Negotiating for sellers in today’s market means setting clear expectations, sticking to the facts, and never negotiating before you have an offer in writing. In this episode, we get tactical about guiding clients through every step—responding to buyer’s agents, presenting every option, and making sure the seller is truly empowered to make the best decision. We share the lessons we’ve learned about staying focused on the seller’s goals, why the list price is just a strategy, and how asking the ri...
Aug 11, 2025•32 min
Negotiation is everything in real estate, and today we’re breaking down the core steps that make all the difference. We talk about why building real connections with everyone involved (even the other agent) gives you an edge, and how asking the right questions—and actually listening—leads to better results. We’re sharing the power of small counters, how to negotiate the whole package (not just price), and why your words and even a little silence matter more than you think. Whether you’re in real...
Aug 04, 2025•30 min
Ever found yourself drowning in work and thinking, “I know I need help, but I’m scared to hire”? We get it. In this episode, we’re talking about how to recognize the signs that you need leverage—whether it’s at home or in your business—and how to approach getting help in a smart, strategic way. From physical and emotional warning signs to missed opportunities with your team, clients, and family, we break down a simple framework to identify the pain points and explore practical solutions. And no,...
Jul 28, 2025•31 min
Ever freeze up when it’s time to hit record or write a post, thinking, “What do I even say?” You’re not alone. This week, we’re breaking down a simple content creation framework to help you move past the blank page and start sharing messages that actually convert. We believe the secret to content that gets results is getting specific—speaking directly to the real people you want to reach, and guiding them from hesitation to clarity in just a few steps. We’re sharing our “Six Ps” approach—Perspec...
Jul 21, 2025•31 min
Mindset can feel abstract, but today’s conversation with Elaine Stageberg brings it down to earth. Elaine has built a $400 million real estate portfolio, leads a private equity firm, and is a trained psychiatrist and mom of five. She shows us how practical time management, goal setting, and a willingness to sit with discomfort form the foundation for real growth. We talk about why real estate is the ultimate test—and teacher—of mindset, and how every big decision stretches us to new levels of be...
Jul 14, 2025•56 min
Feeling that mid-year slump? You’re not alone—but we believe this is actually the best moment to reset and refocus. In this episode, we break down our real-world process for a mid-year business review: how we revisit our goals, assess what’s on track (and what’s not), and decide what’s truly relevant for the rest of the year. We get honest about revenue, growth, retention, and what needs to change, but we also dig into something even more important—team culture and energy. We share what’s worked...
Jul 07, 2025•25 min
It’s easy to get off track, even with the best intentions. In this episode, we’re sharing our personal mid-year reset process—our go-to for checking in, letting go of what’s not working, and making space for what matters most. We talk about how taking just a few hours to reflect, simplify, and plan can help you reset your goals and energy for the rest of the year. We’ll walk you through the simple framework we use to evaluate what’s fueling us (and what’s draining us), how we adjust our intentio...
Jun 30, 2025•36 min
When it comes to building an empire—whether that’s in business or in life—there’s no escaping hard decisions. We’ve all stood at the crossroads, wrestling with big choices that feel daunting, lonely, or even paralyzing. But here’s the truth: hard things don’t have to stop us. In this episode, we’re sharing five life-changing hacks that have helped us move forward with confidence and clarity, even when the path wasn’t clear. We dive into why getting crystal clear on your core values is the ultima...
Jun 23, 2025•28 min
When the market slows down, price is king. In this episode, we’re getting honest about what it takes to navigate a slower market—and why you can’t out-market a bad price. We’re sharing hard-earned lessons from our own experiences, including the conversations that still stick with us, and the data-driven steps we use to guide clients through price adjustments. We walk through exactly how we handle these conversations with compassion, the pitfalls of “paper cut” price reductions, and why the right...
Jun 16, 2025•35 min
Let’s face it—when homes aren’t flying off the market, sellers start watching you more closely than ever. And in today’s market, with inventory rising and prices softening, they’re not just watching—they’re expecting more. But that doesn’t mean your leadership slows down. In fact, now’s the time to step it up. In this first episode of our two-part series, we’re diving into the tactical moves every real estate professional (or service-based business owner) needs to make to thrive when the market ...
Jun 09, 2025•31 min
What will your empire say about you when you're gone? In this week’s episode, we’re diving deep into the concept of legacy—what it really means to lead with it, build with it, and live into it every single day. It’s easy to focus on short-term wins and flashy growth, but true empire builders know the power of thinking long-term. That’s what legacy is all about: the impact you make, the values you uphold, and the culture you leave behind. We’ll walk you through our four-part framework—Vision, Val...
Jun 02, 2025•29 min
You know the old saying—leaders are readers? Well, great leaders are also great sellers. And not because they’re slick or pushy. Because they communicate with clarity, empathy, and intention. In this episode, we’re sharing the seven high-impact communication skills that top producers use to connect faster, influence better, and close more confidently. Whether you're selling a product, an idea, or simply trying to get buy-in from your team, these are the tools that will take your conversations to...
May 26, 2025•30 min
What if the one thing that changes everything... is you? This week, we’re joined by Dr. Elaine Stageberg, co-founder of Black Swan Real Estate. From growing up in poverty to training as a psychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic to building a $400 million real estate portfolio—while raising five young kids—Elaine is living proof that you don’t have to choose between big business and a big life. We dive into how she and her husband, Nick, built a family-first private equity firm that’s shaking up the indu...
May 19, 2025•43 min
Ever find yourself avoiding a hard conversation—hoping the issue will just disappear? We’ve been there. And we’ve learned the hard way that silence doesn’t solve problems; it feeds them. In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most important (and uncomfortable) skills in leadership: having tough conversations. We are pulling back the curtain on the real work it takes to lean into hard talks—with your team, your clients, even your family. From owning your part in a conflict to setting th...
May 12, 2025•32 min
Sometimes leadership advice doesn’t go far enough into the real-life dynamics we face—especially as female leaders building diverse teams. That’s why in today’s episode, we’re diving into a conversation you don’t hear often: how to lead, coach, and collaborate with the men in your empire. We are talking from experience—real stories, real lessons. From literal interpretation of instructions to the value of clarity, we explore what it actually looks like to manage men effectively without abandonin...
May 05, 2025•26 min
Growth can be messy—and that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it might be the best indicator that you’re leveling up. In this episode, we’re talking about topgrading—what it means, how it shows up in your life, and why it’s such a powerful mindset shift for empire builders. We often hear the term “topgrading” in the context of people or talent, but today we’re expanding that definition. What if topgrading also meant rethinking your habits, upgrading your systems, and surrounding yourself with the peo...
Apr 28, 2025•32 min
What’s your earliest memory of money? Was it joyful? Stressful? Scarce? Secure? For many of us, our childhood experiences with money still shape how we think, feel, and lead today. In this episode, Seychelle and Sarah open up about their personal money stories—and how those stories have influenced their financial habits, leadership styles, and sense of security. We dive into why every leader needs to understand not just their own relationship with money, but also the money stories of their peopl...
Apr 21, 2025•27 min
What if the biggest key to unlocking your potential isn’t out in the world—it’s already inside you? This week, we had the rare pleasure of flipping the script with Jason Abrams—host of the Millionaire Real Estate Agent Podcast, real estate titan, and someone we’ve admired for a long time. He’s usually the one asking the questions, but today, Jason let us in on his story, his wisdom, and the deeply personal lessons he’s carrying into the next chapter of his life. From being a self-proclaimed acad...
Apr 14, 2025•38 min
Finding the right person to lead your business isn’t just about making the right hire—it’s about understanding the true value you offer and being bold enough to share it. In this very special first-of-its-kind episode, Tiffany invited Sarah to coach her live on the show about a challenge she’s been struggling with for five years: how to attract the right leadership to her team. You’ll hear us dig into the root of what’s been holding Tiffany back, and why so many women in business struggle to art...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 5 min
What if I told you your emotional intelligence could be your biggest sales superpower? In this episode, we’re diving into exactly that. Emotional intelligence—or EQ—isn’t just about understanding others. It’s about using that understanding to make more sales, build stronger relationships, and grow a bigger, more sustainable empire. We’re breaking down three key ways EQ shows up in sales: reading the room and understanding your clients, regulating your own emotions in high-stakes moments, and usi...
Mar 31, 2025•21 min
What does it take to build a career that aligns with your strengths, supports your personal life, and fuels your passion? In this episode, we continue our conversation with Anna Krueger, diving into how she strategically designed a career that gives her both financial success and the freedom to live on her terms. After years of navigating personal challenges—including being a full-time caretaker for her mother—Anna knew she needed a role that not only leveraged her natural talents but also provi...
Mar 27, 2025•29 min
What happens when life takes an unexpected turn and forces you to reinvent yourself? Anna Krueger knows firsthand how to pivot, persevere, and turn life’s challenges into a career of impact. From starting as a high school teacher in Baltimore to unexpectedly landing in sales—a field she swore she’d never touch—Anna’s journey is proof that sometimes the best opportunities come from the most unlikely places. When she discovered a passion for training and coaching, she didn’t wait for permission; s...
Mar 24, 2025•31 min
Picture this: You’ve built a successful business, and now you’re wondering, “What’s next?” How do you take what you’ve learned and scale it into a thriving empire? If that’s where you are, today’s episode is for you. We’re breaking down the 10 steps to building and scaling multiple businesses—the simple (but not easy) way. From understanding your strengths as a leader to creating systems that run without you, we’ll walk you through how to structure, scale, and sustain multiple ventures without l...
Mar 17, 2025•32 min
Ever felt like your team is a little... chaotic? You're not alone. Most teams struggle with dysfunction in one way or another, but the good news is, there’s a fix. In this episode, we dive into The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni and break down what’s holding your team back—and how to turn things around. From trust issues to lack of accountability, we’re tackling the most common challenges that make teams ineffective. We’ll share real-world examples from our own experiences, incl...
Mar 10, 2025•28 min
What if you could reclaim an entire day of your week? Today, we’re breaking down how to take back your time, cut out unnecessary tasks, and create space for what truly matters—both in business and life. We’re sharing a powerful time-audit exercise to uncover where your time really goes, plus practical strategies like setting meeting limits, color coding your calendar, and learning the magic of saying "no." And here’s the game-changer—plan your playtime first, then work. Because your best ideas d...
Mar 03, 2025•36 min
What happens when you mix Texas grit, a hot pink brand, and a relentless drive to succeed? You get Ryan Major. In this episode of Empire Building, Wendy Papazan sits down with Ryan to dive into her journey from growing up on a horse farm in Fredericksburg to building a real estate empire in Lindale, Texas. Ryan’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. She shares how the lessons she learned from showing horses—grit, perseverance, and a thick skin from being constantly judged—prepared her for...
Feb 24, 2025•39 min
Growth isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a core value for us. But what happens when the growth stops? When you hit a plateau, when the numbers stall, when you start to wonder if you’re still the right leader for the job? We’ve been there. And we know how discouraging it can be. In today’s episode, we dive into the realities of stagnation and what to do when it feels like your empire isn’t growing. We’ll unpack the four P’s of growth—the formula that helped us move forward when we felt stuck. Resour...
Feb 17, 2025•32 min
Let’s talk about the money messages women are getting—and why they might be holding us back. In this episode, we dig into the unconscious gender biases baked into financial advice. From AI-generated suggestions to the ways society raises boys and girls differently, it’s clear that women are often encouraged to play it safe while men are told to take risks, invest boldly, and build empires. We believe it’s time to rewrite those narratives. Building wealth as women requires more than saving and bu...
Feb 10, 2025•29 min
Hearing “no” can feel discouraging, but as empire builders, we know it’s just part of the process. In this episode, we’re diving into how to reframe rejection, embrace the “not yet,” and turn it into an opportunity. Whether you’re building a business, scaling a team, or growing your impact, learning how to handle a “not yet” with confidence is a game-changer. We share how to shift your mindset, celebrate the “not yets,” and master the art of follow-up. With stats like 80% of sales requiring at l...
Feb 03, 2025•31 min
Are you thinking about buying a business but not sure where to start? In today’s episode, we’re joined by Bekki Lowrance, an expert business owner and buyer who has successfully transitioned from real estate to buying and scaling multiple businesses. Bekki shares the story of her journey—how she went from taking anything that came her way in real estate to becoming highly selective in her business ventures. She discusses the mindset shift that allowed her to focus on business acquisitions, and h...
Jan 27, 2025•52 min
