Forward Leaders | Caroline Isern, Natalia Karayaneva and Christy Casey - 031

What does it take to lead with purpose in a globalized world? Join me in this episode as I chat with three extraordinary real estate entrepreneurs as we explore the answer to this question and more. Together, they share their journeys, leadership philosophies, and insights on navigating the complexities of international markets.   Meet The Leaders Vivian Gallego-Mendez: Vice President and Managing Broker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty in Key Biscayne, Florida.   Laura Obagi: Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.   Marina Rizzotto: CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Palazzo Estate in Italy.   Redefining Leadership Across Cultures What does leadership mean to you? These ladies redefine it by focusing on mentorship, cultural adaptability, and inclusivity.  Vivian talks about the value of innovation and integrity, while Marina highlights how building trust is key in Italy’s unique market. You’ll walk away with new ideas for your leadership journey. Overcoming Challenges as Women Leaders Have you faced hurdles in your career? My lovely guests open up about their struggles in male-dominated fields and share how they persevered with resilience, community support, and mentorship. Their experiences will remind you that challenges are stepping stones to growth. The Role of Technology in Real Estate Are you making the most of today’s tech tools? The panel dives into how AI, WhatsApp, and global marketing strategies are transforming real estate.  You’ll gain insights into how these tools can help you communicate better and connect globally. Favorite Podcasts and Books Marina & Laura: ”Women at Work”  , “How I Built This”  Vivian: Attitude 101 by John Maxwell When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found. This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur. Are you looking for a great way to show appreciation to family, friends, or even customers? Give them a floral arrangement they won’t forget anytime soon. These beautiful arrangements make the perfect closing gift for any realtor to stay top of mind. Visit venusetfleur.com and use code “hsoa20” when ordering for 20% off.

When starting a business, especially in the real estate industry, it’s helpful to hear stories and learn from others who have already done it. In this episode, I chat with three Latina leaders in real estate who share their experiences and insights into the industry. Grab your cafecito and get inspired by these remarkable ladies. Meet the Leaders Rebecca Gallardo - 2008 NAHREP National President, [email protected] Nuria Rivera - 2023 NAHREP President and 2024 NAHREP CBOG Co-Chair, [email protected] Oralia Herrera - NAHREP President-Elect 2025, [email protected]  Leadership and Volunteerism Leadership and a willingness to empower others go hand in hand in the real estate industry. Networking for support can help you overcome challenges you may face as an agent. If you’re struggling to find support, consider joining organizations like NAHREP. Rebecca emphasizes that having genuine intentions and supporting your community lead to reciprocal benefits, while Nuria highlights the importance of consistent commitment without expecting anything in return. Inspiring Stories and Influences Oralia: Credited her mother's resilience and work ethic for shaping her leadership qualities. She emphasizes empathy, strength, and optimism. Rebecca: Drew influence from her Latina mother and political interests from her father. She also acknowledges mentorship from Blanca Alvarado, San Jose’s first Latina city councilwoman. Nuria: Inspired by her family’s kindness and entrepreneurial spirit, Nuria shares how she transitioned from an employee to starting her own title company with support from NARA and programs like Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (LBAN). Book Recommendations Oralia: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell Nuria: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Built to Last by Jim Collins Rebecca: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale 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 honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're celebrating by highlighting the inspiring stories of strong Latinas. In this episode, I sit down with three incredible women to discuss their journeys in real estate and mortgage, along with their dedicated service to the Latino community. Grab your cafecito and listen to this special edition of Women Who Lead! Meet The Leaders Patricia Boezio - Former Honorary Consul of Ecuador; Georgia, Branch Manager, American Pacific Mortgage. Susan Mendez - Special Projects and Events Manager, Long Realty. Laura Vazquez - REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty & Perrie Mundy Realty Group. Navigating Challenges as Minorities Being a latina brings more challenges for a minority in a male-dominated industry. Patricia shares her journey as a double minority and highlights the skepticism she faced.  Those whose first language isn’t English knows the struggles of trying to communicate with others in this country. Laura discusses her language challenges despite being a second-generation American and how she overcame them.  Susan recalls the initial undervaluation of women's contributions but underscores the value of bilingual communication in gaining trust within the Latino community. Importance of Mentorship and Community Mentorship provides a safe space to help you grow and learn without being harshly judged. Each of my guests share how mentorship has helped them within the profession.  Patricia, Susan, and Laura share how mentorship has played pivotal roles in their careers, providing support and encouragement during challenging times. Patricia Boezio appreciates multi-generational panel discussions for the wealth of wisdom they bring. Favorite Quotes & Words of Wisdom Patricia - "Love has no borders or barriers. It is the feeling that unites hearts" Laura's advice is for listeners to set clear goals for themselves and make a vision for yourselves. When you do this  Susan shares that her favorite podcast is this one (Women Who Lead), another reason why you should tune in. She enjoys listening to these sessions because they offer valuable lessons from others that can be applied to both your personal and professional life. 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 Part 3 of the NextGen Leaders series, I’m sitting down with Sarah Rothstein, Julie Colin, Chelsea Link, and Sena Taylor. We dive into their roles in shaping the real estate industry and their efforts in empowering the next generation of agents. So, grab your cappuccino and join us as we wrap up this inspiring series with these four dynamic women. Meet the Leaders Sarah Rothstein - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Julie Colin - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties Chelsea Link - Chelsea Link Real Estate, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Midwest Realty Sena Taylor - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty Adapting to the Recent Real Estate Industry Changes Julie discusses how her company’s educational initiatives and ongoing conversations have helped their agents navigate industry changes. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication with clients, ensuring they understand the new processes and feel more confident in their decisions. Sarah echoes this approach, highlighting her company’s commitment to educating everyone about these changes. By sharing diverse perspectives and problem-solving strategies, they’re helping agents adapt more effectively. Key Moment in Leadership Passion With a background in teaching, Sena has always been passionate about helping others. This drive to support agents propelled her into leadership roles within the industry. In 2021, when a close friend joined Berkshire, Sena made sure she received top-notch training to succeed as a real estate agent. This experience inspired Sena to build her own real estate team, marking a defining moment in her leadership journey. The Importance of Networking Chelsea adds that real estate can often feel isolating, but finding opportunities to collaborate and teach can make a significant difference in how everyone adapts to changes within the agency. When it's challenging to find collaborators within your marketplace, networking at industry events can provide valuable knowledge and connections. Julie explains how these resources help build agents' confidence, enabling them to navigate market changes with resilience. Sena reflects on how 2023 wasn't her best year and how hearing that others faced similar challenges helped her navigate her own difficulties. She also mentions how learning about others' successes has motivated her to elevate her own performance Book and Podcast Recommendations Sarah Rothstein: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy Julie Colin: The EntreLeadership Podcast Chelsea Link: The Power of Moments by Chip Heath Sena Taylor: Hustle Humbly Podcast  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 the second part of the Women Who Leads Podcast's NextGen leaders series. In this episode, I interview four inspiring young Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Rethink Councilwomen. My guests include Marie Boatsman, Alexandra French, Sarah Roberts, and Nicole. They all have a wealth of real estate experience and offer unique advice you don't want to miss out on. Meet the Leaders Marie Boatsman - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate Alexandra French - Level Up Real Estate Team, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Sarah Roberts - Hanna Roberts Team, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Jacklin Real Estate Nicole Tarranto - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Montana Properties Leadership and Mentorship Marie shares how having a mentor has helped her successfully balance professional and personal projects. She acknowledges that having a good support system at home and work is critical for balancing her demanding career with family responsibilities.  Due to her young age, Alexandra struggled with the real estate industry at the beginning of her career. Thanks to mentorship, Alexandra navigated the complexities of the real estate market and positioned herself as a capable and innovative leader. Sarah's mentor provided her with invaluable industry insights and practical knowledge, which laid a strong foundation for her real estate endeavors. Her journey highlights that effective mentorship can accelerate learning, build confidence, and lead to rapid professional growth.  Coming from a culinary background, Nicole entered real estate with the mentorship of a commercial real estate leader. Her background reflects that effective mentorship can provide the necessary tools and confidence to switch careers and succeed in a competitive field like real estate. Advice to Future Leaders Authenticity, persistence, and developing a service-oriented mindset are essential for new leaders and real estate professionals. As a leader and agent, you want to build long-lasting and meaningful relationships. When you have these traits, everything else will come along.  Be genuine in interactions and stay connected with your community. Utilize social media strategically to build and maintain relationships. Don’t focus on just the numbers; engage meaningfully with your audience.  Leadership also involves navigating the delicate balance between work and personal life, clearly communicating and delegating responsibilities where possible, and always striving for consistent self-improvement. These principles are vital for anyone aiming to lead the dynamic real estate industry successfully. Book Recommendation Marie: The Power of Moments by Chip Heath Relentless by Tim S. Grover Alexandra: Atomic Habits by James Clear Sarah: Becoming a Person of Influence by John Maxwell Nicole: The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma 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 Women Who Lead series episode, host Teresa Placio Smith delves into the experiences and insights of three inspiring young women from the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Rethink Council. The session underscores the significance of legacy and leadership within the real estate industry. Guests include Bridget Baldwin, Olivia Sawyer, and Letty Torres, who share their unique paths to successful real estate careers. Meet the Leaders Bridgett Baldwin - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties Olyvia Salyer - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty Lety Torres - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Central Washington Real Estate Staying on Top of Real Estate Trends Olyvia shares that she stays on top of the trends in real estate by reading and educating herself. The industry constantly changes; she learns from reading blogs or listening to podcasts. Lety shares she does the same as Olyvia but also tries to build strong relationships with her clients. When you tune into their needs, you can develop different strategies to help meet the changing demands in the community. Being a part of two mastermind groups, Bridgett is inspired and motivated by the learning opportunities they provide. Hearing from other agents in different markets, she eagerly applies their marketing strategies in her business, reaping the benefits and fueling her passion for real estate. Becoming Real Estate Leaders  Bridgett felt confident in calling herself a leader after being nominated within her rethink group, a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to personal growth and leadership. Seeing how she was able to help this agent gave her the confidence to help others more.  Lety shares that she has always enjoyed teaching others and is passionate about helping others reach their goals, which include personal growth and career advancement.  From an early age, Olyvia's self-awareness of her leadership potential was evident. Fueled by an unquenchable fire within, she was always driven to share her real estate knowledge with others. Embracing AI and Technology Olyvia Salyer leverages AI tools and Apple products to stay connected and efficient, managing multiple clients and dedicating more time to creative tasks. She attributes much of her business growth to implementing these technologies.  Bridgett Baldwin utilizes AI and automation through ManyChat to interact with clients efficiently, allowing her to focus on higher-value tasks. She highlights the importance of authenticity alongside embracing cutting-edge tech.  Lety Torres emphasizes using Chad GPT for a wide range of activities, including brainstorming, networking, and personalized communication, transforming her approach to marketing strategies and social media content.  Book Recommendations Olyvia: The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma Bridgett: The Ultimate Coach by Amy Hardison Lety: How Women Rise" by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith The 12-Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months 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.  

Every day is a wonderful day to give thanks to your mother, especially when they inspire you to follow their career path. In this special episode of Women Who Lead, we shared ‘un cafecito’ with Kelly Boehmer and Stephanie Peters.  They share the challenges of balancing motherhood and career, adapting to industry changes, and prioritizing customer satisfaction in their businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights on maintaining strong work ethics in their journeys. Meet The Leaders Kelly Boehmer -  Team leader with The Boehmer Team.  Stephanie Peters - Second generation real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Northwest Real Estate. The Leader’s Journey Kelly Boehmer, a trailblazer in the real estate industry, brings a unique perspective with her 25 years of experience. As a team leader with the Boehmer team, serving the vibrant St. Louis metropolitan area, Kelly's exceptional achievements have earned her a place in the top one-half of 1% of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services nationwide for ten consecutive years. Stephanie Peters, a native of Oregon, has carved her own path in the real estate industry, leveraging her diverse background and roots. She is the daughter of Rosalie Warner, a senior vice president of network services at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, a significant figure within the organization. Balancing Motherhood and Career Stephanie shares her experiences as a new mom in the real estate industry, emphasizing the challenges of managing work and motherhood. She discusses the importance of time-blocking, self-care practices, and mindset shifts to navigate the demands of both roles.  Kelly highlights the dedication required as a single female in the industry and adopting a mindset of resilience. Adapting to Industry Changes Stephanie emphasizes the need for systems to support her workload, especially as a new mom, while Kelly stresses the significance of customer service and positive relationships over production numbers.  Both ladies believe it's best to stay adaptable amidst industry transformations. Family Influence and Work Ethic Kelly and Stephanie reflect on their family influences and the impact of strong work ethics passed down by their parents.  Kelly shares an anecdote about her mother's dedication to self-improvement, showcasing integrity and pride in their real estate business.  Stephanie discusses the pressure of living up to her mother's reputation and the challenges of being part of a family business. Favorite Quote Kelly: “There's something you can do to better yourself every day. But more importantly, you have to take every experience that you have every single day in this business, and you have to learn something from it. Whether you are a success or a failure, you must learn something from that daily.” Stephanie: “But it's for all the doors that closed on me. I'm coming back to buy the building.” Favorite Book and Podcast Kelly recommends the book, “The Power of One More.” She believes this book helped her develop a growth mindset. Use this QR scan for a discount.  Stephanie enjoys listening to Brian Buffini’s “It’s a Good Life Podcast.” It has helped her stay up to date on what’s going on in the real estate industry and grow an entrepreneurial mindset.  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 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.