285. From Chaos to Clarity: Make the Shift to Proactive Leadership

Today’s buyers are cautious and well-informed, which means our role is to lead with clarity from the start. In this episode, we share practical ways to set expectations before a showing—doing the homework with the listing agent, previewing the neighborhood, and arriving prepared with disclosures, comps, and HOA info so clients can validate what they’ve already researched.During showings, we keep it simple: use ranking systems like A/B/C or 1–10, give buyers permission to walk out of a “C,” and build trust by pointing out both wins and potential resale red flags. We also protect negotiations by saving strategy talk for the car (those doorbell cameras are everywhere), keep momentum by scheduling the next step, and close with confidence so clients feel great about their decision.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.

Today’s buyers aren’t rushing, feeling FOMO, or scrambling to beat the market—they’re facing more options, more uncertainty, and more hesitation than we’ve seen in years. Decision fatigue, interest rate weariness, and information overload are shaping how they think and act, and if you’re still treating them like the buyers of 2020, you’re already behind.In this episode, we break down today’s buyer mindset and share the questions that build trust, uncover true priorities, and move clients from hesitation to clarity, without feeling pushy. We also cover the surprises that can derail motivation and how to set expectations early so you can lead the process instead of following it.Resources:Episode 171. Harness the Power of Your Brain to Beat Stress: Part 1Episode 172. Harness the Power of Your Brain to Beat Stress, Part 2Connect 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.

Picture this: you cross six figures in revenue…and take home two grand. Ouch. In this week’s conversation with business money coach Belinda Rosenblum of Own Your Money, we dig into the difference between having a business and actually owning it—especially your profit. Belinda shares how she went from barely breaking even to hitting a 40% margin in just one year, and the mindset shift that made it possible: stop chasing topline revenue and start planning for profit.We talk about how to take control of your money story, create simple systems, and build a strategy that allows you to pay yourself on purpose. Belinda also shares how to manage inconsistent income without panic and why real profit isn’t an accident—it’s a plan.If you’re ready to own your money, this one’s for you.Resources:Quick Biz Money Map - Free resource for listeners!Pay Yourself Calculator - Free resource for listeners!Secret Lives Of CEO Moms Season 2 Private Podcast - Free resource for listeners!Check out Cash Flow CEO"Self-Worth to Net Worth" BookLearn more at OwnYourMoney.comFollow Belinda on Instagram: @ownyourmoneyCheck 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.

Back-to-school mornings don’t have to feel like chaos. In this episode, we share seven practical strategies to help families win the morning and the day. From carving out “you time” before the kids wake up, to prepping the night (and week) before, we’ve found simple routines that cut down on stress. Visual checklists keep kids on track, breakfast becomes grab-and-go, and a launch zone near the door means no more scrambling for backpacks and shoes. We also talk about car kits for those last-minute saves, and how outsourcing or automating small tasks frees up space for connection.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.

Ever feel like your to-do list is running you instead of the other way around? We’ve been there. In this episode, we’re talking about the shift every leader needs to make—from constantly reacting to the latest crisis to proactively creating the clarity your business and life need to grow. We’ll share how to spot when you’ve slipped into reactive mode, why it puts a lid on your leadership, and what’s truly at stake if you stay there. Then we’ll walk you through five strategies to help you reclaim your mornings, focus on the work that matters most, create intentional white space, empower your team to self-solve, and protect the boundaries that keep you moving forward. Whether you’re feeling burnt out, stuck in busyness, or just ready to lead with more purpose, this conversation will help you trade chaos for clarity and build an empire with strategy.Resources:Read What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall GoldsmithRead 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin HardyCheck 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.

Negotiating for sellers in today’s market means setting clear expectations, sticking to the facts, and never negotiating before you have an offer in writing. In this episode, we get tactical about guiding clients through every step—responding to buyer’s agents, presenting every option, and making sure the seller is truly empowered to make the best decision.We share the lessons we’ve learned about staying focused on the seller’s goals, why the list price is just a strategy, and how asking the right questions (and listening well) sets you apart. Whether the market is hot or slow, these are the negotiation tactics that help you win for your clients. Stay tuned for our bonus episode on negotiation traps to avoid!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.

Negotiation is everything in real estate, and today we’re breaking down the core steps that make all the difference. We talk about why building real connections with everyone involved (even the other agent) gives you an edge, and how asking the right questions—and actually listening—leads to better results. We’re sharing the power of small counters, how to negotiate the whole package (not just price), and why your words and even a little silence matter more than you think. Whether you’re in real estate or any field where deals happen, these steps will help you win for your clients.Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll get even more tactical about representing sellers.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.

Ever found yourself drowning in work and thinking, “I know I need help, but I’m scared to hire”? We get it. In this episode, we’re talking about how to recognize the signs that you need leverage—whether it’s at home or in your business—and how to approach getting help in a smart, strategic way.From physical and emotional warning signs to missed opportunities with your team, clients, and family, we break down a simple framework to identify the pain points and explore practical solutions. And no, it doesn’t always mean hiring a full-time employee. Sometimes the answer is a better system, a tech tool, a part-time virtual assistant, or even a 12-week contractor. We’re sharing real examples of how we’ve bought back our time and made powerful hires—without the overwhelm.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.

Ever freeze up when it’s time to hit record or write a post, thinking, “What do I even say?” You’re not alone. This week, we’re breaking down a simple content creation framework to help you move past the blank page and start sharing messages that actually convert. We believe the secret to content that gets results is getting specific—speaking directly to the real people you want to reach, and guiding them from hesitation to clarity in just a few steps.We’re sharing our “Six Ps” approach—Perspective, Problem, Pain, Possibility, Plan, and Pleasure—so you can quickly map out any video, email, or social post, even if you’ve never had formal training. We’ll show you how to tap into your audience’s real-life concerns, build connection, and make it easy for them to take that next step. If you’re ready to create content that moves people to action, this episode is your starting point.Resources:Read The Millionaire Real Estate InvestorConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAAny text or materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) should be reviewed for accuracy and reliability as there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies.This 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.

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.