How to build a legacy: Lessons from Terri Irwin at MASTERMIND. with Sherrie.
- Sherrie Storor
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Building a successful real estate business is one thing, but building a legacy? That’s next-level.
At this year’s first MASTERMIND. With Sherrie session, we were fortunate enough to hear from conservationist, wildlife warrior and powerhouse businesswoman, Terri Irwin.
And let me tell you, her story wasn’t just inspiring.
It was a masterclass in purpose, passion and crafting your next chapter.
From wrangling wildlife to running a world-famous brand, Terri shared what it really takes to build something that lasts beyond you.
And when the unthinkable happened - losing her husband and soulmate, Steve Irwin - she didn’t retreat. She rose.
With quiet strength and unshakable resolve, she chose to carry the mission forward, turning heartbreak into momentum.
So, what can we learn from one of Australia’s most iconic women? A LOT!
Here are the biggest lessons from Terri Irwin on how to build a legacy in life and business.
1. Start with purpose and let it lead the way
Terri’s love for wildlife wasn’t a phase, it was her purpose, from the time she was a little girl rescuing injured animals on the side of the road.
That passion eventually led her to meet Steve Irwin, and together they built a mission-driven empire now known around the world.
Terri put it simply: “Take that young person and cultivate your passion and keep that passion in your life because that's what's going to give you meaning to your life”.
When you’re connected to your “why”, the work doesn’t feel like work - it becomes something much bigger.
Key message: As a real estate professional, your purpose might not involve crocodiles, but it should still be crystal clear. Why do you do what you do? What impact do you want to have? Purpose fuels persistence, especially when the market shifts or deals fall over.
2. Encourage purpose in others, especially the next generation
Terri spoke beautifully about how she and Steve never pushed their children into following in their footsteps.
Instead, they nurtured curiosity, encouraged independence, and let Bindi and Robert forge their own paths with wildlife still at the core.
“I'm just letting them flourish as much as they want to do,” Terri said.
As business owners and leaders, we should look to do the same.
Whether it’s mentoring a new recruit, building a team culture, or raising kids of our own, our job isn’t to mould people into mini-me versions of ourselves. It’s to help them discover their own purpose.
Key message: Legacy isn’t about control. It’s about influence. How are you helping others find their own “why”?
3. Embrace discomfort - it’s where the growth is
Terri didn’t sugar-coat things. She’s faced unimaginable grief, intense scrutiny, and the pressure of protecting Steve’s legacy while raising two children and running a globally recognised organisation.
But instead of backing down, she leaned into the discomfort.
Terri explained: ‘We all have opportunities even if we don't know they’re an opportunity, sometimes they're carefully disguised as a challenge… My biggest moments of growth, whether I said yes to marrying Steve or building the Crocodile Hunter Lodge, were the scariest things I've ever done”.
The things that stretch us - public speaking, taking risks, showing vulnerability—are usually the things that move us forward.
Key message: So next time you hesitate before making a call, launching a campaign, or going all in on a dream - remember this: growth and comfort never coexist.
4. Build your tribe—and be ruthless about who’s in it
One of the most powerful reminders from Terri’s talk? The importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up. Whether you’re navigating grief, growing a brand, or running a busy real estate business, your energy is one of your most valuable assets. And the people around you either recharge it or drain it.
And sometimes, if someone in your life or business is clipping your wings, it could be time to let them fly free.
Terri also urged us not to become the bottleneck in our own business.
“Don’t be a gatekeeper. Don’t be like, ‘I’m the only one who can do this’.”
In other words, build a team you trust.
Delegate. Let others shine. And make sure the people you surround yourself with believe in your vision as much as you do.
Key message: In real estate, your environment shapes everything—your confidence, your clarity, your consistency. Choose your circle carefully and create space for people who lift you up and help you grow.
5. Legacy is a long game - play it with intention
Terri and Steve didn’t set out to be celebrities.
They just stayed relentlessly focused on their mission - to protect wildlife and inspire others to care for our planet.
Over time, their passion became a movement.
And now, their children are carrying that mission forward, in their own unique ways.
Terri summed it up perfectly: “That's the secret. When you're honouring legacy, you're not doing a carbon copy of the legacy. You're doing your own thing, still honouring the legacy”.
Key message: In your business, are you building something that will still matter in five, 10 or 50 years? Are you showing up in a way that creates ripple effects—on your clients, your team, your family, your community? If not, what’s one thing you can change today to start?
6. Give yourself permission to dream big (and be fully you)
Terri also encouraged every person in the room to stop waiting for permission—to stop playing small and start owning their power. It doesn’t matter who you are, or what kind of agent you are or want to be, you don’t need a title or a trophy to lead with purpose.
Your life is yours to design.
Key message: You don’t have to follow someone else’s blueprint. In fact, the most successful agents are often the ones who stand out by staying true to who they are.
YOUR LEGACY STARTS NOW!
Legacy isn’t something you leave behind after you're gone, it’s something you build every single day.
Through your leadership. Your actions. Your values. Your willingness to back yourself.
So take a page from Terri Irwin’s playbook:
Get clear on your purpose
Surround yourself with the right people
Embrace the discomfort.
Back yourself and be unapologetically you
Focus on impact, not just income
The next chapter of your legacy starts today!!!
Keep building your legacy, starting now.
Terri reminded us that legacy isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about having the courage to live with purpose, surround yourself with the right people, and back yourself to go the distance.
If that’s the kind of leader you want to be, then don’t miss the next big moment: the LEADER Conference on the Gold Coast, May 27.
This one-day event is designed for CEOs, Business Owners, High-Level Managers and High-Performing Agents who are ready to lead with clarity, strategy and impact.
Ready to take the next step in your business and your legacy? Secure your ticket here.
I can’t wait to see you there!
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