Women Who Lead

This month, we celebrate fair housing with our Resilient Leaders, Beth Jimenez, Veronica Hanna, and Debbie McCabe. These leaders sit down with Theresa Palacios Smith to discuss their journeys, how they support their teams through changes in the industry, and advice for young leaders.

Meet the Leaders

• Beth Jimenez - Senior Vice President, Enterprise Lending Strategy & Initiatives Manager Lending Institution

• Veronica Hanna - Managing Broker/North Scottsdale Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties

• Debbie McCabe - Region President Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®/Trident Group

The Leaders' Journeys

• Veronica technically started her real estate journey back in high school! Now, she works with everyone, from new agents learning the basics to experienced agents navigating negotiations of luxury properties.
• Beth started her career right out of college. She loved it immediately and stuck with it, despite starting as an agent in 2007!
• Debbie's sister was in real estate and Debbie joined her. Debbie was a part of an early team before there were many other teams! Debbie no longer sells, she works more directly managing agents.

Guiding Teams Through Difficult Times

• Debbie: Challenging times bring opportunities. While change can be uncomfortable in the moment, learning to navigate it can lead to amazing growth.
• Beth: "Don't ever let a crisis go to waste." Change is constant in the industry, and education is key to being able to move forward despite fearmongering in the media.
• Veronica: Change makes us better. Veronica seeks to motivate her team so they're excited about these times rather than afraid.

The Role of Mentorship

• Beth: It's easier for others to see the best parts of you rather than you seeing these good things in yourself. Mentees drive these relationships, so don't be afraid to ask for help!
• Debbie: Her most impactful mentors were not formal mentors but people she connected with over the years. As a mentor herself, she focuses on giving.
• Veronica: Mentees have a responsibility to work for their growth – they have to want to grow. Veronica's mentors expanded her knowledge and now she gets to pass that knowledge along.

The Leader's Favorite Quotes

• Veronica: "Stop it!" – Bob Newhart. The quote is about overthinking… when you're driving yourself crazy, just stop it!
• Beth: "Women need to shift from thinking, 'I'm not ready to do that,' to 'I want to do that, and I'll learn by doing it.'" – Sheryl Sandberg (from her book, Lean In)
• Debbie: "Remember that failure is an event, not a person." and "If you can dream it, you can achieve it." – both by Zig Ziglar

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.

Last month, we celebrated Black History Month with three incredible leaders. In this episode of Women Who Lead, we shared 'un cafecito' with Anita Legacy Blue, Alicia Knapp, and Dr. Courtney Johnson-Rose. Listen in to be inspired by their advice for future leaders and their views on creating a legacy.

Meet the Leaders

• Alicia Knapp - President & CEO, BHE Renewables
• Anita Legacy Blue - LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance 2024 President
• Dr. Courtney Johnson-Rose - President of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers

The Leaders' Journeys

• Alicia moved up through Berkshire Hathaway by always striving to exceed expectations. She had the courage to take on challenging positions early in her career.
• Anita has always been a servant leader. She was offered the opportunity to work at the national level when other leaders saw her willingness to show up and be accountable.
• Courtney was "tapped on the shoulder" to move up into leadership roles, and initially, she said "no." The push she received from a mentor convinced her to consider the opportunity.

Understanding and Responding to Biases

• Anita was in the Air Force for 35 years. She understands being in a male-dominated world. She knows how to rise up, call out injustice, and bring truth to light.
• Courtney has learned how important consistency is. Gaining respect is not about inspiring fear in others - instead, we must consistently carry ourselves in a way that demands respect.
• Alicia worked with very few women on the front lines in the construction and utility businesses. She became the executive sponsor of the women's employee resource group, so she had the opportunity to encourage women to enter roles in male-dominated industries.

Mentoring Others

• Alicia recommends leading by example. We also have to show up and put effort in when working with those we are mentoring.
• Courtney's responsibilities get in the way of mentoring individuals, but volunteering and acting in service are great ways to connect with mentors.
• Anita recommends learning to be mentored. Good mentors must be good mentees - don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

Dealing with Conflict

• Anita suggests being empathetic and listening to others, but ultimately, we have to maintain integrity and lean into what's right.
• Courtney advises people to solve problems by upholding the rules that keep our organizations working.
• Leading assertively is easy for Alicia, while empathy does not come as naturally to her. She keeps people around her that balance her and hold her accountable.

Advice for Future Leaders

• Courtney: Be a leader that others want to follow.
• Anita: Excellence in all you do, and lead by faith.
• Alicia: Use your strengths to uplift others.

Favorite Reads and Quotes

• Breakthrough Success by Anita Legacy Blue, and Our Shades of Black History by Anita Legacy Blue, and her podcast. Her favorite quote is, "Your life is your legacy."
• Courtney: Grit by Angela Duckworth. Her favorite quote is, "The time is always right to do what's right" by Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Alicia: Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg and A Higher Standard by General Ann Dunwoody

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.

Welcome to a brand new year! To kick off the beginning of 2024, our host, Teresa Palacios Smith, met with three incredible trailblazing leaders: Jan Baker, Pam O'Connor, and Vicky Silvano. They discuss their journeys, how they overcome obstacles in the industry, and mentorship.

Meet the Leaders

• Jan Baker - Senior Vice President & Regional Vice President, Northeast Region, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

• Pam O'Connor - Retired, Past President & CEO, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE)

• Vicky Silvano - Broker-Associate, REAL Broker, LLC' 2016 National Chair & President of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)

The Leaders' Journeys

• Vicky's marketing skills from working with Proctor & Gamble helped her begin her real estate career. She still works as a realtor serving clients, but she also serves agents from the local to the international level.

• After a career as a school teacher, her path shifted when she became a mother. Jan fell in love with being a real estate agent the moment she took her first class and has found her passion and many amazing personal connections.

• Pam's career in real estate began when she joined a real estate network. Though she loved the work, she worked in PR for many years. She returned to real estate because she enjoyed it so much!

Overcoming Obstacles in the Industry

• Pam: Realtors have a responsibility to educate people on what agents actually do. Help buyers and sellers understand how agents can help them and how they help the community overall.

• Vicky: We have to evolve with the times. Skilled, knowledgeable realtors will be successful during this time. Do not stop learning so that you can offer value to clients.

• Jan: Being open-minded and willing to make changes is so important, but we also have to ignore some of the noise we hear - we are responsible for being on the ground with an awareness of how the industry is, and continue to defend it and build it up.

Mentorship and Sponsorship

• Jan: Take inspiration from others, even if you can't find a mentor to work with. Jan is inspired by many women. One of her mentors/inspirations is Toni McGowan.

• Pam: People like to be asked for help! If there's someone you respect, just ask them out for coffee and just see what you can learn.

• Vicky: She had doors opened for her by Nancy Suvarnamani and Elizabeth Mendel-Hall, to name a couple. She says, "Your network is your net worth."

Favorite Quote

• Jan: "You're not better than anybody, but you're as good as anybody."

• Vicky: "She who humbles herself shall be exalted, and she who humbles herself shall be humbled."

• Pam: "I think if the world can be saved, it will be by women," and, "The woman's mission is not to enhance the masculine spirit, but to express the feminine. Hers is not to preserve a man-made world, but to create a human world."

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.

This month's interview includes three women forward leaders who are implementing ideas, strategies, and opportunities within the industry. In this episode, host Teresa Palacios Smith speaks with three lovely forward-thinking leaders: Caroline Isern, Natalia Karayaneva, and Christy Casey. They share their knowledge and beliefs on embracing AI technology and their journeys.

Meet the Leaders

• Caroline Isern - Senior Vice President, Multi-Cultural Lending, New American Funding (NAF)

• Natalia Karayaneva - Founder & CEO, Propy

• Christy Casey - President Region 7, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTOR®/Trident Group

The Leaders' Journeys

• Christy started working with real estate agent Eunice Nelson after moving to a remote part of Arizona. She later realized her passion for the industry through her mom's background in real estate.

• Caroline came into real estate through a unique path, inspired by her parents and the passion of the leaders she's connected with, and is now proud to be a part of the Home Services of America family.

• Natalia started their real estate journey in Bulgaria, acquiring land and selling properties to foreign investors.

Fostering Creativity in the Real Estate Industry

• Natalia emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth throughout one's career. She also discusses the importance of having great mentors and a supportive team to pursue leadership opportunities.

• Christy emphasizes the importance of being intentional and innovative in the industry, citing examples of successful strategies and leaders.

• Caroline encourages teams to operate intentionally, foster diverse perspectives, and recognize and reward innovation.

Innovation, Leadership, and Disruptions in the Tech Industry

• Natalia believes surrounding oneself with smart, diverse, and disciplined people is key to bolstering innovation and critical thinking in a startup. Her company prioritizes open communication, trust, and mutual respect among team members to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.

• Christy emphasizes the importance of collaboration and open-mindedness in staying ahead of disruption, citing the value of a "mastermind" approach.

• Caroline highlights the need for continuous learning and embracing technology to serve communities better and stay ahead of the curve.

Leaders' Favorite Books

Natalia: "No Rules Rules" by Reed Hasting, "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight, and "The Sovereign Individual" by James Dale Davidson and William Rees-Mogg

Caroline: "Lend In" by Sheryl Sandberg

Christy: "Fierce Conversations" by Susan Scott and "Unreasonable Hospitality" by Will Guidara

Leaders' Favorite Quotes

Caroline: "Instead of letting your hardships and failures discourage or exhaust you, let them inspire you."

Christy: "Focus on what you want, not what you fear."

Natalia: " I'm grateful for everything I have in my life, and anything is possible. I'm driven by my future and can live in this moment."

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.

This month, we have the pleasure of sharing another interview with three more amazing Latina leaders. In this episode, Tabitha Sanchez Heit, Nathaly Sanchez, and Belinda Wiseman join our wonderful host, Teresa Palacios Smith, for "un cafecito" to discuss their journeys. They talk about early mistakes, achieving their goals, and

Meet the Leaders

• Tabitha Sanchez Heit – REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach REALTORS®
• Nathaly Sanchez – REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ally Real Estate
• Belinda Wiseman – Vice-President Luxury Sales, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Laffey International Realty

The Leaders' Journeys

• Tabitha has always been a self-starter and entrepreneur whose mother worked in real estate – becoming a realtor was meant to be!
• Belinda was an attorney looking for a career where she could also have the freedom to be involved in her kids' lives.
• Nathaly is a natural saleswoman. Her #1 priority is to offer her kids an excellent education, and pursuing this led her to real estate.

Mistakes Made Along the Way

• Belinda's experience as an attorney gave her a mindset of driving points home and winning. She had to relax and remember that real estate is about people.
• Nathaly used to let negative thinking hold her back. Also, as an agent, she had to learn to care for herself and her body's wellness rather than give all her time to clients.
• Tabitha reminds us of the importance of quality family time. Agents are always reachable, so we must make time for our families.

Achieving Goals

• Nathaly reminds herself of her goals every day. She writes them down, uses pictures, and maintains a positive mindset to keep her going.
• Tabitha uses number-focused goals and puts them on her computer so she sees them daily. Also - she maintains clear lines of communication all the time.
• Her goals are always the goals of her team. She continuously educates herself and those around her.

Leaders' Favorite Quotes

• Belinda: "In real estate, the three key factors are location, location, and people." – Barbara Corcoran
• Tabitha: "I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday." – Eleanor Roosevelt
• Nathaly: "Love always wins."

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.

This month, we are celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with these amazing Latina leaders! In this episode, Erika Carrasco, Magda Esola, and Rebecca Hidalgo Rains join our host Teresa Palacios Smith for un cafecito and a great conversation. Listen to these leaders talk about their journeys, their superpowers, and some advice to inspire you.

Meet the Leaders

• Erika Carrasco - REALTOR®, Intero Real Estate Services
• Magda Esola - Vice President of Sales & REALTOR®, Brookline Homes
• Rebecca Hidalgo Rains - Associate Broker, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties

The Leaders' Journeys

• Magda got into real estate after seeing an ad in the paper. She was inspired by the woman who hosted the first class she went to and got her license in no time!
• Rebecca's father was a real estate agent and, to this day, many of her siblings are also in the real estate industry!
• Erika started her journey as a realtor's assistant. She had a passion for real estate and became a realtor as soon as she could.

What Is Your Superpower?

• Magda's superpower is her authenticity. She brings joy to other people's lives and helps them see life in a different light.
• Rebecca's superpowers are her ability to connect with people and her tenacity - when someone tells her she can't do something, she'll show them she can.
• Erika's superpower is being driven. When she sets her mind on something, she keeps working until she achieves it.

Challenges

• One of Erika's biggest challenges is to adapt to an ever-changing market. Staying caught up with the changes over the years keeps her on her toes.
• Right now, Magda's challenge is staying motivated and inspired while people are coming to her and other realtors as an expert. As "givers", realtors need to find others to fill their cup as well.
• Rebecca loves to be challenged! She gets excited when she faces difficulty – that's what motivates her.

Something to Inspire You to Move Forward

• Erika: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, "Querer es poder," which translates to "Where there is a will, there's a way."
• Rebecca: "We are all human, we all make mistakes, and we are all in this together." "Self care is not selfish." "Be graceful."
• Magda: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, "Don't allow success to get to your head, and do not allow failure to get to your heart."

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.

Welcome to another amazing episode of the Women Who Lead podcast! In this episode, our host Teresa Palacios Smith meets with three leaders who act as catalysts in their roles: Cara Milgate, Susan Pitcher, and Sylvia Sotelo-Kidd. They discuss leadership in difficult markets, the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and leading by example when it comes to work-life balance.

Meet the Leaders

• Cara Milgate – Vice President and Sales Manager at Intero Real Estate (San Francisco)

• Susan Pitcher – President and CFO HomeServices Beazley, REALTORS and Vice President and CFO Bill Beazley Homes

• Sylvia Sotelo-Kidd – Sales Leader and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for Ebby Halliday

The Leaders' Journeys

• Sylvia got into real estate by chance. Someone who was already in the industry met her and said, "You need to be in real estate!"

• Susan was working for Bill Beazley Homes and was selected by Mrs. Beazley to take over her role in the business.

• Cara fell in love with financing and lending while working part-time in a bank. She then worked for mortgage companies and then started her own real estate business!

How Do You Lead During Unstable Times?

• Susan: Real estate is an ever-changing market. Change quickly and fail quickly if you need to! Take new tech in stride and investigate it thoroughly.

• Cara: She thrives when the market shifts. Challenges help her jump into action. Part of being a good leader is staying positive and calm so your team stays engaged.

• Sylvia: Even though the market is always changing, there are always going to be sales. During good and bad times, we need to be practicing and honing our skills.

Setting an Example of Work-Life Balance

• Cara: Her advice to young leaders is to make time for themselves or the stress will catch up with them. Introspecting helped her let go of the guilt and shame that came with self-care.

• Sylvia: Learning to say "no" has helped her focus on the important things in life, especially taking care of herself and staying present.

• Susan: She still struggles with work-life balance! She recommends making time for the people in your life. Show up for the moments that are important to them.

Leaders' Favorite Books

• Sylvia: The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday

• Susan: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (And it's Small Stuff) by Dr. Richard Carlson

• Cara: The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger

Leaders' Favorite Quotes

• Sylvia: "You have the power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength." – Marcus Aurelius

• Susan: "The mind-forged manacles I hear." – William Blake (from the poem "London")

• Cara: "The purpose of life for me is not to achieve, but to make positive changes, to be productive, and to impact others in a way that will create a better future. Everything else falls into place." – Cara Milgate

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.

We are SO excited to bring you our 50th episode! Thank you, as always, for joining our host Teresa Palacios Smith for un cafecito with three highly intelligent leaders – Dr. Chitra Dorai, Dr. Vanessa Montanez, and Desiree Patno. Listen in to hear these leaders describe the moments that brought them where they are today.

Meet the Leaders

• Dr. Chitra Dorai – CEO/Founder of Amicus Brain
• Dr. Vanessa Montanez – Senior VP and Community Lending National Sales Manager at Citi National Bank
• Desiree Patno – CEO/Founder of Women in the Housing & Real Estate Ecosystem

The Leaders' Journeys

• Vanessa has been in residential lending for 27 years. She fell in love with helping families achieve their homeownership dreams, and that passion took her all the way to thinking of the big picture and helping families at a national level.
• Chitra was with IBM for 20 years as a top technical leader, CEO, and IBM fellow. She started her company for personal reasons – her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and she realized she was not alone in dealing with the challenges of being a caregiver.
• Desiree has always been a problem solver. She loved selling homes, but was always looking for the next problem to be solved – in the foreclosure crisis, she became a connector and solution strategist to protect communities.

The Moments When Everything Changed

• Dr. Chitra was VERY successful at IBM, but when she became one of her mother's caregivers, she knew she had to throw herself behind a new passion. Her product uses AI to support caregivers at all stages of supporting those with neurological degenerative disease.
• Dr. Vanessa's moment came when she was laid off. She took her severance package and decided to spend it on something she truly loved: learning. She went back to school to understand more about executive leadership in the wake of the 2008 crisis.
• Desiree was recruited into working in the gender space of highly wealthy people in real estate. "Clubhouse" is a collective-created audio app that grew out of the pandemic shutdown to bring people of many specializations together to connect and share ideas.

Tools the Leaders Recommend

• Desiree likes Gamma, an AI company that can help you think and make connections.
• Chitra's app, Amicus Brain, can be found at http://amicusbrain.com.
• Mckenzie Institute and the Urban Institute have well-researched articles.

Leaders' Favorite Books/Courses

• Desiree surfs news columns to see what is currently happening. She likes small snippets and soundbites.
• Chitra: The Story of My Experiments With Truth by Mahatma Gandhi
• Vanessa: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Leaders' Favorite Quotes

• Vanessa: "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was going to end, it became a butterfly."
• Chitra: "If you do not work on important problems, it's unlikely you'll do important work."
• Desiree: "Technology-Human Balance."
• Teresa: "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality."

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.

This month, we celebrate Pride, Juneteenth, and Home Ownership Month! In this episode of the Women Who Lead podcast, our host Teresa Palacios Smith is joined by three extraordinary leaders: Tina Brooks, Robin Sinnett, and Jennifer Wilbur. They share their challenges and successes navigating the real estate industry and helping to make it a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse place.

Meet the Leaders

• Tina Brooks - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager at Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Founder of BEAUTIE

• Robin Sinnett - Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Touchdown Home Pros

• Jennifer Wilbur - President of Texas, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties

The Leaders' Journeys

• Jennifer found her niche as an agent in the service of others. When she became a manager, she was able to serve agents. She approaches her role with a servant's heart and the success of others in mind.

• Tina started her career in customer care, growing but not being elevated by the company. After training others with a focus on accountability and confidence, she was identified by a leader as a great candidate for her current role.

• Robin experienced the industry as a buyer first. She was inspired to become an agent to provide inclusivity and allyship in the real estate industry.

Intersectionality and Working With Others

• Tina: As a leader, she works to be a voice for those who don't have one so that others can aspire to grow and thrive in their careers.

• Robin: She looks for signs when working with new people to show their allyship. If she is not in a safe situation, she walks away.

• Jennifer: Starting out in the real estate industry, she felt like she had to fit into a straight world. When she came out to her manager, she realized she could be open about being gay and still pursue success.

Greatest Accomplishments

• Tina: Having the opportunity to sit on panels like this podcast. Platforms like these give her the opportunity to be seen by others and change systems of power.

• Robin: Transitioning and becoming who she is. That has given her confidence in her ability to meet the challenges she faces.

• Jennifer: Reaching a point where she is able to speak out on platforms like Women Who Lead after decades of work to get there.

Leaders' Favorite Books

• Jennifer: The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon

• Robin: Ninja Selling by Larry Kendall

• Tina: motivational talks by Oprah Winfrey and Lisa Nichols

Leaders' Favorite Quotes

• Robin: "Be the change you want to see in the world."

• Tina: "People may forget what you said, but they won't forget how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou. "Use me, God, show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I want to do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself." – Martin Luther King Jr.

• Jennifer: "Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care." – Theodore Roosevelt

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.

In this episode of Women Who Lead, you'll be inspired by four women who have made great strides for diversity in their industries. Our host, Teresa Palacios Smith brings Dionne Cuello, Stacy Durbin, and Katie Lappe together for "un cafecito" and an opportunity to get to know one another better. Listen in to hear about the challenges they've faced and the amazing things they're accomplishing.

Meet the Leaders

• Dionne Cuello - Senior Vice President, National Diverse Market Segments, Citi
• Stacy Durbin - President & General Manager, Semonin REALTORS
• Katie Lappe - CEO, DirectOffer Inc.

Facing Personal or Professional Challenges

• Stacy discusses finding her voice as a woman in leadership. Communication takes a balance of flexibility, strength, and being a "chameleon" in different situations.
• Dionne has been confronted with anti-Chinese racism and has had to explain these situations to her young children.
• Katie has struggled with impostor syndrome in male-dominated STEM fields. She has learned not to overwork herself in an attempt to prove her worth to others.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

• Katie is currently in South France surrounded by top scholars in her industry. It's out of her comfort zone, but she tells herself, "I'm supposed to be here," which helps!
• Stacy challenges herself to have conversations with diverse groups of people and asks questions that she may not like the answers to. She commits to learning from people with different backgrounds from her own.

Leaders' Favorite Books

• Masterclasses and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kid
• The Go-Giver by Bob Berg
• Storytelling with Data Course

Leaders' Favorite Quotes

• Katie: "Love thyself, not thy idol." Bible verse
• Dionne: "You are where you are in life because of what you believe is possible for yourself." - Oprah Winfrey
• Stacy: "Who you're with matters." Company motto

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.

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