When you're leading a team of agents, the goal isn't just performance. It's creating a lasting impact that shows up in how your agents serve their clients. Joining me today are three powerhouse leaders, Debra Fortin, Whitney Lenoard, and Pan O'Rorke, sharing how they guide their teams to grow, perform, and make a real difference across Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Grab your cafecito and get ready for a conversation on leadership, growth, and what it really takes to build a strong real estate team. Meet the Leaders Debra Fortin, Director of Operations at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Myrtle Beach Real Estate Whitney Leonard, President at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties Pam O'Rorke, Broker/Owner at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Benchmark Realty How Their Leadership Journey Started Pam didn't plan on a career in real estate. While at a baseball game with her kids, a simple conversation with another mom led to an unexpected opportunity. One year later, she earned her broker's license. Not long after, she was handed the keys to the business and eventually purchased the company. Since 2001, she's been leading agents and building a culture rooted in growth and long-term success. Whitney's path into leadership started with a moment she didn't expect. After beginning as an individual agent, she walked into her broker's office and saw her name written on a board. When she asked about it, she learned it was part of a vision to grow the company and bring in new leadership. That moment changed everything. More than 20 years later, she continues to lead, grow, and inspire agents across multiple offices. Debra's journey began after her children started school, when she stepped into real estate as a relocation specialist. Her work ethic quickly stood out, leading to an opportunity in leadership. Over the years, she led multiple offices before relocating to Myrtle Beach. Even after planning to slow down, her passion for leadership brought her back, where she now leads and continues to grow a team of agents. What Leadership Really Requires Each of these leaders shared a common truth. Leadership is not easy, and it's not always visible from the outside. It requires staying calm in uncertainty, guiding agents through challenges, and showing up every day with consistency and purpose. As Debra puts it, leadership is not about being liked. It's about being trusted. Whitney also highlighted the reality that leaders are always "on," constantly encouraging and motivating their teams, no matter what's happening behind the scenes. Building Teams That Thrive Strong teams don't happen by accident. They're built through intentional leadership, shared support, and a culture people want to be part of. For Debra, strong teams start with trust. She focuses on developing her agents through guidance, support, and continuous learning. By staying consistent and helping agents navigate challenges, she creates an environment where they can grow with confidence. Whitney leads with intention, creating a culture that naturally draws in the right people. She understands that not everyone is the right fit and protects that environment while continuing to motivate and guide her team forward. Pam's approach centers on relationships and selectivity. She's built a close-knit team by being thoughtful about who joins and by helping agents understand the "why" behind their work, giving them the clarity and confidence to succeed. Recommended Resources Over the years, Debra has followed industry voices like Brian Buffini, who taught her to always stay learning. She shares how his podcast and coaching have helped her stay grounded in relationship-based business and personal growth. Pam recommends the book The Power of TED, a short but impactful read that explores the roles people fall into, like the fixer, victim, and creator. It challenged her perspective on leadership, especially the idea that growth comes from guiding and empowering others rather than trying to fix everything for them. Whitney points to The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale, a classic that centers on the idea that we become what we think about. She also lives by a simple principle: focus on what you can control, your attitude and your actions. 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? 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