280. From Discomfort to Growth: Practical Mindset Tools with Elaine Stageberg

Mindset can feel abstract, but today’s conversation with Elaine Stageberg brings it down to earth. Elaine has built a $400 million real estate portfolio, leads a private equity firm, and is a trained psychiatrist and mom of five. She shows us how practical time management, goal setting, and a willingness to sit with discomfort form the foundation for real growth.We talk about why real estate is the ultimate test—and teacher—of mindset, and how every big decision stretches us to new levels of belief. Elaine shares how to help our teams (and ourselves) get comfortable being uncomfortable, reframe negative stories, and become the kind of leaders who can handle anything. Her insights apply to business, family, and anyone ready to level up.If you haven’t heard our first interview with Elaine, check out the link below!Resources:Learn more about Black Swan Real Estate: meetblackswan.comInterested in investing with Black Swan? Explore their current fund offering here: securefreedomfund.comListen: Building a $400M Portfolio & Raising Five Kids with Dr. Elaine Stageberg | Empire Building (EP.272)Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.WARNING! You must comply with the TCPA and any other federal, state or local laws, including for B2B calls and texts. Never call or text a number on any Do Not Call list, and do not use an autodialer or artificial voice or prerecorded messages without proper consent. Contact your attorney to ensure your compliance.

Feeling that mid-year slump? You’re not alone—but we believe this is actually the best moment to reset and refocus. In this episode, we break down our real-world process for a mid-year business review: how we revisit our goals, assess what’s on track (and what’s not), and decide what’s truly relevant for the rest of the year.We get honest about revenue, growth, retention, and what needs to change, but we also dig into something even more important—team culture and energy. We share what’s worked for us to bring our teams together, add some fun, and regain momentum when things feel slow. Finally, we talk about why communicating your new plan and celebrating progress out loud is the leadership move that sets up a strong finish to the year.2025 is far from over. Let’s reset, rally, and finish strong—together.Resources:Watch The 10-Step Playbook for Scaling Multiple Businesses (EP.262)Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

It’s easy to get off track, even with the best intentions. In this episode, we’re sharing our personal mid-year reset process—our go-to for checking in, letting go of what’s not working, and making space for what matters most.We talk about how taking just a few hours to reflect, simplify, and plan can help you reset your goals and energy for the rest of the year. We’ll walk you through the simple framework we use to evaluate what’s fueling us (and what’s draining us), how we adjust our intentions, and why giving ourselves grace and white space is essential for building our best lives.If you need a fresh start, join us for this practical and honest reset—you’ll walk away ready to make the second half of your year count.Resources:The ONE Thing Podcast by Jay Papasan12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael LenningtonWatch Episode 70. How to Build A Simple Business Plan that Guarantees ResultsConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

When it comes to building an empire—whether that’s in business or in life—there’s no escaping hard decisions. We’ve all stood at the crossroads, wrestling with big choices that feel daunting, lonely, or even paralyzing. But here’s the truth: hard things don’t have to stop us. In this episode, we’re sharing five life-changing hacks that have helped us move forward with confidence and clarity, even when the path wasn’t clear.We dive into why getting crystal clear on your core values is the ultimate decision-making filter, and how embracing the 80% rule can break the grip of perfectionism and help you take action—even when everything isn’t perfect. We talk about the importance of knowing your inner circle (and not letting too many voices crowd your judgment), how to use the “future you” test to make choices that serve your long-term vision, and why the simplest framework—decide, act, evaluate—can move you from stuck to unstoppable.We know what it’s like to feel pulled in a million directions, to want to do it all, and to struggle with saying no. But we’ve learned that building something big means getting comfortable with messy progress, giving ourselves permission to course-correct, and always circling back to what matters most. If you’re facing a hard decision (or just want to get better at making them), this one’s for you. Darlings, you can do hard things—and we’re right here with you.Resources:Core Values Exercise & Free Resources: the1thing.com/free-resourcesThe One Thing Core Values DeckSocial - Attract Friends, Followers, and Connections to Your BusinessConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

When the market slows down, price is king. In this episode, we’re getting honest about what it takes to navigate a slower market—and why you can’t out-market a bad price. We’re sharing hard-earned lessons from our own experiences, including the conversations that still stick with us, and the data-driven steps we use to guide clients through price adjustments.We walk through exactly how we handle these conversations with compassion, the pitfalls of “paper cut” price reductions, and why the right move is often a bigger, faster adjustment. If your listings are sitting or your sellers are uncertain, this episode is your roadmap for taking action—and building trust, one honest conversation at a time.Remember: Big businesses are built in the details, and big lives are built when we lean into tough moments. If this episode helps you, please share it—we love hearing how you’re building your empire.Resources:Read Shift by Gary Keller and Jay PapasanConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Let’s face it—when homes aren’t flying off the market, sellers start watching you more closely than ever. And in today’s market, with inventory rising and prices softening, they’re not just watching—they’re expecting more. But that doesn’t mean your leadership slows down. In fact, now’s the time to step it up.In this first episode of our two-part series, we’re diving into the tactical moves every real estate professional (or service-based business owner) needs to make to thrive when the market shifts. We’re bringing over 14 years of real-world experience to the table and breaking down what sellers are really thinking—and what they want from you right now.We’re sharing how to shift into the seller mindset, why silence kills trust, and how cadence is queen when it comes to client communication. From rethinking the “list price” to creating a systems-driven experience that builds confidence, we’re giving you the exact strategies that help you show up as the expert—even when you don’t have good news to share. This is where reputations are built and market share is gained.We’ll see you next week for Part 2—because in a changing market, your leadership matters more than ever.Resources:Listen: HousingWire PodcastConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.WARNING! You must comply with the TCPA and any other federal, state or local laws, including for B2B calls and texts. Never call or text a number on any Do Not Call list, and do not use an autodialer or artificial voice or prerecorded messages without proper consent. Contact your attorney to ensure your compliance.

What will your empire say about you when you're gone?In this week’s episode, we’re diving deep into the concept of legacy—what it really means to lead with it, build with it, and live into it every single day. It’s easy to focus on short-term wins and flashy growth, but true empire builders know the power of thinking long-term. That’s what legacy is all about: the impact you make, the values you uphold, and the culture you leave behind.We’ll walk you through our four-part framework—Vision, Values, Voice, and Vehicle—to help you define what legacy means in your business and life. From vulnerable moments and ego-driven lessons to the power of generosity and sustainable systems, we’re talking about how to create something that lasts far beyond your name on the door. And yes, there’s a free journal prompt giveaway to help you get started.So whether your empire is global or grounded at home, this episode is your reminder that legacy doesn’t start someday. It starts right now.Resources:Download a free set of journaling questions to reflect on and define their legacy at herbestlife.com/podcastConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

You know the old saying—leaders are readers? Well, great leaders are also great sellers. And not because they’re slick or pushy. Because they communicate with clarity, empathy, and intention.In this episode, we’re sharing the seven high-impact communication skills that top producers use to connect faster, influence better, and close more confidently. Whether you're selling a product, an idea, or simply trying to get buy-in from your team, these are the tools that will take your conversations to the next level. From listening like a closer to storytelling that sells, we’re breaking down the communication habits that lead to bigger conversions—and bigger empires.This is one to share with your team or listen to twice. Because mastering these seven skills just might be the thing that helps you break through your next ceiling.Resources:Check out Her Best LifeLearn more about Empire CircleConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.Any text or materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) should be reviewed for accuracy and reliability as there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. The use of generative AI is subject to limitations, including the availability and quality of the training data used to train the AI model used. Users should exercise caution and independently verify any information or output generated by the AI system utilized and should apply their own judgment and critical thinking when interpreting and utilizing the outputs of generative AI.

What if the one thing that changes everything... is you?This week, we’re joined by Dr. Elaine Stageberg, co-founder of Black Swan Real Estate. From growing up in poverty to training as a psychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic to building a $400 million real estate portfolio—while raising five young kids—Elaine is living proof that you don’t have to choose between big business and a big life.We dive into how she and her husband, Nick, built a family-first private equity firm that’s shaking up the industry by eliminating traditional fees and prioritizing investor alignment. Elaine shares the vision behind Black Swan, the mindset shifts that fueled their growth, and the systems that make it all possible.Her story is a powerful reminder that pain can spark transformation—and that with the right support, women can lead thriving businesses and households. If you’ve ever wondered whether “both” is really possible, this one’s for you.Grab your notebook—you’re going to want to take notes.Resources:Learn more about Black Swan Real Estate: meetblackswan.comInterested in investing with Black Swan? Explore their current fund offering here: securefreedomfund.comConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Ever find yourself avoiding a hard conversation—hoping the issue will just disappear? We’ve been there. And we’ve learned the hard way that silence doesn’t solve problems; it feeds them. In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most important (and uncomfortable) skills in leadership: having tough conversations.We are pulling back the curtain on the real work it takes to lean into hard talks—with your team, your clients, even your family. From owning your part in a conflict to setting the right tone for a private meeting, we’re walking through our go-to strategies for facing confrontation with confidence and care.You’ll hear about the power of self-reflection, how to communicate expectations clearly, and why you should never start a tough conversation with “got a minute?” We’re also talking about what to do after the conversation—because how you recover and regroup matters just as much as how you show up in the moment.If you’ve been putting off a difficult conversation, this is your nudge to lean in. Because as we’ve learned, the relationship is the conversation.Resources:Read Fierce Conversations by Susan ScottConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.