Empire Building

When the market slows down, price is king. In this episode, we’re getting honest about what it takes to navigate a slower market—and why you can’t out-market a bad price. We’re sharing hard-earned lessons from our own experiences, including the conversations that still stick with us, and the data-driven steps we use to guide clients through price adjustments.

We walk through exactly how we handle these conversations with compassion, the pitfalls of “paper cut” price reductions, and why the right move is often a bigger, faster adjustment. If your listings are sitting or your sellers are uncertain, this episode is your roadmap for taking action—and building trust, one honest conversation at a time.

Remember: Big businesses are built in the details, and big lives are built when we lean into tough moments. If this episode helps you, please share it—we love hearing how you’re building your empire.

Resources:

• Read Shift by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

Connect on Instagram:

• Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
• Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
• Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
• Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
• Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Let’s face it—when homes aren’t flying off the market, sellers start watching you more closely than ever. And in today’s market, with inventory rising and prices softening, they’re not just watching—they’re expecting more. But that doesn’t mean your leadership slows down. In fact, now’s the time to step it up.

In this first episode of our two-part series, we’re diving into the tactical moves every real estate professional (or service-based business owner) needs to make to thrive when the market shifts. We’re bringing over 14 years of real-world experience to the table and breaking down what sellers are really thinking—and what they want from you right now.

We’re sharing how to shift into the seller mindset, why silence kills trust, and how cadence is queen when it comes to client communication. From rethinking the “list price” to creating a systems-driven experience that builds confidence, we’re giving you the exact strategies that help you show up as the expert—even when you don’t have good news to share. This is where reputations are built and market share is gained.

We’ll see you next week for Part 2—because in a changing market, your leadership matters more than ever.

Resources:

• Listen: HousingWire Podcast

Connect on Instagram:

• Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
• Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
• Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
• Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
• Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

WARNING! You must comply with the TCPA and any other federal, state or local laws, including for B2B calls and texts. Never call or text a number on any Do Not Call list, and do not use an autodialer or artificial voice or prerecorded messages without proper consent. Contact your attorney to ensure your compliance.

What will your empire say about you when you're gone?

In this week’s episode, we’re diving deep into the concept of legacy—what it really means to lead with it, build with it, and live into it every single day. It’s easy to focus on short-term wins and flashy growth, but true empire builders know the power of thinking long-term. That’s what legacy is all about: the impact you make, the values you uphold, and the culture you leave behind.

We’ll walk you through our four-part framework—Vision, Values, Voice, and Vehicle—to help you define what legacy means in your business and life. From vulnerable moments and ego-driven lessons to the power of generosity and sustainable systems, we’re talking about how to create something that lasts far beyond your name on the door. And yes, there’s a free journal prompt giveaway to help you get started.

So whether your empire is global or grounded at home, this episode is your reminder that legacy doesn’t start someday. It starts right now.

Resources:

• Download a free set of journaling questions to reflect on and define their legacy at herbestlife.com/podcast

Connect on Instagram:

• Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
• Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
• Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
• Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
• Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

You know the old saying—leaders are readers? Well, great leaders are also great sellers. And not because they’re slick or pushy. Because they communicate with clarity, empathy, and intention.

In this episode, we’re sharing the seven high-impact communication skills that top producers use to connect faster, influence better, and close more confidently. Whether you're selling a product, an idea, or simply trying to get buy-in from your team, these are the tools that will take your conversations to the next level. From listening like a closer to storytelling that sells, we’re breaking down the communication habits that lead to bigger conversions—and bigger empires.

This is one to share with your team or listen to twice. Because mastering these seven skills just might be the thing that helps you break through your next ceiling.

Resources:

• Check out Her Best Life
• Learn more about Empire Circle

Connect on Instagram:

• Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
• Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
• Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
• Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
• Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Any text or materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) should be reviewed for accuracy and reliability as there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. The use of generative AI is subject to limitations, including the availability and quality of the training data used to train the AI model used. Users should exercise caution and independently verify any information or output generated by the AI system utilized and should apply their own judgment and critical thinking when interpreting and utilizing the outputs of generative AI.

What if the one thing that changes everything... is you?

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Elaine Stageberg, co-founder of Black Swan Real Estate. From growing up in poverty to training as a psychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic to building a $400 million real estate portfolio—while raising five young kids—Elaine is living proof that you don’t have to choose between big business and a big life.

We dive into how she and her husband, Nick, built a family-first private equity firm that’s shaking up the industry by eliminating traditional fees and prioritizing investor alignment. Elaine shares the vision behind Black Swan, the mindset shifts that fueled their growth, and the systems that make it all possible.

Her story is a powerful reminder that pain can spark transformation—and that with the right support, women can lead thriving businesses and households. If you’ve ever wondered whether “both” is really possible, this one’s for you.

Grab your notebook—you’re going to want to take notes.

Resources:

• Learn more about Black Swan Real Estate: meetblackswan.com
• Interested in investing with Black Swan? Explore their current fund offering here: securefreedomfund.com

Connect on Instagram:

• Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
• Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
• Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
• Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
• Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Ever find yourself avoiding a hard conversation—hoping the issue will just disappear? We’ve been there. And we’ve learned the hard way that silence doesn’t solve problems; it feeds them. In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most important (and uncomfortable) skills in leadership: having tough conversations.

We are pulling back the curtain on the real work it takes to lean into hard talks—with your team, your clients, even your family. From owning your part in a conflict to setting the right tone for a private meeting, we’re walking through our go-to strategies for facing confrontation with confidence and care.

You’ll hear about the power of self-reflection, how to communicate expectations clearly, and why you should never start a tough conversation with “got a minute?” We’re also talking about what to do after the conversation—because how you recover and regroup matters just as much as how you show up in the moment.

If you’ve been putting off a difficult conversation, this is your nudge to lean in. Because as we’ve learned, the relationship is the conversation.

Resources:

• Read Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott

Connect on Instagram:

• Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
• Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
• Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
• Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
• Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Sometimes leadership advice doesn’t go far enough into the real-life dynamics we face—especially as female leaders building diverse teams. That’s why in today’s episode, we’re diving into a conversation you don’t hear often: how to lead, coach, and collaborate with the men in your empire.

We are talking from experience—real stories, real lessons. From literal interpretation of instructions to the value of clarity, we explore what it actually looks like to manage men effectively without abandoning the power of feminine leadership. And yes, we’re talking about that balance of strength and vulnerability, how to use competition to drive results, and the one thing men often value even more than love: respect.

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring strong male allies into your world—or how to lead them with confidence and authenticity—this episode is for you. Because building a big empire means leaning into who you are, leading with intention, and valuing diversity at every level.

Resources:

• Check out Her Best Life

Connect on Instagram:

• Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
• Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
• Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
• Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
• Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Growth can be messy—and that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it might be the best indicator that you’re leveling up. In this episode, we’re talking about topgrading—what it means, how it shows up in your life, and why it’s such a powerful mindset shift for empire builders.

We often hear the term “topgrading” in the context of people or talent, but today we’re expanding that definition. What if topgrading also meant rethinking your habits, upgrading your systems, and surrounding yourself with the people and environments that reflect the future you’re building?

Join us as we talk through what it really looks like to topgrade your life—and give yourself permission to grow from the inside out.

Resources:

• Check out Her Best Life
• Learn more about Empire Circle

Connect on Instagram:

• Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
• Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
• Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
• Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
• Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

What’s your earliest memory of money? Was it joyful? Stressful? Scarce? Secure? For many of us, our childhood experiences with money still shape how we think, feel, and lead today. In this episode, Seychelle and Sarah open up about their personal money stories—and how those stories have influenced their financial habits, leadership styles, and sense of security.

We dive into why every leader needs to understand not just their own relationship with money, but also the money stories of their people. From tithing to piggy banks, scarcity mindsets to abundance practices, we explore the foundational role money plays in our lives—and how to shift old patterns to build healthier financial habits.

We also share practical tactics for talking to your team about money, teaching financial stewardship, and helping others build the reserves they need to weather any market shift. Because when times get tough, people revert to their programming. And it's our job as leaders to help them rewrite the script.

Resources:

• Check out Her Best Life
• Her Rich Life Masterclass

Connect on Instagram:

• Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
• Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
• Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
• Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
• Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

What if the biggest key to unlocking your potential isn’t out in the world—it’s already inside you?

This week, we had the rare pleasure of flipping the script with Jason Abrams—host of the Millionaire Real Estate Agent Podcast, real estate titan, and someone we’ve admired for a long time. He’s usually the one asking the questions, but today, Jason let us in on his story, his wisdom, and the deeply personal lessons he’s carrying into the next chapter of his life.

From being a self-proclaimed academic underachiever with a 1.8 GPA to becoming the Head of Industry at Keller Williams, Jason’s story is one of grit, purpose, and heart. We talk about the role his mother played in shaping his early confidence, how he learned to lead by influence instead of authority, and why his son is his biggest teacher right now.

We also dive into how Jason chooses what to read (and why reading with purpose is different from being an intellectual tourist), the moments that shaped his views on love and leadership, and the wisdom he’s gained from hundreds of interviews with top performers in business and life.

And we get personal. Jason shares what he hopes to leave his son, how he's approaching legacy through a video library, and why relationships—not success or stuff—are the next frontier of growth for him.

Trust us, this episode is filled with gold. You’ll walk away thinking differently about leadership, purpose, and the people who help unlock the best parts of who we are.

Resources:

• Listen to The Millionaire Real Estate Agent Podcast
• Connect with Jason on LinkedIn
• Read: Exactly What to Say by Phil M. Jones — A favorite for refining communication and leadership language.
• Read: Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre by Keith Johnstone — Cited for its relevance in mastering communication through improv.
• Read: Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (And How to Fix It) by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic

Connect on Instagram:

• Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
• Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
• Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
• Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
• Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.