Women Who Lead

This amazing episode of the Women Who Lead podcast celebrates both Fair Housing Month and Diversity Month! Our host, Teresa Palacios Smith sits down for "un cafecito" with Kim Bakey, Liz Goodchild, and Janet Mauldin, three truly impactful leaders. Listen in for advice on your real estate career, and the three most important qualities for leaders to have.

Meet the Leaders

• Kim Bakey - CEO of HomeServices of Iowa & Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Realty
• Liz Goodchild - Team Leader of The Goodchild Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate
• Janet Mauldin - VP Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

The Most Important Qualities for Leadership

• Kim: Integrity, authenticity, and the willingness to get your hands dirty and do the heavy lifting. If you're not doing the work alongside your team, you will not build the same level of respect as if they see you really doing the work.
• Janet: First, communication is key, both in how you reach others, but also in how you respond to feedback. Secondly, a strong ability to analyze data is necessary to make strategic decisions. Thirdly, Janet recommends having a passion for real estate as a business.
• Liz: Have a "servant's heart." No strong, well-respected leader gets there to feed their ego – people will see through it. If you are able to set aside your aspirations to help others achieve their goals, you will build trust with your team. Also, you become a role model, so you must step up your game.

Advice for Your Career in Real Estate

• Liz: It's important to accept critique, but also be willing to accept that not everyone is going to like you, and you have to accept that.
• Kim: Never give up. Having a positive attitude and embracing difficulty will help you achieve things you never thought possible.
• Janet: Instead of always saying "yes," be willing to say "maybe" to people. Ask yourself if saying yes will advance you, your business, or your joy.

Leaders' Favorite Books

• Ken Blanchard books, such as Fish! (on Amazon)
• Ninja Selling and The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, Jim Huling, Scott Thele, Beverly Walker (on Amazon)
• Indistractable by Nir Eyal (on Amazon)

Leaders' Favorite Quotes

• Liz: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
• Kim: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Vivian Greene
• Janet: "If it is to be, it's up to me."
• Teresa: "When you look at your life lived, how will you measure your success? For me, I want it to be how I was able to make a difference in the lives of many." Jackie Robinson

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 episode of Women Who Lead was very fittingly recorded for International Women's Month which couldn't be more perfect for the amazing group of women you'll hear from! Cathy Larmore, Alma Cecilia Ramirez, and Teresa Walsh join your host, Teresa Palacios Smith in a great conversation about how they became agents, their biggest inspirations in life, and all the things they wish they had known when they were first starting out.

Meet the Leaders

• Cathy Larmore - Senior Vice President of Support for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas
• Alma Cecilia Ramirez - Co-Owner and Broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colonial Homes San Miguel
• Teresa Walsh - President of Sell New Homes (SellNewHomes.com)

Real Estate is Changing - How Should We Respond?

• Teresa: Stay knowledgeable about the markets as they change, and talk to your clients about what their current needs are and advise them to do what makes the most sense.
• Cathy: Going back to the basics will take you far! Show up, be present with your clients, and stay current in your knowledge without listening to the media too much.
• Alma: Always keep learning, and take your time building a relationship with your clients so you can earn their trust.

How Can New Agents Avoid Common Mistakes?

• Cathy: Open, honest communication is always the most important thing – whether with your peers, leaders, or clients.
• Teresa: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. If you're too comfortable, you're not pushing yourself, and you're not growing.
• AR: Listen intently to your client's needs, and know all of the details of what you are selling so that you can be well-prepared.

Leaders' Favorite Books

• Cathy: Ninja Selling by Larry Kendall
• Alma: The Power of Questions by Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas
• Teresa: Embraced By the Light by Betty Eadie and Curtis Taylor

Leaders' Favorite Quotes

• Alma: "Successful people will do what unsuccessful people aren't willing to do. Don't wish it were easier; wish you were better." -Jim Rohn
• Teresa: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
• Cathy: "You may not control the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." -Maya Angelou

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 today's episode of Women Who Lead, your host Teresa Palacios Smith meets with three legendary leaders. Their collaborative, joyful style reflects the beliefs they share: that in a business like real estate, focusing on supporting others through the big moments in life is the most important thing, even in uncertain times.

Meet the Leaders

• Ginger Pruett-Holmes - Principal Broker/Owner, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty

• June Huber - Vice President, Franchise Sales Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

• Carolyn Rosson - President Ebby Halliday Companies

Great Leaders Focus on What They Can Give, Not Get

• Carolyn's company Ebby Halliday continuously focuses on "doing something for someone every day," and providing excellent service

• Ginger talks about Real Estate as a "relationship business," and stays focused on being relational instead of transactional

• June loves to help people follow their dreams and achieve goals. Her first thought is always about how she can help someone else

How Can Leaders Support Young Agents?

• June recommends that young agents take advantage of all available tools and support to help them reach success

• Carolyn reminds us to keep sticking to foundational elements authentically. As a trusted advisor to clients, help them understand what is happening in the market

• Ginger's agents have been refocusing on staying current without losing touch with the basics.

Leaders' Favorite Educational Materials

• Ginger: Ninja Selling

• Carolyn: The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown

• June: The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington

Leaders' Favorite Quotes

• Ginger: "Have a positive attitude."

• June: "We're stronger when we listen and smarter when we share."

• Carolyn: "If what you're doing does not bring you joy, you're doing the wrong thing."

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 today's episode of Women Who Lead, your host Teresa Palacios Smith meets with three prominent leaders. Together, they discuss staying relevant as the market changes, taking big risks, and balancing work with their home lives. They also offer some great advice for future leaders, so make sure you stick around until the end!

Meet the Leaders

• Brenna Dutton - Chief Lending Officer of Prosperity Home Mortgage
• DeAnn Golden - President and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgie Properties
• Jackie Thiel - Executive Vice President of General Brokerage Operations for Long & Foster

As the Market Changes, How Should Your Company Stay Relevant?

• Jackie reminds us that ups and downs are part of any business. Focus on educating your clients and finding innovative ways to serve them.
• Brenna says this is also a good time to educate yourself and your agents on the opportunities that are available to customers - the customer may not be aware of the financial options they have.
• DeAnn agrees that during times of mindset shift, it's a great idea to give your customers more language and context for describing their current aspirations and needs so that you can better serve them.

How Do You Handle Big Risks?

• Brenna reminds us that risks are just opportunities, and anytime you have the opportunity to help someone or make an impact, take it.
• Jackie gives us three ways to handle a big risk so that, even if people don't agree with your choice, they will respect and understand it
• DeAnn says that taking risks and jumping on the opportunities that come your way is all part of the ride, so go all in! But don't be afraid to ask for help if there are things you don't know.

Leaders' Favorite Books

• Brenna: The $6,000 Egg by Deb Duncan
• DeAnn: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
• Jackie: Friday Forward by Robert Glazer

Leaders' Favorite Quotes

• Brenna: "Opportunity to Impress." and "Anything is possible in life and in dreams." (from a fortune cookie!)
• DeAnn: "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." (Pericles) and "Be the energy you want to experience in a room." (Brené Brown)
• Jackie: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you do, but people will never forget how you treated them." (Maya Angelou) and "Whatever you do today, do it with the confidence of a four-year-old wearing a Batman t-shirt."

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 today's episode of Women Who Lead, our host, Teresa Palacios Smith, is joined by three strong women who lead. They discuss how they got their start in real estate, what they do, how they overcome challenges, the advice they have, and their greatest accomplishments.

Meet The Protectors

• Lisa DeWolf, President, Trident Land Transfer Company
• Amy Riggsbee, Director, National Title Operations, HomeServices of America
• Tonia Sellers, Managing Partner, Weissman PC

What do "the protectors" do?

• Their job is to make sure that a client's home-buying process goes as smoothly as possible.
• Buyers and sellers entrust them with personal information, money, and to ensure that they get them a good title.
• The protectors pay attention to the trends to make sure that they understand where the business is heading. They understand the customers' needs and adapt to fit their needs.

How do they overcome challenges?

• Tonia says that everyone faces challenges but if you commit to doing your best and serving your client, you will flourish.
• Amy has realized that everyone has challenges and in her career, she has found success by working hard and being pragmatic in her decision-making.
• Lisa found strength in being confident in herself and trusting herself.

What advice do they have for future leaders?

• Lisa recommends a leadership development group. During a leadership development group, she learned how to lead large teams during times of rapid change.
• Tonia says to be open to volunteering and stepping up in your organization. Look for mentors and work with executive coaches.
• Amy suggests learning how to listen.

The leaders' favorite book, podcast, and quote

• "No problem can't be solved. When you bring your mind and heart to it, you can overcome any obstacle."
• "Grace Awakening" by Charles S. Swindoll
• "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" by John C. Maxwell

Remember, always bring women up the ladder with you as you climb to the top. 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 today's episode of Women Who Lead, our host, Teresa Palacios Smith, is joined by three powerful women who are leading the charge to create a workplace where everyone is welcomed, accepted, respected, and valued. They discuss the initiatives that they are working on, the challenges they have faced, their inspiration, and the positive impacts on their careers.

The Leaders

Sherry Adams, Vice President of Human Resources for Ebby Halliday Companies

DiAnna Noland, Vice President of Human Resources for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties DiAnna Noland

Darla Zink, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Their Initiatives

• All the leaders are working on different initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• DiAnna and Sherry are working hard to educate minorities on home ownership and Darla is working to educate her organization on gender equality in the workplace.

Challenges they have faced

• Sherry recounted the difficult times she faced after immigrating to the United States from Iran.
• DiAnna and Darla shared the discrimination that they have faced being a woman in the workplace.

People who have inspired them

• Darla, Sherry, and DiAnna have always found inspiration from the strong women in their lives.

The largest impact on their careers

• Sherry feels grateful for the opportunity she was given to have a seat at the table.
• Darla realized that once she stopped fearing failure, she was able to progress in her career.

The leaders' favorite book, movie, and quote

• Dare to Lead by Renee Brown
• Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace by David G. Smith and W. Brad Johnson
• Imitation of Life (1959)
• "Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" - Margaret Mead

Remember, always bring women up the ladder with you as you climb to the top. 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 today's episode of Women Who Lead, our host, Teresa Palacios Smith, is joined by three powerful leaders to talk about creating a positive work environment, taking risks, and overcoming bias.

Meet the leaders

Melanie Weidenbach - COO at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate

Tammy J. Maddente - President First Weber Inc.

Reneé Gonzales - Chief Executive Officer at Long Realty Company

How the leaders got started in real estate

• Reneé started in a mortgage organization working as a loan officer. 22 years ago she got the opportunity to move to Tucson and work for Long Companies where she now serves as CEO.
• Tammy started her career in retail and found very quickly that she loved helping people put together their wardrobes. She discovered her love for service and was recommended by a close family friend to start doing real estate.
• Melanie was introduced to real estate through family relations and spent the first part of her career on the title and escrow side of the business. She now serves as COO at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate and Real Estate Professionals in Oregon and Washington, overseeing all aspects of operations.

What's the secret to creating a great work environment?

• There is no secret about it, Tammy recommends getting out of your corporate office and in front of your people. Treat everyone with respect and make a point of listening to your staff.
• Positively impacting people's lives in any way possible. Make everyone you interact with feel important and a part of the goal.
• Have an authentic desire to serve and surround yourself with people who share the same philosophies. Spend the majority of your time in the field with your staff.

What has been a life-changing event for the leaders?

• Reneé remembers early in her career when she was 22 years old and was given a chance by her leaders to oversee mortgage operations. This changed her career and gave her an opportunity to prove herself.
• The great recession had a massive impact on Melanie because she had employees looking to her for answers. She was able to lead during adversity and also reinvent the way her organization ran.
• 20 years ago Tammy found herself in a boardroom with 10 men signing papers to become a full partner. At this time there were not a lot of women in executive leadership. This experience motivated her to prove herself every single day.

What is the biggest risk they have taken?

• Tammy says she takes risks every day and that if you want to be successful in your field, you need to be willing to take risks.
• Reneé's biggest risk is the same experience she shared as her life-changing event… and jumping out of an airplane.
• Melanie's biggest risk was pivoting her career into a new path.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

• Don't let anybody else define you and learn to draw boundaries.
• When a problem surfaces, address it immediately. Learn to make difficult decisions and act.
• Choose to do something you are passionate about and commit to it. It won't always be easy but it will be worth it.
• You can do anything that you want to do as long as you work hard and continue to move forward.

How have you overcome bias?

• Tammy says that a powerful man is admired and a powerful woman walks a fine line.
• As a young woman trying to start an organization, Reneé faced lots of discrimination. Her advice is to earn people's respect by going above and beyond.
• Melanie has overcome bias by blocking out the noise and putting in the extra effort.

The leaders' favorite quotes

• "Unless you puke, die, or faint - keep going"
• "It always seems impossible until it's done"
• "Never chase the money. Chase authentic accomplishment."
• "It doesn't matter who gets the credit. You need to let go of your ego, ego is overdressed insecurity"

Remember, always bring women up the ladder with you as you climb to the top. 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 today's episode of Women Who Lead, our host, Teresa Palacios Smith, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring three powerful and successful Latinas in the real estate industry. These inspiring women share their thoughts, experience, and insights working in a professional environment and how their culture, values, and upbringing paved the way for their success.

Meet the Empowering Latinas:

• Rosamaria Acuna, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
• Monica La Crue, Affordable Lending Manager at Freddie Mac
• Angelica Silveyra, Director, Customer Service at NV Energy

How they get started in their businesses:

• Monica began by accident, becoming an assistant in the real estate industry and progressing to her current career at Freddie Mac helping agents and mortgage professionals make relationships with their clients.
• Rosamaria left to earn her degree, and she's thankful her family's strong bond allowed her to pursue an education and own a home by her early twenties.
• Angelica became a summer intern at NV Energy and eventually applied for a job in customer service at the same company. The program paid for her education, and she's remained at the company ever since.

Growing up in immigrant families:

• Angelica's family was extremely close-knit, and her parents taught her the value and importance of hard work to get where she wanted to be.
• Rosamaria is the second-youngest in her generation of kids in her family. Hard work and caring for others are integral to her and her family's morals. Today, Rosamaria instills those values in her two daughters.
• Growing up with two languages and cultures made navigating school challenging. However, the love and support of her friends and family helped her overcome. She couldn't advocate for herself then, which is why she is so passionate about advocating for others now.
• Monica grew up in a single-parent household, with her dad raising all four children. However, because he was in the Marines, she was raised by her family in a collaborative and loving atmosphere.

Advocating for mentorship:

• Monica used to see her age and experience as limiting factors. Having mentors who encourage you to push past boundaries to meet new expectations is helpful and promotes professional growth.
• Real estate can be a second career for many people looking to put in as much as they're willing to. After realizing there's a gap in knowledge of real estate agents, Monica loves that Freddie Mac educates and informs agents to help them do their best work.

Advice to younger self?

• If there's anything you want to accomplish, the worst that can happen is that you're told no. Always find the positives.
• Apply for jobs and careers and opportunities you're interested in. Even if you check half the requirements, apply. Don't apply just because you aren't the "perfect" candidate.
• Surround yourself with role models because we rise and grow by lifting those around us.

Book recommendation:

• Brene Brown's The Gift of Imperfection
• Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Remember, always bring women up the ladder with you as you climb to the top. 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.

What is a trailblazer? An extraordinary person who sets new paths and paves futures for generations to come. In today's episode of Women Who Lead, our host, Teresa Palacios Smith, is joined by three trailblazers in the real estate industry. These women have expanded the realm of real estate to make the industry a more diverse, professional, and welcoming space for everyone.

Meet the trailblazers:

• Tiffany Curry - Owner and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tiffany Curry & Co., REALTORS®
• Erica Courtney - CEO, 2020vet, Inc.
• Desirée Patno - CEO, Women in the Housing & Real Estate Ecosystem, Chairwoman of NAWRB's Diversity Inclusion & Leadership Council

How the trailblazers got their start in real estate:

• Tiffany did not intend to be in real estate, planning to enter corporate law. However, when a classmate said she was getting her real estate license, Tiffany decided to get hers as well and never looked back.
• Erica was bored in college and enlisted in the army. But after the birth of her two kids, she needed more flexibility to spend time with them, so she left and started her own company.
• Desirée gave up her initial career when she realized real estate was a space she could grow so much more. She now consults, influences, and shapes other people's real estate journeys to build more sustainable lives and futures.

Leading others in a pandemic (and post-pandemic) world:

• An effective leader does what is best for the team. As a broker-owner, Tiffany makes decisions for her company based on how it affects her agents.
• Leads should listen and use what they hear to inspire productive action.
• It's not about perfection; it's moving forward, trying our best, and knowing our people to understand their problems and help address them.

The importance of staying positive online:

• So much content online and on the news is negative. Taking just five minutes to engage in a positive or productive action online can establish a powerful brand that builds your reputation.
• Balance personal and professional content on your platforms. After all, it's not companies following your content; it's the humans behind them.

Overcoming challenges as women:

• It's about acting with integrity and authenticity. Leadership is about being ourselves but being willing to adapt based on the people we lead.
• Women need to treat other women how they want to be treated. While we want to be on an equal playing field, we often aren't sure how to conduct ourselves on that equal playing field.
• Women still need to respect other women and evaluate our mentality in how we treat other women.
• Find and purchase the Women Housing Ecosystem Report (WHER) at nawrb.com/womenhousingecosystem.

Remember, always bring women up the ladder with you as you climb to the top. 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.

The real estate industry is full of opportunities and growth to make personal and professional achievements, whether as an agent or broker. However, it's even more attainable when you have great examples to follow. In today's episode of Women Who Lead, our host, Teresa Palacios Smith, is joined by three dynamic leaders who lead and inspire change in themselves and their communities with strength, compassion, and grit.

Meet the Owners:

• Chris Farkas, Broker/Owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Bayside Realty
• Tiffany McLemore, Broker/Owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices McLemore & Co., Realty
• Gretchen Pearson, President and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties

How 'the Owners' got started in real estate:

• A second-grade school teacher, Tiffany got her license to supplement her income during the summer. However, she developed a passion for it and went full-time.
• Chris invested in real estate before the market collapsed in 2007. She had an investor network full of people asking her to help sell homes, and she found a way to use that to fuel success.
• Gretchen was a 22-year-old college graduate working for a San Fransisco company when she decided to get her license. She intended to be a part-time agent to buy investment properties, but she fell in love and stayed with the industry.

The advice they wish they'd gotten:

• The only relationship that matters is the relationship you have with yourself. Imposter syndrome is a genuine and prevalent feeling in the industry, but understand that the sky is the limit and don't compare yourself to others.
• Discover your strengths early on. When you do something that doesn't play to your strengths, you might not like it. So, learn to delegate and focus on what you're good at.
• Let yourself off the hook and believe in yourself; don't be afraid to dream big.

Significant risks and personal sacrifice:

• Gretchen and Tiffany started businesses shortly before the 2007 market crash, but their perseverance and dedication helped them work through it.
• Chris opened a major franchise with a man who decided he didn't want to be married to her anymore, and she had to determine if it was the right call for her future.
• As an owner, understand that you're on-call 24/7. The entire family should be on board with your leadership and expect you to make personal sacrifices.

Mentorship and the importance of others in their careers:

• Gretchen - Her very first broker at Century21 had the drive and dedication to bring out Gretchen's best and develop relationships with those around her.
• Chris took classes from Excellence Northwest (now Excellence Seminars International), which offered courses on personal accountability and growth that helped her learn more about herself and cultivate leadership skills.
• Tiffany's mentor taught and pushed her beyond complacency, and he encouraged others to be their authentic selves.

The Owners' Book Recommendations:

• The Go-Giver by Bob Burg
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
• Books and articles by Steven Covey

Remember, always bring women up the ladder with you as you climb to the top. 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.