Making a difference in the market doesn’t always have to be through real estate. Sometimes, all it takes is genuine efforts to improve those in your community. In today’s episode of Women Who Lead, our host Teresa is joined by three powerful women who put in the effort to advocate on behalf of diversity initiatives for others both inside and outside the real estate industry.
Meet the Advocates:
- Martha Mosier, President and General Counsel of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
- Kathleen Rebhan, CEO and Owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Elite Properties
- Gretchen Rosenberg, President and CEO of Kentwood Real Estate
Having a passion for your community:
- Working for a luxury brand, Gretchen believes that “luxury” means treating everyone as vital, and the client’s definition is often something else. She thinks it is essential to give back by building housing for the situationally homeless.
- Martha’s agents had a passion for DEI, so they created an impact council. One of the initiatives they started was a first-time homebuyer fair that helps marginalized communities understand the path to homeownership.
- It’s challenging for people to fill the requirements to meet government-sponsored programming. Women should join organizations to find a network of women who can help them understand what they need to do to reach their desired path.
Leadership for women in real estate:
- The path for women in leadership is more available than ever. However, there are still glass ceilings we need to be mindful of when determining our actions.
- To be successful in real estate, you must have passion. Of course, you’ll fail while juggling multiple obligations. However, you just need to pick them up and move on.
- Question your motives. If you want to enter leadership purely for the salary, you’ll encounter many problems and challenges you might not be ready for.
- Be patient. Set out the intention of being a managing broker at an office, network, work hard, and the opportunity will come.
The importance of mentorship:
- Great mentors are the reason successful people become successful. When you have a support network, you can do and overcome more.
- Once you arrive at a certain place in your career, take the elevator back down to bring more people up.
- As leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure other women are afforded the same opportunities we were given.
Overcoming biases in the professional world:
- When you get started in business, there's a youth bias, but put in the work and be patient, and you’ll overcome it.
- There’s a gender bias in almost every position, and how you approach that matters. You can either reeducate their biases or determine it isn’t worth your time.
- Instead of becoming angry by the bias you encounter, use that to fuel and motivate you to prove them wrong.
What advice would the advocates give to women today?
- Don’t judge yourself based on what society said you should be. Instead, be prepared to work hard because success isn’t handed to you.
- Have a passion for what you do. Many people go into things for money, but they quickly burn out. Do something you have a passion for, and economic success will come.
- Don’t follow the monetary world, and don’t throw yourself into a career at the expense of what matters - your family and friends. Instead, spend time with those you love.
Book recommendations for listeners:
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. 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.
