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Empire Building

Empire Building

By: Keller Podcast Network
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About this listen

It’s no secret that business owners face a unique set of challenges, often juggling marriage, parenthood, and career aspirations. Empire Building brings together five influential women who are unapologetic in their goals to build big businesses and live big lives. Another common goal? Helping others do the same.

Tune in for authentic, unfiltered conversations with Wendy Papasan, Seychelle Van Poole, Sarah Reynolds, Kymber Lovett-Menkiti, and Tiffany Fykes, as they invite you to be a part of their journey.

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Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • 272. Building a $400M Real Estate Portfolio While Raising Five Kids with Dr. Elaine Stageberg
    May 19 2025

    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 industry by eliminating traditional fees and prioritizing investor alignment. Elaine shares the vision behind Black Swan, the mindset shifts that fueled their growth, and the systems that make it all possible.


    Her story is a powerful reminder that pain can spark transformation—and that with the right support, women can lead thriving businesses and households. If you’ve ever wondered whether “both” is really possible, this one’s for you.


    Grab your notebook—you’re going to want to take notes.


    Resources:

    • Learn more about Black Swan Real Estate: meetblackswan.com
    • Interested in investing with Black Swan? Explore their current fund offering here: securefreedomfund.com


    Connect on Instagram:

    • Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
    • Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
    • Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
    • Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
    • Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes


    Produced by NOVA


    This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.



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    43 mins
  • 271. Why Tough Conversations Make You a Stronger Leader
    May 12 2025

    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 the right tone for a private meeting, we’re walking through our go-to strategies for facing confrontation with confidence and care.


    You’ll hear about the power of self-reflection, how to communicate expectations clearly, and why you should never start a tough conversation with “got a minute?” We’re also talking about what to do after the conversation—because how you recover and regroup matters just as much as how you show up in the moment.


    If you’ve been putting off a difficult conversation, this is your nudge to lean in. Because as we’ve learned, the relationship is the conversation.


    Resources:

    • Read Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott


    Connect on Instagram:

    • Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
    • Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
    • Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
    • Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
    • Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes


    Produced by NOVA


    This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

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    32 mins
  • 270. How to Lead Men Effectively—with Empathy and Clarity
    May 5 2025

    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 abandoning the power of feminine leadership. And yes, we’re talking about that balance of strength and vulnerability, how to use competition to drive results, and the one thing men often value even more than love: respect.


    If you’ve ever wondered how to bring strong male allies into your world—or how to lead them with confidence and authenticity—this episode is for you. Because building a big empire means leaning into who you are, leading with intention, and valuing diversity at every level.


    Resources:

    • Check out Her Best Life


    Connect on Instagram:

    • Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevp
    • Sarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsoji
    • Wendy Papasan: @wendypapasan
    • Kymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkiti
    • Tiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykes


    Produced by NOVA


    This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

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    26 mins

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