to take effect in 2026, the biggest industry revamp in decades.
Cooke reassured conveyancers that “the only constant in business is change”.
“But here’s what I’ve learned: change isn’t enough. Change happens to you. Reinvention happens because of you,” said the co-founder and CEO of LEKI Electric.
“Reinvention is proactive – it’s about driving the market, not following it. Founders sit at the intersection of vision and execution. They see what others don’t, and have the courage to act on it. Reinvention isn’t a buzzword – it’s in their DNA.”
For those looking to take radical action, he urged a mindset shift as an initial step to escape being “placed in boxes”.
“The box we’re put in defines how people view us, and how we see ourselves,” he said. “You can reinvent yourself anytime you like. You just have to decide, believe, and back yourself. Boxes are comfortable — until they become coffins.”
“The fundamentals of business are the same, no matter what you sell. People are people, and leadership brings it all together. Once you understand that, your ability to pivot and reinvent grows exponentially,” he added.
Cooke said AI, automation, and analytics were reshaping industries, including conveyancing.
“But tech won’t replace trust. Technology changes the ‘how,’ not the ‘who.’ The brokers, conveyancers, and agents who pair high-tech with high-touch will win the next decade.”
In addition to Cooke, other speakers included AUSTRAC’s Ashlea Mckenzie, South Australia Minister for Small Business Andrea Michaels and state Registrar-General Gemma Wallace.
