The Underswell with Derek Sabori

đŸ„đŸŒâ€â™‚ïž From Surf to Sales to Sotheby’s: Nicolai Glazer on Building Trust, Discipline & the Long Game

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In this episode of The Underswell w/ Derek Sabori, I sit down with Nicolai Glazer — Global Real Estate Advisor at Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, former sponsored surfer, textile sales entrepreneur, and lifelong independent builder.

Nicolai’s career has spanned multiple industries, but the throughline is clear: trust, discipline, and a commitment to becoming the best version of himself so he can serve others. From his early textile hustle during the heyday of the action sports industry to his major pivot into real estate, Nic reflects on the lessons that shaped him and the advice he now passes on to the next generation of career builders.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

  • The importance of relationships — “Being a good person, taking care of the people around you, and presenting yourself in a professional manner is what leads to long-term success.”
  • The grind behind real estate — why it’s not as simple as getting a license and selling a house, and how running a business is about much more than commissions.
  • Discipline as a secret weapon — how martial arts, surfing, and daily practice built habits that carried into entrepreneurship.
  • The power of patience — “It takes 10+ years to become an ‘overnight success.’ Give yourself time.”
  • Reputation is the long game — why protecting your name and work ethic matters more than short-term wins.
  • Financial wisdom for young professionals — know the value of your money, start saving early, treat it like training, and set yourself up to buy real estate sooner than you think.
  • Experience is everything — “In any business, there’s no substitute for experience.”
  • Becoming the best version of yourself — how health, wellness, slowing down, and choosing who you spend time with shape your growth.

    • Memorable Quotes:

    “Every morning you wake up unemployed—you decide what you’re going to do with your day.”

    “It’s not about how much money you make, it’s about how much you save; know the value of your money.”

    “In any business, there’s no substitute for experience.”

    “You have an opportunity to do things that you don’t think are possible.”

    “Only when I’m the best version of myself can I truly help others be the best version of themselves.”

    Listen to this episode if


    • You’re considering real estate or entrepreneurship and want a real look at what it takes.
    • You’re navigating a career pivot and wondering how to carry your reputation into a new field.
    • You’re early in your career and need straight talk on getting going, networking, and discipline.
    • You want inspiration on how to align personal growth with professional success.

      • Links mentioned in the show:

      Nicolai Glazer - https://nicolaiglazer.com/

      Nicolai Glazer, Realtor (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpJuv8aaaqn0F5MoCqlmcoQ

      Nicolai Glazer Real Estate Group - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaiglazerrealestategroup/

      Disc Assessment - https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc

      đŸŽ” Music by LidĂ©rc

      đŸ’» Inquire about being a guest on the show at theunderswell.com/livewithderek

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      The Underswell with Derek SaboriBy Derek Sabori