Women Who Lead Teresa Palacios Smith

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 anyt

This month, we celebrate fair housing with our Resilient Leaders, Beth Jimenez, Veronica Hanna, and Debbie McCabe. These leaders sit down with Theresa Palacios Smith to discuss their journeys, how they support their teams through changes in the industry, and advice for young leaders.
Meet the Leaders
Beth Jimenez - Senior Vice President, Enterprise Lending Strategy & Initiatives Manager Lending Institution Veronica Hanna - Managing Broker/North Scottsdale Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties Debbie McCabe - Region President Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®/Trident Group The Leaders’ Journeys
Veronica technically started her real estate journey back in high school! Now, she works with everyone, from new agents learning the basics to experienced agents navigating negotiations of luxury properties. Beth started her career right out of college. She loved it immediately and stuck with it, despite starting as an agent in 2007! Debbie’s sister was in real estate and Debbie joined her. Debbie was a part of an early team before there were many other teams! Debbie no longer sells, she works more directly managing agents. Guiding Teams Through Difficult Times
Debbie: Challenging times bring opportunities. While change can be uncomfortable in the moment, learning to navigate it can lead to amazing growth. Beth: “Don’t ever let a crisis go to waste.” Change is constant in the industry, and education is key to being able to move forward despite fearmongering in the media. Veronica: Change makes us better. Veronica seeks to motivate her team so they’re excited about these times rather than afraid.  The Role of Mentorship
Beth: It’s easier for others to see the best parts of you rather than you seeing these good things in yourself. Mentees drive these relationships, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! Debbie: Her most impactful mentors were not formal mentors but people she connected with over the years. As a mentor herself, she focuses on giving. Veronica: Mentees have a responsibility to work for their growth – they have to want to grow. Veronica’s mentors expanded her knowledge and now she gets to pass that knowledge along. The Leader’s Favorite Quotes
Veronica: “Stop it!” – Bob Newhart. The quote is about overthinking… when you’re driving yourself crazy, just stop it! Beth: “Women need to shift from thinking, ‘I’m not ready to do that,’ to ‘I want to do that, and I’ll learn by doing it.’” – Sheryl Sandberg (from her book, Lean In) Debbie: “Remember that failure is an event, not a person.” and “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” – both by Zig Ziglar 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.

Last month, we celebrated Black History Month with three incredible leaders. In this episode of Women Who Lead, we shared ‘un cafecito’ with Anita Legacy Blue, Alicia Knapp, and Dr. Courtney Johnson-Rose. Listen in to be inspired by their advice for future leaders and their views on creating a legacy.
Meet the Leaders
Alicia Knapp - President & CEO, BHE Renewables Anita Legacy Blue - LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance 2024 President Dr. Courtney Johnson-Rose - President of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers The Leaders’ Journeys
Alicia moved up through Berkshire Hathaway by always striving to exceed expectations. She had the courage to take on challenging positions early in her career. Anita has always been a servant leader. She was offered the opportunity to work at the national level when other leaders saw her willingness to show up and be accountable. Courtney was “tapped on the shoulder” to move up into leadership roles, and initially, she said “no.” The push she received from a mentor convinced her to consider the opportunity.  Understanding and Responding to Biases
Anita was in the Air Force for 35 years. She understands being in a male-dominated world. She knows how to rise up, call out injustice, and bring truth to light. Courtney has learned how important consistency is. Gaining respect is not about inspiring fear in others - instead, we must consistently carry ourselves in a way that demands respect. Alicia worked with very few women on the front lines in the construction and utility businesses. She became the executive sponsor of the women’s employee resource group, so she had the opportunity to encourage women to enter roles in male-dominated industries. Mentoring Others
Alicia recommends leading by example. We also have to show up and put effort in when working with those we are mentoring.  Courtney’s responsibilities get in the way of mentoring individuals, but volunteering and acting in service are great ways to connect with mentors. Anita recommends learning to be mentored. Good mentors must be good mentees - don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Dealing with Conflict
Anita suggests being empathetic and listening to others, but ultimately, we have to maintain integrity and lean into what’s right. Courtney advises people to solve problems by upholding the rules that keep our organizations working. Leading assertively is easy for Alicia, while empathy does not come as naturally to her. She keeps people around her that balance her and hold her accountable. Advice for Future Leaders
Courtney: Be a leader that others want to follow. Anita: Excellence in all you do, and lead by faith. Alicia: Use your strengths to uplift others. Favorite Reads and Quotes
Breakthrough Success by Anita Legacy Blue, and Our Shades of Black History by Anita Legacy Blue, and her podcast. Her favorite quote is, “Your life is your legacy.”  Courtney: Grit by Angela Duckworth. Her favorite quote is, “The time is always right to do what’s right” by Martin Luther King, Jr.  Alicia: Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg and A Higher Standard by General Ann Dunwoody 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.

Welcome to a brand new year! To kick off the beginning of 2024, our host, Teresa Palacios Smith, met with three incredible trailblazing leaders: Jan Baker, Pam O’Connor, and Vicky Silvano. They discuss their journeys, how they overcome obstacles in the industry, and mentorship.
Meet the Leaders
Jan Baker - Senior Vice President & Regional Vice President, Northeast Region, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
Pam O’Connor -  Retired, Past President & CEO, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE)
Vicky Silvano - Broker-Associate, REAL Broker, LLC’ 2016 National Chair & President of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)
The Leaders’ Journeys
Vicky’s marketing skills from working with Proctor & Gamble helped her begin her real estate career. She still works as a realtor serving clients, but she also serves agents from the local to the international level.
After a career as a school teacher, her path shifted when she became a mother. Jan fell in love with being a real estate agent the moment she took her first class and has found her passion and many amazing personal connections.
Pam’s career in real estate began when she joined a real estate network. Though she loved the work, she worked in PR for many years. She returned to real estate because she enjoyed it so much!
Overcoming Obstacles in the Industry
Pam: Realtors have a responsibility to educate people on what agents actually do. Help buyers and sellers understand how agents can help them and how they help the community overall.
Vicky: We have to evolve with the times. Skilled, knowledgeable realtors will be successful during this time. Do not stop learning so that you can offer value to clients.
Jan: Being open-minded and willing to make changes is so important, but we also have to ignore some of the noise we hear - we are responsible for being on the ground with an awareness of how the industry is, and continue to defend it and build it up.
Mentorship and Sponsorship
Jan: Take inspiration from others, even if you can’t find a mentor to work with. Jan is inspired by many women. One of her mentors/inspirations is Toni McGowan.
Pam: People like to be asked for help! If there’s someone you respect, just ask them out for coffee and just see what you can learn.
Vicky: She had doors opened for her by Nancy Suvarnamani and Elizabeth Mendel-Hall, to name a couple. She says, “Your network is your net worth.”
Favorite Quote
Jan: “You’re not better than anybody, but you’re as good as anybody.”
Vicky: “She who humbles herself shall be exalted, and she who humbles herself shall be humbled.”
Pam: “I think if the world can be saved, it will be by women,” and, “The woman’s mission is not to enhance the masculine spirit, but to express the feminine. Hers is not to preserve a man-made world, but to create a human world.”
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.
 

This month's interview includes three women forward leaders who are implementing ideas, strategies, and opportunities within the industry. In this episode, host Teresa Palacios Smith speaks with three lovely forward-thinking leaders: Caroline Isern, Natalia Karayaneva, and Christy Casey. They share their knowledge and beliefs on embracing AI technology and their journeys.
Meet the Leaders
Caroline Isern - Senior Vice President, Multi-Cultural Lending, New American Funding (NAF)
Natalia Karayaneva - Founder & CEO, Propy
Christy Casey - President Region 7, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTOR®/Trident Group
The Leaders’ Journeys
Christy started working with real estate agent Eunice Nelson after moving to a remote part of Arizona. She later realized her passion for the industry through her mom's background in real estate.
Caroline came into real estate through a unique path, inspired by her parents and the passion of the leaders she's connected with, and is now proud to be a part of the Home Services of America family.
Natalia started their real estate journey in Bulgaria, acquiring land and selling properties to foreign investors.
Fostering Creativity in the Real Estate Industry
Natalia emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth throughout one’s career. She also discusses the importance of having great mentors and a supportive team to pursue leadership opportunities.
Christy emphasizes the importance of being intentional and innovative in the industry, citing examples of successful strategies and leaders.
Caroline encourages teams to operate intentionally, foster diverse perspectives, and recognize and reward innovation.
Innovation, Leadership, and Disruptions in the Tech Industry
Natalia believes surrounding oneself with smart, diverse, and disciplined people is key to bolstering innovation and critical thinking in a startup. Her company prioritizes open communication, trust, and mutual respect among team members to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Christy emphasizes the importance of collaboration and open-mindedness in staying ahead of disruption, citing the value of a "mastermind" approach.
Caroline highlights the need for continuous learning and embracing technology to serve communities better and stay ahead of the curve.
Leaders’ Favorite Books
Natalia: “No Rules Rules” by Reed Hasting, “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight, and “The Sovereign Individual” by James Dale Davidson and William Rees-Mogg
Caroline: “Lend In” by Sheryl Sandberg 
Christy: “Fierce Conversations” by Susan Scott and “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara
Leaders’ Favorite Quotes
Caroline: “Instead of letting your hardships and failures discourage or exhaust you, let them inspire you.”
Christy: “Focus on what you want, not what you fear.”
Natalia: “ I’m grateful for everything I have in my life, and anything is possible. I’m driven by my future and can live in this moment.”
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.
 

This month, we have the pleasure of sharing another interview with three more amazing Latina leaders. In this episode, Tabitha Sanchez Heit, Nathaly Sanchez, and Belinda Wiseman join our wonderful host, Teresa Palacios Smith, for “un cafecito” to discuss their journeys. They talk about early mistakes, achieving their goals, and 
Meet the Leaders
Tabitha Sanchez Heit – REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach REALTORS® Nathaly Sanchez – REALTOR®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ally Real Estate Belinda Wiseman – Vice-President Luxury Sales, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Laffey International Realty The Leaders’ Journeys
Tabitha has always been a self-starter and entrepreneur whose mother worked in real estate – becoming a realtor was meant to be! Belinda was an attorney looking for a career where she could also have the freedom to be involved in her kids’ lives. Nathaly is a natural saleswoman. Her #1 priority is to offer her kids an excellent education, and pursuing this led her to real estate. Mistakes Made Along the Way
Belinda’s experience as an attorney gave her a mindset of driving points home and winning. She had to relax and remember that real estate is about people. Nathaly used to let negative thinking hold her back. Also, as an agent, she had to learn to care for herself and her body’s wellness rather than give all her time to clients. Tabitha reminds us of the importance of quality family time. Agents are always reachable, so we must make time for our families. Achieving Goals
Nathaly reminds herself of her goals every day. She writes them down, uses pictures, and maintains a positive mindset to keep her going. Tabitha uses number-focused goals and puts them on her computer so she sees them daily. Also - she maintains clear lines of communication all the time. Her goals are always the goals of her team. She continuously educates herself and those around her.  Leaders’ Favorite Quotes
Belinda: “In real estate, the three key factors are location, location, and people.” – Barbara Corcoran Tabitha: “I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday.” – Eleanor Roosevelt Nathaly: “Love always wins.” 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.