Episodes

  • Inclusive Champions | Tye Barnett, Daisy Danao, Ashley Levin - 042
    Dec 25 2024
    In this monthly series, we’re celebrating these powerful women—Tye Barnett, Daisy Danao, and Ashley Levin—who are driving innovation and inclusivity in the real estate industry. Grab your cafecito and join me as I dive deep into how they embody diversity, equity, and inclusion in their real estate businesses and communities. Meet The Leaders Tye Barnett: School Director & Event Planner, Harry Norman REALTORS®, Tye.Barnett@harrynorman.com Daisy Danao: Communications Manager, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, ddanao@bhhschicago.com Ashley Levin: Regional Manager, Marketing Services, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS, ashley.levin@foxroach.com What Fuels Their Passion for DEI Each of my guests shares their thoughts on how real estate intersects with social equity and housing opportunities. Daisy’s vision for inclusivity in real estate is for every buyer to feel as though they can live anywhere they want. She believes it is the agent's responsibility to make clients feel welcome and empowered throughout the home buying process, regardless of their challenges. Ashley emphasizes that everyone deserves a fair shot at homeownership and financial stability. She shares how real estate influences how people experience the world, grow, and evolve. Acknowledging existing housing inequalities, Ashley advocates for implementing best practices in real estate to help transform individuals’ lives and build stronger communities. Ty highlights the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and educating real estate professionals on unconscious biases. She explains how fostering inclusivity ensures that everyone has equal access to housing opportunities, which contributes to social equity, economic stability, and community well-being. DEI Initiatives That Inspire The guests highlight impactful programs: Ty champions initiatives like back-to-school drives and partnerships with Ronald McDonald House. Ashley celebrates programs like autism awareness collaborations, which brought education and free housing resources to families. Daisy shares the success of neighborhood tours and cultural education to connect agents with diverse communities. Favorite Quotes and Book Recommendations Ty shares that her favorite quote is by the late, great Maya Angelou: “When you know better, you do better.” She truly believes that when we know better and do better, we can teach others to do better. Daisy recommends the book The Indian Card by Carrie Lowery Schutpelts. The author conducts interviews and tells the story of how people from a certain Native American tribe face difficulty enrolling in their community due to government processes put in place years ago. Daisy's favorite quote is from her mom, who recites a poem called Sin of Omission: "It's not the things you do, dear. It's the things you leave undone that leave a little bit of heartache at the setting of the sun." Ashley’s favorite book is The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein. Ashley finds that the book isn’t just a read but a tool that shapes how she sees the world. She also shares her favorite quote from the Vice President of Inclusion at Netflix, Verna Myers: “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” 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.
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    58 mins
  • Global Navigators | Vivian Galego-Mendez, Laura Obagi, Marina Rizzotto - 041
    Nov 27 2024

    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.

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    49 mins
  • Timeless Latinas | Rebecca Gallardo, Nuria Rivera, Oralia Herrera - 040
    Oct 30 2024
    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, rgallardo@interorealestate.com Nuria Rivera - 2023 NAHREP President and 2024 NAHREP CBOG Co-Chair, nuria@novationtitle.com Oralia Herrera - NAHREP President-Elect 2025, ohc21tk@gmail.com 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.
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    1 hr
  • Leading Latinas | Patricia Boezio, Susan Mendez, Laura Vazquez - 039
    Sep 25 2024

    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.

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    51 mins
  • NextGEN Leaders Part 3 | Sarah Rothstein, Julie Colin, Chelsea Link and Sena Taylor - 038
    Aug 28 2024
    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.
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    54 mins
  • NextGEN Leaders Part 2 | Marie Boatsman, Alexandra French, Sarah Roberts, and Nicole Tarranto - 037
    Jul 24 2024
    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.
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    58 mins
  • NextGEN Leaders Part 1 | Bridgett Baldwin, Olyvia Salyer and Lety Torres - 036
    Jun 26 2024
    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.
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    59 mins
  • Generational Trailblazers | Kelly Boehmer and Stephanie Peters - 035
    May 29 2024
    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.
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    55 mins