Women Who Lead

How many times have you said "I'm fine" because explaining what you were actually carrying felt harder than just getting through the day? That question is where this episode starts, and it's the same question behind the invisible load women carry in real estate leadership.

This week I had the privilege of moderating a panel at Empower Her, an event brought together by the Impact Council of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties in Los Angeles.

The theme was "The Invisible Load, Strength Has Layers," and today we're continuing that conversation with Cynthia Miller, co-chair of this year's Empower Her, and three of the women who spoke on the panel: Lauren Ravitz, Shauna Covington, and Molly Haines McKay.

We get into the seasons they carried alone, the hard calls that looked easy from the outside, how they finally learned to let go of control, and what they'd tell the woman who's succeeding on the outside but privately wondering how much longer she can keep this up.

• Cynthia Miller - Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Encino

• She joined the Impact Council this year after attending the prior year's Empower Her event and being moved enough to want to help build the next one. Cynthia is passionate about the idea that everyone carries an invisible load, and about making sure women in this business don't carry it in silence.

• Lauren Ravitz - Luxury Director and Individual Agent, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

• She has been with Berkshire Hathaway since 2001 and met her husband, also a realtor, in the office. Lauren is known for treating connectivity and relationships as her real product, and for coaching other agents toward the same realization: being good at the job isn't the same as doing every single task yourself.

• Molly Haines McKay - Broker Associate, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Coronado

• She has been with Berkshire Hathaway since 2009 and leads an all-women team of three specializing in Coronado and San Diego luxury real estate. Molly is passionate about systemizing a business so nothing lives only in her head, and about showing her two sons what leadership and hard work actually look like.

• Shauna Covington - Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Laguna Beach

• She has worked in real estate for 38 years, raised four children through all of them, and now works alongside her daughter, Leita. Shauna is known for coaching with Tom Ferry, for tripling her listings once she finally hired help, and for trusting her instinct when a client relationship isn't a good fit.

• Cynthia and Teresa both lost their spouses within a few years of each other, and that shared experience is what shaped this year's Empower Her theme.

• Cynthia's husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the start of COVID, during her busiest season in the business, and she made the decision not to tell most of her clients.

• She didn't want her clients to feel like a burden to her, or to feel like they had to manage her pain on top of their own transaction.

• That decision to carry it quietly is exactly what the invisible load means. Everyone on this panel has a version of it, and Empower Her was built to pull it into the open instead of leaving it buried under "I'm fine."

• Lauren went through breast cancer treatment without telling almost anyone. No meal trains, no one feeling bad for her, nothing that would put her business at risk.

• She kept moving forward like "a train," pushed her own health to the back burner, and only fully processed what that cost her years later, at the Empower Her panel itself.

• Molly's takeaway from the same panel was less about any single lesson and more about the feeling of community in the room, realizing that being vulnerable doesn't make a leader weaker, it's often what makes clients trust her more.

• Shauna connected it back to something her late mother used to say: let's all pull through this together.

• Shauna was handling five listings on her own before her coach, Tom Ferry, told her to hire an assistant.

• She did, and tripled her listings within six months, simply because she finally had the bandwidth to focus on what actually mattered.

• Cynthia described the same pattern from a different angle: even with an assistant, delegating still didn't come naturally to her, and she had to actively practice letting people help.

• Lauren put the shift in blunt terms: for years she confused being good at her job with doing everything herself.

• Her strength is connecting people with the right roles, not personally handling every piece of paperwork, and recognizing that distinction is what she credits with making her a better leader.

• Molly added that some of that support doesn't even cost money, it's as simple as using the resources a brokerage already provides instead of assuming you have to go it alone.

• Lauren said some of the hardest parts of the job are knowing when to advise a client not to do something, even when staying quiet would keep a transaction moving.

• Her responsibility, she said, is to the person, not the deal, even when that honesty costs her the sale.

• Cynthia lived that same decision recently with a longtime client who fell in love with a home that failed inspection after inspection.

• She told him directly that it wasn't the right place, they canceled the deal, and weeks later he found and bought a home he loves, with Cynthia now representing the sale of his old one.

• Shauna's version of the same lesson took nearly 30 of her 38 years in the business to learn: some clients will take more energy than they're worth, and walking away from a bad fit protects the clients who are showing up and doing the work with you.

• Cynthia relies on Do Not Disturb and a simple reminder to herself: she's a realtor, not a brain surgeon, and most late-night messages can wait until morning.

• She uses the same boundary with her adult daughters now, even when it's hard.

• Lauren's coach once called her mother and sister "boundary tramplers," and the label stuck.

• She now sets communication expectations with every client at the very start of the relationship, whether that's email only or a group text, instead of letting availability default to 24/7.

• Shauna does something similar by building a single group text per transaction so updates go out once instead of being repeated client by client.

• Molly's advice is practical: hire a transaction coordinator if a full assistant isn't in the budget yet, and write tomorrow's to-do list down before bed so your brain can actually let go of it overnight.

• Shauna caps her own list at seven priorities a day, what she calls her triage, so the list stays usable instead of spiraling.

• Lauren's message was more direct: you're probably doing better than you think, and you won't get an award for being the most exhausted person in the room.

• Cynthia's answer was about getting to a season where self-care isn't optional, daily movement and a few minutes of guided meditation are what let her keep showing up for everyone else.

• Cynthia returns to the Serenity Prayer, a line she first picked up through Al-Anon, whenever she's struggling to accept what she can't control: it reminds her to accept what is, and to find another way forward with what she can change.

• Molly recommended Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott, especially for team leaders, for how it builds the confidence and skill to have the productive, trust-building conversations a team actually needs.

• Shauna carries a line from a 55-year veteran agent and mentor in her office, Joe Baker: "What doesn't kill you will make you stronger."

• Lauren's guiding principle is connectivity and relationships, the belief that the more you give, the more comes back. She also recommended The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, a book she said she's actively practicing with both her family and her clients.

When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that's how we make an impact. So, let's build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.

What does it take to become a Latina leader in banking and lending? Every guest on this episode has a version of the story people never hear. They see the title. They see the promotion.

What they don't see is the manager who once told Roseanne, "we don't need two Latinas in this branch." Or Arlyn relearning how to walk and talk after a car accident at 17. Or Caroline watching her mother tour as a musician across three continents just to build a life of her own.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, I sat down with three Latina leaders in banking and lending, Caroline Isern of New American Funding, Roseanne Helmani, and Arlyn Kalinski of Rate, to talk about what actually shapes a poderosa. Not the accolades. The sacrifices, the doors someone opened for them, and the moments they had to decide what kind of leader they were going to become.

We get into the sacrifices nobody talks about, the assumptions people made about them because of their age or their background, and why cultura still matters in rooms built for people who don't look like us.

• Caroline Isern: VP, Multi-Cultural Lending, New American Funding

• She grew up watching her mother, an Afro-Latina immigrant who built an independent career as a touring musician across Europe and Latin America, work harder than anyone she knew to build something of her own. Caroline is passionate about building teams from the ground up and leads by pointing people toward what makes them shine, not just what they need to improve.

• Roseanne Djelmane: SVP, Banking (employer not confirmed)

• She has spent more than 45 years in banking, starting out as a single mother of two navigating a male-dominated industry with no roadmap to follow. Roseanne is a former Los Angeles chapter president of NAHREP and a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, and two years ago she went back to school and earned her master's degree with a 4.0 GPA.

• Arlyn Kalinski: SVP, Fair & Equitable Lending Strategies, Rate (formerly Guaranteed Rate)

• She grew up in Isabela, Puerto Rico, in a home where education was treated as sacred, and a serious car accident at 17 taught her that setbacks don't get the final word. Arlyn found her purpose during the mortgage crisis, building infrastructure that helps limited-English-proficient borrowers navigate the homebuying process in their own language.

Each guest traced her leadership back to a specific turning point.

• Caroline points to her mother's grit as an immigrant artist who never let being an outsider define what was possible for her.

• Roseanne points to raising two children alone while working her way up in banking in the late 1980s and early 1990s, long before flexibility was part of the conversation.

• Arlyn points to relearning how to walk and talk after her accident, an experience that taught her healing, and leadership, is never linear.

• Every guest has been counted out at some point, sometimes because of age, sometimes because of gender, and for Roseanne, once by another Latina who told her, "we don't need two Latinas in this branch."

• Arlyn talked about walking out of a room where a senior leader dismissed her idea for a language access program, and instead of arguing, she found an organization that would let her build it.

• Caroline put it simply: she no longer walks into a room trying to prove she belongs. She walks in already knowing what she brings to the table.

• Caroline described a stretch of her career where she was carrying two roles at once until her body forced her to stop, panic attacks included, and that's what pushed her to protect her health as a non-negotiable rather than a luxury.

• Arlyn talked about the nightly math every working parent knows: choosing between finishing a deck and showing up for her son's art project, and deciding that neither choice makes you a failure. It just makes you someone who is juggling, not balancing.

• Arlyn's recommended read on this topic: Women Don't Ask

• Roseanne's recommended read: When Your Adult Children Disappoint You

• Caroline credited Patty Arvielo, co-founder and president of New American Funding, who gave her the chance to build a sister company from the ground up.

• Roseanne credited her children, her husband, and a former boss who gave her a national role without letting her age work against her.

• Arlyn credited a manager who put her on the spot in a room full of regulators and senior leaders, trusting that she had earned the room before Arlyn trusted it herself.

• All three guests are active with NAHREP, and each described the same thing: a room where business gets done alongside music, hugs, and community, without one canceling out the other.

• Arlyn put words to something many Latina leaders feel but rarely say out loud: humility is a value they were raised with, but in corporate America, quiet can get mistaken for a lack of ambition.

• Her advice was simple. Speak up. No mita ya no aplica.

• Roseanne shared the measure of success that guides her leadership: "I don't look and measure myself against other people. I measure myself against myself."

• Arlyn recommended Women Don't Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever. She also shared a leadership principle that stood out to her: "Real leadership is about whether the door stays open once you go through, and whether you bring others with you."

• Caroline shared a principle she now leads by: "Being different doesn't mean you don't belong. You're in the room because of what you bring to it."

When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that's how we make an impact. So, let's build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.

Some of the most important leadership lessons are not learned after you have made it. They are learned while you are still building.

That is the idea behind this final chapter of our Next Wave Leaders series, featuring members of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rethink Council.

I am joined by four women in completely different markets, at completely different stages, who are all building something real: Cayce Levine, Amber Carlton, Ambre Theroux, and Gabriela Huson.

Meet the Leaders

• Cayce Levine - Broker Advisor, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices York Simpson Underwood Realty

• She started in healthcare before finding real estate at 25, drawn by an income ceiling she refused to accept, and now leads her Cary and Morrisville office.

• Cayce is passionate about helping her agents work smarter, not harder, and building an office culture rooted in collaboration.

• Amber Carlton - REALTOR® and Team Leader, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties

• She got into real estate to help people achieve their dreams, and built her team, Carlton & Co, around an obsession with the client experience.

• Amber is known for VIP red-carpet closings, deeply personalized client touches, and her drive to scale her business so she can buy back her own time.

• Ambre Theroux - REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals

• She left her family's electroplating business and an MBA-track corporate career behind to get licensed in just two months, landing her first client through a horse-property Facebook group.

• Ambre excels at building custom client communication timelines and is passionate about making her business sustainable for the long run.

• Gabriela Huson - REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

• Her path into real estate started with renovating her own fixer-upper home during COVID, and she was named Rookie of the Year after closing nine transactions in her first year.

• Gabriela is passionate about intentional client communication and balancing a thriving Santa Barbara business with being a full-time mom of two.

From Corporate Ceilings to Client Relationships: How They Got Into Real Estate

• Cayce came from healthcare, where she felt boxed in by a pay ceiling, and found in real estate an industry where effort has no cap.

• Ambre walked away from her family's electroplating business and an MBA track to get licensed in two months, later finding her niche serving horse property owners in Northern Connecticut.

• Gabriela renovated a full fixer-upper during COVID, fell in love with the process, and turned that experience into a Rookie of the Year debut.

• Amber originally wanted to get into interior design and staging, discovered she hated staging itself, and found her real strength in guiding clients through selections and the emotional side of a move.

What They Believed Early On That They No Longer Believe

• Cayce assumed she was simply going to sell houses, and did not realize she was building an entire business where she would be her own marketer, accountant, and project manager.

• Gabriela and Ambre both used to equate being busy with being successful, and now measure their time by intention instead of activity.

The Scary Decisions That Changed Their Careers

• Amber credits hiring a life and business coach, and later an assistant, with changing both her business and her life, even though she resisted the assistant hire at first.

• Gabriela talks about betting on herself financially before she ever saw a paycheck, treating her first year like building a brand from nothing.

• Ambre landed her first client, a horse property buyer, within her first week in the business, and said the client never would have guessed she was brand new.

• Cayce lives by one question whenever fear creeps in: are you more scared of thirty seconds of discomfort, or of being broke?

What's Actually Working in Their Businesses Right Now

• Amber built a client intake system that captures birthdays, pet names, and what each client is most excited or nervous about, feeding into VIP red-carpet closings inspired by fellow Rethink alumni Joe and Leti Torres.

• Cayce is pushing agents to build full two-to-four-week marketing plans for every listing before it ever hits the market, and to repurpose long-form video into smaller clips across platforms instead of posting once and moving on.

• Ambre created custom transition timelines and templates so clients always know what happens next, replacing one long consultation with a clear, ongoing communication plan.

• Gabriela is being far more intentional inside her CRM, segmenting contacts by where they actually are in their journey instead of sending the same generic newsletter to everyone.

Their 5-Year Vision for Leadership and Business

• Cayce wants to keep pouring into her agents, helping newer agents ramp up faster and more experienced agents work smarter, not harder.

• Ambre is focused on sustainability, building a business that still leaves room for the hobbies and presence she does not want to lose.

• Amber is focused on buying back her time after realizing, in an unusually honest conversation with ChatGPT, that she had not taken a night off in ten years.

The Mentors Who Believed in Them First

• Cayce credits her husband, her sister, and the leaders who saw her potential before she saw it in herself.

• Ambre points to her boyfriend and her Rethink Council network for believing in a career shift her own family was initially nervous about.

• Gabriela credits her family, including her two young sons, who she says are already showing early signs of catching the real estate bug.

• Amber credits a fellow association leader who nudged her into local leadership at a point when she was seriously considering leaving the industry altogether.

"A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms." — Cayce Levine

Favorite Podcasts, Books, and Quotes

• Gabriela - Quote: "You don't have to be the smartest person in the room. You have to be willing to learn, take action, and keep showing up."

• Ambre - Quote: "Do it scared."

• Amber - Quote: "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, "I'm possible." — Audrey Hepburn

• Cayce - Quote: "A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it, it just blooms."

Resources

Connect with Teresa on LinkedIn

Join the Women Who Lead Series on Facebook

Subscribe on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Leadership does not wait for permission. It starts the moment someone decides to step forward, often long before they have a title to prove it.

That is the theme of this episode, the next installment of our Next Wave Leader series featuring members of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rethink Council.

I am joined by three agents who each found real estate through an unexpected door. Who are also now shaping how their markets do business.

Meet the Leaders:

• Holly Darcy - REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida

• She began her career as an elementary school teacher before building her own personal training business.
• She later found her home in real estate as a military spouse navigating constant change.
• Holly is passionate about consistency and authentic personal branding, helping clients feel like they already know her before they ever meet.
• Asia Adair - REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties
• Her real estate journey started as a special education teacher during the pandemic.
• It was shaped early on by following her mother into the business at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
• Asia excels at hyperlocal video marketing and disciplined client follow-up, and lives by the principle of giving more than she expects to get.
• Grace Stanzel - Co-Team Leader, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate
• Her path into real estate started as a high school intern on the very team she now co-leads, inspiring a career built on full-circle mentorship.
• Grace excels at consistent, personal client touchpoints and is passionate about giving new agents the same hands-on start she once received.

From Classrooms and Career Changes to Real Estate Leadership

• Holly spent years as a teacher and later ran her own fitness and nutrition business before real estate. A conversation with a mentor at a personal crossroads gave her the push to get licensed.
• Asia taught special education through the pandemic before getting licensed, selling her first home while still teaching, and going full time the following summer.
• Grace interned with her current team her senior year of high school, then finished her college degree online while building her real estate business during COVID.

When They First Saw Themselves as Leaders

• Asia points back to leadership roles she held before real estate, from school council president to founding her high school's Gay-Straight Alliance, and says the identity of "leader" only clicked once she found success in real estate.
• Holly credits a local Leadership Development Council program and the moments agents and clients turn to her for advice as the clearest sign she has become a trusted voice in her market.
• Grace talks about the full-circle moment of becoming a mentor to interns after starting her own career the same way.

The Risk That Changed Their Business

• Holly says joining the Rethink Council came at a burnout point in her career, and became one of the most valuable decisions she has made.
• Grace talks about the risk of hiring a full-time operations director, and how betting on her business paid off in growth and client service.

Social Media, Video, and AI: What Is Actually Working

• Grace focuses on intentional, high-quality listing videos built around the seller's story rather than generic content, and finds Instagram drives her strongest engagement.
• Asia uses hyperlocal geotagging on video content so her market's algorithm surfaces her to the right audience, and recommends agents use AI tools like Claude or ChatGPT to audit how they show up online.
• Holly treats her social media as a full extension of herself, mixing polished property marketing with everyday moments, and building a one-page digital bio she sends to new contacts and referral partners.

What the Rising Age of First-Time Buyers Means for Agents

• With the median first-time buyer age now around 40 according to the National Association of Realtors, the panel discusses how to help younger buyers understand the long-term value of getting into the market early.
• Holly shares her own story of buying her first home in 2010 and points to home price data over time as proof that time in the market matters more than timing it.
• Grace focuses on patience and education, reminding younger buyers that the process can take time and that having the right team makes all the difference.

Favorite Podcasts, Books, and Quotes

• Holly - Book: SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times by Gary Keller (an early read before getting licensed)

Quote: "People always remember the way you treat them."

Podcast: Aspire with Emma Grede (recommended after hearing a Gary Vee episode on soft skills)

• Asia - Quote: "Give more than you expect to get." (her guiding principle in business, inspired by The Go-Giver)
• Grace - Quote: "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." — Henry Ford

"Leadership isn't something we wait for. It's something we practice one conversation, one decision, one courageous step at a time." — Teresa Palacios Smith

When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that's how we make an impact. So, let's build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.

This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur.

Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won't forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code "hsoa20" when ordering for 20% off.

I'm excited to kick off our Next Wave Leaders series, featuring members of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rethink Council. Joining me in this episode are three incredible leaders: Kaylee Eisenhauer, Alexandria Harris, and Mandy Althoff Moultrie. Grab your cafecito and discover how they're shaping the future of real estate through innovation, fresh perspectives, and a willingness to think differently.

Meet the Leaders

• Mandy Althoff Moultrie is a real estate professional with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices York Simpson Underwood Realty in Raleigh, North Carolina.
• Alexandria Harris is a real estate professional with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Kaylee Eisenhauer is a real estate agent with the Eisenhauer Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate, serving the Vancouver, Washington, and Portland metro areas.

Challenging Assumptions About the Next Generation

• The conversation kicks off with a candid discussion about the stereotypes often attached to millennials and Gen Z in real estate.
• Each guest shares how navigating uncertain markets early in their careers helped them develop resilience, adaptability, and confidence.
• Rather than needing more support than previous generations, they argue that today's emerging leaders are proving their ability to tackle challenges head-on while helping mentor those coming behind them.

Embracing Technology Without Losing the Human Touch

• Technology and AI are transforming the real estate industry, but these leaders agree that success comes from finding the right balance.
• They discuss how tools like ChatGPT and other AI platforms can improve efficiency, creativity, and client service, while emphasizing that relationships, trust, and expertise remain at the heart of every transaction.
• Their advice is simple: focus on learning one tool at a time and use technology to enhance, not replace, the client experience.

Bringing Fresh Ideas to Established Spaces

• Introducing new ideas is not always easy, especially when working alongside experienced professionals or within family-run businesses.
• The guests share how education, collaboration, and consistent communication have helped them earn trust and create meaningful change.
• By focusing on shared goals rather than generational differences, they have found ways to build stronger teams and foster innovation.

Growing Into Leadership

• Leadership is a journey, and each guest reflects on the challenges that come with stepping into bigger roles.
• From overcoming imposter syndrome to learning from mentors and peers, they discuss the importance of community and support.
• Serving on the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rethink Council has given them an opportunity to lead by example while inspiring the next generation of professionals.

Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone

• Some of the biggest breakthroughs in business happen when we say yes to opportunities that feel intimidating.
• The guests share how taking calculated risks, embracing difficult conversations, and pushing beyond their comfort zones have accelerated both their personal and professional growth.
• Those experiences have helped shape their confidence, leadership style, and success.

Favorite Quotes, Books, and Podcasts

• Mandy Althoff Moultrie - Quote: "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." Podcast: Andy Frisella — an entrepreneur in the fitness space.
• Kaylee Eisenhauer - Quote: "Growth rarely comes from doing more. It comes from doing less, better." Book: 10x is Easier Than 2x
• Alexandria Harris - Quote: "Mirror what you admire."

When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that's how we make an impact. So, let's build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.

This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur.

Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won't forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code "hsoa20" when ordering for 20% off.

When people think about relocation, they often picture moving trucks, paperwork, and logistics. But behind every corporate move is a team of professionals helping families navigate one of life's biggest transitions.

Joining me today are three incredible relocation leaders, Katie Adams, Linda Lindenmoyer, and Jill Wylie, sharing what it really takes to guide people through change while balancing leadership, service, and problem solving behind the scenes at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Grab your cafecito and get ready for a conversation about leadership, relocation, and what it takes to help people move forward during major life transitions.

Meet The Leaders

• Katie Adams, Vice President of Corporate Relocation and Business Development at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate

• Linda Lindenmoyer, Vice President of Relocation Services for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty

• Jill Wylie, Vice President of Relocation Services for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties

Why Relocation Is More Complex Than People Realize

• Many people assume relocation is simply coordinating moves and paperwork. The reality looks very different.

• Families leave behind routines, schools, careers, and support systems. Companies face hiring timelines, housing challenges, and employee transitions. Behind every move are countless moving pieces happening at once.

• These leaders shared how relocation professionals often balance corporate expectations, communication with agents, housing challenges, timelines, and unexpected problems while helping families feel supported during major life changes.

Leading Through Uncertainty

• Great leadership matters most when challenges appear. Relocation professionals solve problems daily, whether that means helping families settle into a new community, finding unexpected solutions, or helping people navigate uncertainty during stressful transitions.

• Strong leadership often comes down to staying calm under pressure, listening well, communicating clearly, and focusing on solutions rather than problems.

Building Success Through Relationships

• Long-term success in relocation is built on trust. Whether supporting families, agents, relocation management companies, or corporate clients, strong relationships remain at the center of everything.

• Because relocation is not simply about moving people from one place to another. It is about helping people move forward with confidence.

Leadership Advice, Books, and Quotes

• Linda shared a favorite verse that guides her leadership approach: "Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

• Jill recommended Atomic Habits and You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero. She also shared a leadership principle that stood out to her: "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge."

• Katie shared one of her favorite reminders from Maya Angelou: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that's how we make an impact. So, let's build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.

This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur.

Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won't forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code "hsoa20" when ordering for 20% off.

When you're leading a team of agents, the goal isn't just performance. It's creating a lasting impact that shows up in how your agents serve their clients.

Joining me today are three powerhouse leaders, Debra Fortin, Whitney Lenoard, and Pan O'Rorke, sharing how they guide their teams to grow, perform, and make a real difference across Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Grab your cafecito and get ready for a conversation on leadership, growth, and what it really takes to build a strong real estate team.

Meet the Leaders

• Debra Fortin, Director of Operations at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Myrtle Beach Real Estate

• Whitney Leonard, President at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties

• Pam O'Rorke, Broker/Owner at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Benchmark Realty

How Their Leadership Journey Started

• Pam didn't plan on a career in real estate. While at a baseball game with her kids, a simple conversation with another mom led to an unexpected opportunity. One year later, she earned her broker's license. Not long after, she was handed the keys to the business and eventually purchased the company. Since 2001, she's been leading agents and building a culture rooted in growth and long-term success.

• Whitney's path into leadership started with a moment she didn't expect. After beginning as an individual agent, she walked into her broker's office and saw her name written on a board. When she asked about it, she learned it was part of a vision to grow the company and bring in new leadership. That moment changed everything. More than 20 years later, she continues to lead, grow, and inspire agents across multiple offices.

• Debra's journey began after her children started school, when she stepped into real estate as a relocation specialist. Her work ethic quickly stood out, leading to an opportunity in leadership. Over the years, she led multiple offices before relocating to Myrtle Beach. Even after planning to slow down, her passion for leadership brought her back, where she now leads and continues to grow a team of agents.

What Leadership Really Requires

• Each of these leaders shared a common truth. Leadership is not easy, and it's not always visible from the outside.

• It requires staying calm in uncertainty, guiding agents through challenges, and showing up every day with consistency and purpose. As Debra puts it, leadership is not about being liked. It's about being trusted.

• Whitney also highlighted the reality that leaders are always "on," constantly encouraging and motivating their teams, no matter what's happening behind the scenes.

Building Teams That Thrive

• Strong teams don't happen by accident. They're built through intentional leadership, shared support, and a culture people want to be part of.

• For Debra, strong teams start with trust. She focuses on developing her agents through guidance, support, and continuous learning. By staying consistent and helping agents navigate challenges, she creates an environment where they can grow with confidence.

• Whitney leads with intention, creating a culture that naturally draws in the right people. She understands that not everyone is the right fit and protects that environment while continuing to motivate and guide her team forward.

• Pam's approach centers on relationships and selectivity. She's built a close-knit team by being thoughtful about who joins and by helping agents understand the "why" behind their work, giving them the clarity and confidence to succeed.

Recommended Resources

• Over the years, Debra has followed industry voices like Brian Buffini, who taught her to always stay learning. She shares how his podcast and coaching have helped her stay grounded in relationship-based business and personal growth.

• Pam recommends the book The Power of TED, a short but impactful read that explores the roles people fall into, like the fixer, victim, and creator. It challenged her perspective on leadership, especially the idea that growth comes from guiding and empowering others rather than trying to fix everything for them.

• Whitney points to The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale, a classic that centers on the idea that we become what we think about. She also lives by a simple principle: focus on what you can control, your attitude and your actions.

When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that's how we make an impact. So, let's build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.

This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur.

Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won't forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code "hsoa20" when ordering for 20% off.

When you design with intention and lead with purpose, you build something worth remembering. My three guests joining me today, Robbie Roberts, Dianne Gordon, and Blossom Vernon, are true business architects who build for any market. Their advice moves beyond surface level strategies and into what actually creates a sustainable business.

Meet the Leaders

• Blossom described real estate as a calling shaped by her early exposure to construction and family influence.

• Robbie's path began after being recruited during her own home sale, where mentorship and professionalism stood out.

• Diane entered from construction and leaned into operations, building success by supporting others.

Leadership Gets Tested When It's Hard

• Diane walked into the 2008 market and realized she did not fully understand sales. Instead of pretending, she listened and focused on helping agents navigate the business side during difficult times.

• Robbie shared the challenge of watching agents leave and learning not to take it personally.

• Blossom spoke about the emotional weight of leadership and how those moments built her discipline and resilience.

Systems Create Consistency

• Success is not about motivation. It is about structure.

• Robbie emphasizes written goals and daily accountability.

• Blossom's "Breakfast Club" tracks calls, wins, and progress each week.

• Diane focuses on innovation, testing new ideas and adapting quickly when needed.

Culture and Purpose

• Culture is built daily. Robbie reinforces it through personal recognition. Blossom creates accountability while celebrating wins. Diane provides structure while giving agents room to grow.

• Blossom said it best. Everything starts with understanding the why. When you know the why, decisions, systems, and conversations become clear.

The Legacy

• Diane leads with fairness and growth. Robbie leads with care and accessibility. Blossom leads with structure and purpose.

• Because in the end, people remember how you made them feel and how you helped them grow.

Favorite Quotes / Principles

• Blossom Vernon: "If a day goes by and I have not learned something new, it's a day wasted." Her focus is continuous learning and growth every single day.

• Diane Gordonn: She likes to follow the Rotary Four-Way Test:

• Is it the truth?

• Is it fair to all concerned?

• Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

• Bonus: Will it be fun?

• She uses this as a decision-making framework in leadership and life.

• Robbie Roberts: "If you carry old bricks, you keep building the same house." A reminder to embrace change and not stay stuck in old habits.

When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that's how we make an impact. So, let's build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.

This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur.

Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won't forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code "hsoa20" when ordering for 20% off.

Steadfast leadership isn't about perfection. It's about presence, purpose, and people. But how can you define it in your current leadership role? Joining me in this month's series are three steadfast leaders, Amy Gant, Jackie Ready, and Maryann Vitale Alles, sharing stories that will help you lead with greater clarity, courage, and consistency. Grab your cafécito and get ready to be inspired.

Meet The Leaders

• Maryann Vitale Alles is the CEO and President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties, one of the Midwest's most respected brokerages. She began her leadership journey with a passion for real estate and helping others build their careers, earning a reputation as a thoughtful and grounded leader.

• Amy Gant is Senior Vice President and Regional Manager at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. She came to real estate from the media world and quickly discovered a passion for leadership and developing others.

• Jackie Ready is the Broker/Owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Panoramic Properties on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. She began in economic development in Laurel, Mississippi, before moving into real estate, eventually becoming a managing broker and then purchasing and rebranding her own brokerage.

Overcoming Adversity and Self-Doubt

• Each leader shares their stories of overcoming career-defining challenges and moments of self-doubt.

• Jackie talks about the difficult season after purchasing her brokerage, balancing staff changes and new motherhood, and how her commitment to her team kept her going.

• Amy shares how the sudden loss of her family's primary income pushed her into leadership, calling it the best decision of her life.

• Maryann reflects on building resilience while leading a company through skepticism and doubt, emphasizing the power of transparency and clear communication.

• Together, they highlight how authenticity, strong relationships, and supportive teams help leaders and their organizations thrive during uncertainty.

Empowerment, Culture, and Succession

• What does true empowerment look like in leadership? Each leader shares how they empower others and how you can do the same for your team.

• Amy notes that culture isn't surface-level; it's built by setting high standards, holding people accountable, and celebrating wins and learning from failures together.

• Mentorship, collaboration, and individualized support are key, and a leader's success is reflected in the growth of those they guide.

• Succession planning is another focus, with Maryann stressing the importance of helping agents prepare for transitions. Jackie and Amy add that honest conversations and proactive training are essential to keep both seasoned and new talent thriving.

Personal Influences

• Every leader has someone who shaped their journey, and each of my guests shares who made the biggest impact.

• Amy expresses deep gratitude for the early guidance I gave her as a new agent, sharing a heartfelt story about how mentorship helped her grow in real estate.

• Jackie names her mother as her greatest influence. Her mother's immigrant journey, intentional living, and resilience inspired Jackie to prioritize meaningful choices and protect her energy.

• Maryann credits her father and her business partner, Deb, for guiding her leadership. Her father taught her work ethic and relationship-building from an early age. Deb has always believed in her potential, showing the power of strong, trusted support.

Favorite Books, Advice, and Quotes

• Amy Gant

• Advice to Her Younger Self: Remember, "People matter. Treat them with kindness, integrity, and respect, and that's all you'll need to know. Everything else falls into place."

• Jackie Ready

• Favorite Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Advice to Her Younger Self: "Protect your energy. Really keep your circle with the energy you're seeking, surrounding yourself with the right people."

• Maryann Vitale Alles

• Quotes/Beliefs: "Lead with integrity even when it's hard. Making the right decisions over time compounds, and you have to just make the decision and trust your instinct."

When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that's how we make an impact. So, let's build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.

This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur.

Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won't forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code "hsoa20" when ordering for 20% off.

"Hire great people, show them the way, and get out of their way." That advice comes from one of my amazing guest bosses in this episode.

How can leaders empower their teams through trust instead of control?

Grab your cafécto and join me with my executive influencers Tish Herwig, Kaylin Pound, and Lynn Wheeler as we discuss the biggest challenges agents are facing today and how leaders can help them overcome those obstacles.

Meet the Leaders

• Lynn Willer - President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty

• She began her career as an art teacher before finding her home in real estate and has spent over 22 years building teams with clarity, trust, and honest communication. Lynn is passionate about empowering others to grow and thrive while aligning vision and values.

• Tish Herwig - Managing Broker, Banyan DeVille

• Her real estate journey started unexpectedly with family support and was shaped by early mentorship with Mike Ferry, inspiring a philosophy of boldness and courage. Tish excels at guiding new licensees, fostering personal growth, and helping her teams navigate change.

• Kaylin Pound - Senior Regional Vice President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

• She supports her agents through challenges and founded the "Moving Forward" event and Council for those who have lost spouses. Kaylin is celebrated for her authentic empathy, empowering leadership, and helping others find their voice and strength.

From Chance to Choice: Career Beginnings

• Our guests share the unexpected paths that led them to real estate. Lynn talks about moving from teaching to real estate for a more fulfilling challenge.

• Kaylin and Tish reflect on opportunities that came from temporary roles and family encouragement.

• Each of their journeys includes moments of self-discovery and the understanding that leadership in real estate is about helping others succeed.

Rising Through Adversity

• Resilience is a common theme for all three leaders. Kaylin overcame a serious physical setback, Lynn navigated toxic work environments, and Tish supported her family through health crises.

• These experiences gave them deeper empathy for their teams. They explain how personal challenges can become powerful tools for connection, growth, and stronger leadership.

Leadership Lessons and Empowerment

• The panel dives into topics like imposter syndrome, aligning vision and values, and empowering others through listening, stepping back, and encouraging creativity.

• They stress the importance of trusting great people and giving them room to succeed.

• Each guest also shares mentors and resources that have shaped their leadership style over the years.

Facing Change in Real Estate

• We discuss the top challenges agents face today, including industry disruption, compensation compression, and communicating value to clients.

• Our guests offer insights on how embracing change and fostering community can help teams not just survive, but thrive even during uncertain times.

Favorite Podcasts, Books, and Quotes

• Kaylin - Book: Jesus Calling (reads it every morning)

Quote: "Life should be led like a calvary charge."

• Tish - Quote: "Be bold, be brave, and don't let fear paralyze you." (her own saying from the difficult real estate market era)

Podcast: Big Conversations Little Bar (a local podcast from the Coachella Valley)

• Lynn - Quote: "You can't wait in your part of the forest waiting for others to come to you."

She also shared a lesson from her first manager (Ed): "Take a nap every day."

When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that's how we make an impact. So, let's build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.

This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur.

Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won't forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code "hsoa20" when ordering for 20% off.