305. What To Do When You've Let Your Standards Slip

Ever look up and realize the bar has quietly dropped—then wonder how you fix it without crushing morale? We’ve been there, and in this episode, we walk through a simple, repeatable reset that brings standards back with clarity, care, and real ownership.We’re breaking down a five-step framework Sarah implemented in real time after noticing a massive performance gap across locations—same headcount, wildly different results. We talk about why the standard is only as high as the least-accountable person on the team, and why the first move is to own it as leaders (no blame, no drama). From there, we revisit the standard and the “why,” lead with care (because accountability is a gift), and invite people to recommit—or opt out—so everyone’s aligned going forward. Finally, we circle back with compassion to reinforce that this isn’t punishment, it’s partnership.We also share the personal standards we’re resetting for 2026—from in-person meetings, to lead gen blocks, to consistent 411s, to protecting creative input—so you can choose what you’re recommitting to next.Resources:Join Her Best Life. Where Women Come to Build Big Businesses. 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.

Some lessons shape us long before we ever call ourselves leaders. In this episode, we revisit the unexpected teacher who influenced a generation of women from living rooms across America: Judge Judy. What started as a nostalgic moment for Seychelle turned into a powerful reflection on how this fierce, unapologetic woman modeled agency, negotiation, boundaries, and integrity in a world where women were only beginning to access financial and professional autonomy. Together, we unpack the eight life and leadership lessons Judge Judy embodied—from knowing your worth and negotiating from strength to demanding clarity, leading with integrity, trusting your gut, and choosing your circle wisely. We talk about her belief that “if you tell the truth, you don’t have to have a good memory,” her push for personal responsibility, and her unapologetic authenticity that inspired women everywhere to own who they are. We even revisit some of her most iconic moments, including “That’s not an answer” and “Don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining.”This episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to start something new, to leverage your expertise in unexpected ways, and to show up fully as yourself. If you’re building a big business and a bigger life, these timeless lessons still hold up—and they’ll sharpen your leadership today.Resources:Judge Judy (Facebook Page)Her Best LifeEmpire 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.

Ever had a moment where someone casually says something—and it completely cracks open what you believed was possible? That’s exactly where today’s episode begins. We’re talking about the surprising, perspective-shifting stories that helped each of us realize: “I didn’t know I could do that.”We talk about the rules we thought we had to follow, the expectations we carried from childhood, and the “joy moments” that led us to start designing lives we truly wanted. From month-long family travel and year-long worldschooling, to taking sabbaticals, reclaiming weekends, planning multigenerational trips, starting hobbies now instead of “someday,” and gifting our kids meaningful coming-of-age challenges—each story shows how one permission slip can reshape everything. We also talk about smaller breakthroughs that matter just as much, like taking a weekly day off in real estate, surprising your kids after school, or carving out intentional space during seasons of caregiving.This episode is an invitation: What are the things you’ve always wanted to do but assumed you couldn’t? And what happens when you stop saying “I can’t” and start asking “How could I?” Building a big business matters—but the bigger life you create along the way is what you’ll remember most.Resources:Her Best LifeEmpire 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.

If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to unlock opportunities effortlessly while others feel stuck on an island, this conversation is for you. Today we’re joined by USA Today bestselling author and high-value relationships expert Selena Soo to unpack the core framework behind her new book Rich Relationships, and the truth that one rich relationship is more valuable than a hundred casual connections. Selena walks us through the six circles of connection and why discernment is the foundation of building a thriving, supportive, aligned network. We explore how to identify the people who want to see you win, how to gently distance yourself from relationships that drain or distract you, and how to intentionally deepen the ones that move your life and business forward. She also shares the three characteristics every rich relationship carries—respect, responsiveness, and a genuine desire for your success—and why these relationships create exponential financial, emotional, and strategic returns.We also dive into breathtaking generosity, the art of becoming a “pain detective,” and how to show up with the kind of thoughtful, meaningful support that transforms lives. Selena reveals how to be a dream amplifier for the people you care about, how to express yourself even if you’re introverted, and why most entrepreneurs stay stuck simply because the right people don’t know what they want. Resources:Rich Relationships BookHer Best LifeEmpire 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.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.

If your listings are sitting—and the market feels slower than ever—you’re not alone. This week, we’re diving into a strategy that has helped Sarah’s team move hundreds of listings even in a real estate recession: the Online Broker’s Open. It’s a simple, scalable twist on an old-school tactic that gives sellers the feedback they need, restores trust, and gets homes sold.We break down exactly how to host your first Online Broker’s Open, whether you’re a solo agent or part of a large team. You’ll learn how to gather top agents on a Zoom call, what to review first (spoiler: it’s photos), and how to evaluate if your remarks actually spark emotion—or if they’re just generic filler. We also walk through how to analyze showing data, identify price problems, and present those findings to a seller in a way that strengthens your value and moves them toward the right decision.If your listings need momentum, this strategy gives you leverage, collaboration, and clarity—all in under an hour. The best part? You can implement it this week.Resources:Check out Her Best Life: https://www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle: https://www.herbestlife.com/empirecircleConnect 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.A Broker’s Open is solely used to receive feedback from agents concerning the marketing of specific listed properties and how the listing agent might make the listings more attractive to other agents and their buyer clients. No information is disclosed or discussed about knowledge of properties soon to be listed, commissions, business plans, or other non-public aspects of an agent’s business.

The holidays sneak up on all of us—especially when you're running a business, a household, and everything in between. So this week, we're giving you a gift: our 2025 list of favorite things, live from all four co-hosts together again. From bougie indulgences to simple basics that make life easier, we're sharing the products, tools, and little luxuries that truly made a difference for us this year.We walk through our must-haves across health, beauty, fashion, home, and family fun. You'll hear why weighted vests are having a moment, how hydrogen water bottles and Function Health shifted our wellness routines, and which skin care, hair products, and red-light tools we actually loved (and used!). We also share the fashion staples that travel well, the blankets everyone keeps begging us about, and the home items that keep our families organized and sane.Whether you're looking for gifts to give, gifts to ask for, or just want to upgrade your life, this list is completely stacked!HEALTHGoli Zero Sugar Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies — ACV + probiotics gummiesOptimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Powder — Strength + muscle supportCostco Frozen Smoothie Bags — Easy frozen smoothie mixOne Acre Lion's Mane Beef Sticks — Mushroom-enhanced beef sticksBuilt Coconut Protein Bars — High-protein snackFunction Health App — Comprehensive health testingEcho-Go Hydrogen Water Bottle — Infuses hydrogen into waterWeighted Vest — Resistance for walking/workoutsWalking Pad / Under-Desk Treadmill — Compact walking treadmillTravel Sound Machine — Portable white noiseCologuard — At-home colon cancer screeningPure Magnesium Oil Spray — Sleep + muscle relaxationCoffee Mate Zero Sugar Chocolate Caramel Creamer — Zero sugar flavored creamerInternational Delight Sugar-Free Pumpkin Spice Creamer — Seasonal zero-sugar creamerBEAUTYGood Molecules Cleansing Balm — Makeup-melting cleanserOribe Dry Texturizing Spray — Volume + texture spraySkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub — Gentle exfoliating cleanserOgee Contour Stick Set — Bronzer/blush/highlighter sticksSolaWave Radiant Renewal Wand — Red light skincare wandQuasi Face Masks — Hydrating skincare masksBioderma Micellar Water — Gentle makeup remover5 Minute Skin Hair Removal Device — At-home hair removalAmika Hair Products — Clean haircare brandFlora & Curl — Natural curly hair careTopicals Brightening Eye Masks — Under-eye brightening masksMani/Pedi — Simple self-care giftFASHIONHechizo Jewelry — Handmade statement piecesClara Sun Woo Liquid Leather — Stretchy faux-leather jacketsRent the Runway — Designer clothing rentalsOutdoor Voices Exercise Dress — Lightweight activity dressSoma Loungewear — Soft + comfy loungewearVuori — Premium athleisureAthleta — Women's athletic apparelEverlane — Minimalist basicsHowler Bros — Men's casual/surf-inspired shirtsThe Normal Brand Hoodies — High-quality men's hoodiesNike Dri-Fit Men's Golf Pants — Stretch athletic pantsNew Balance 327 — Retro-style sneakersFeetures Socks — High-performance running socksHanky Panky Panties — Ultra-soft lace underwearLouis Vuitton Women's Backpacks — Designer backpacksHOMELola Blankets — Ultra-plush luxury blanketsSophie Home Blankets — Soft knit cotton throwsBird Buddy — Smart bird feeder with cameraFrontgate Lana Water Hammock — Mesh floating pool loungerCozy Earth Sheets — Premium bamboo sheet setsSkylight Calendar — Digital family calendar displayKIDS & FUNTelestrations — Party drawing gameSushi Go Party — Card drafting family gameRebounder Volleyball Net — Solo volleyball practice netTabletop Roller Ski Ball — Mini wooden ski-ball gameBrandy Melville — Tween clothingZara Girls — Stylish kids' fashionSephora (Rhode) — Hailey Bieber skincareJellycats — Soft plush toysQT Pie Jewels — Handmade jewelry shopConnect 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 running from one task to another---dropping off packages, managing carpools, juggling emails---and wondering, "When did I become my own assistant?" In this episode, Wendy Papasan and Kymber Lovett-Menkiti dive deep into the exact moment you know it's time to hire a personal assistant and how doing so can transform your business…and your life.We explore what "buying back your time" really means, how to calculate your hourly rate so you can focus on the work that truly matters, and why hiring help isn't a luxury---it's leverage. You'll learn how to identify your signs of burnout, what qualities to look for in the right assistant (from ownership mindset to tech confidence), and practical ways to set them up for success---from defining 90 days to success to creating daily check-ins and clear rhythms of communication.If you've ever struggled to let go of control or wondered if you can really afford help, this conversation will help you see that you can't afford not to. Empire builders don't do everything---they design systems and surround themselves with people who make it all possible.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.

Does the fear of failing quietly run your business plan? In this episode, Kymber Lovett-Menkiti and Tiffany Fykes open up about perfectionism, risk, and the stories we tell ourselves when something doesn’t go as planned—and how to turn all of it into fuel. As we head into business planning season, we talk about the very real questions that keep many women playing small: What if the launch flops? What if the hire doesn’t work out? What if I invest…and lose?We walk through powerful data on how women actually approach risk (spoiler: we’re not risk-averse, we’re risk-aware) and why female-led companies dramatically outperform the tiny slice of capital they receive. Then we give you a four-step framework to move through failure instead of getting stuck in it: normalize it as part of stretching, reflect quickly on what the experience is teaching you, share the story so others can learn too, and anchor everything back to your bigger vision and why. We also talk about failure as “tuition,” building circles like Her Best Life and Empire Circle where you can process the messy middle, and the simple question that can unlock your next move: What would you do if you weren’t afraid? If you’re ready to let failure be your fuel for a bigger business and an even bigger life, this conversation is for you.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.

What if your “happily ever after” had less to do with fairy tales and more to do with alignment? In this episode, Wendy Papasan and Seychelle Van Poole open up about one of the most powerful practices in their marriages and businesses—setting goals together. Whether you’re planning with your spouse, a life partner, or a business partner, this is your playbook for creating a shared vision that actually works.  Wendy shares how she and Jay Papasan began their first goal-setting retreat about two decades ago when life felt chaotic, and how it became a ritual that’s shaped their marriage, family, and businesses ever since. You’ll learn why getting out of your daily environment is key, how to invite (not demand) buy-in from your partner, and the exact questions that spark deep, meaningful conversations.  We’ll walk you through the full retreat framework—how to structure the weekend, when to relax versus reflect, and how to turn shared dreams into annual plans. Plus, hear how a simple five-year “bucket plan” for travel and life goals can keep your relationship connected and future-focused.  Resources:The ONE Thing Couples Goal Setting Retreat QuestionsRead Die With Zero by Bill PerkinsLearn more about Her Best LifeConnect 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 wonder how you could serve 250+ buyers in a year and still make it home for dinner? We sit down with top buyer’s agent and sales leader Kari Wyrsch to unpack exactly how she does it. Kari shares the team-within-a-team model that skyrocketed production after merging with the Adam Graddy Real Estate Team, the simple tracking that tells you whether to fix a skill or a system, and the “be where your feet are” calendar discipline that keeps family first.You’ll learn how to design roles (showing partners, split TC lanes) for speed and quality, why your day should start the day before, and how to protect your 20% so negotiations and client outcomes don’t slip. We also talk about real home leverage—nannies, cleaners, grocery runs—and the mindset tools that help you turn off work and turn on presence (hot yoga, breathwork, and gratitude). If you’re scaling fast and want a life you love, this playbook shows what’s possible.Resources:Read Breathing for WarriorsHer Best LifeMAPS CoachingFollow Kari Wyrsch on Instagram: @kariwyrschConnect 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.