When you lead your organization with conviction, empathy, and a commitment to success, there’s nothing your organization can’t overcome. In today’s episode of Women Who Lead, Teresa brings three women crucial to the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion to discuss how they help make building generational wealth through real estate an equal opportunity for everyone.
Introducing today’s guests:
- Ann King, President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty
- Judie Parks, Principal Broker, Co-Owner, and Relocation Director of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Partners Realty and Parks & Weisberg Realtors
- Teresa Williamson, President of Roberts Brothers Inc.
How they got their start in real estate:
- A computer engineer by degree, Judie never considered entering real estate. However, her friends and family encouraged her to move into the industry.
- Teresa had worked on family projects when real estate piqued her interest. She initially wanted to be on the appraisal side but instead decided to be a realtor.
- Ann joined on accident, initially working in fashion merchandising. However, when her husband’s career took them to Florida, she started real estate.
Celebrating diversity and fair housing:
- These women stress the importance of avoiding bias in real estate. If you’ve fallen into biased thinking, some people will have more opportunities and resources than others.
- Ann’s DEI committee works all year long, offering to help communities that need support, and it has a book club dedicated to educational materials. They also have social media campaigns informing realtors on how to support diverse audiences in their work.
- As the former president of TLAR (The Greater Lousiville Association of Realtors), Judie’s main initiative was to raise awareness and educate agents on the problem of redlining.
What would you tell others looking to follow your path in leadership?
- Ann leads with her heart and gut because people want to be a part of that energy. We can lay the path, but it’s up to the individual to decide where they soar.
- Teresa likes having the leverage and vision to drive her success and the success of others. The ability to lead develops over time, and that growth can be used to inspire others.
- Leaders have to be authentic; it isn’t a popularity contest. The hardest part of leadership is doing the right thing, which usually isn’t the most popular thing.
Leading through mentorship:
- Teresa mentors many young adults as they try to make important life decisions.
- Judie mentors more young women because she feels they’re underserved from a young age. She works to empower these women and mentor them to acknowledge their power and potential.
- Ann works with several children’s networks to help children find their way, gain confidence, and learn more about themselves.
Book and podcast recommendations:
Remember, always bring women up the ladder with you as you climb to the top. 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.
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