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.

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.

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.

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 people and environments that reflect the future you’re building?

Join us as we talk through what it really looks like to topgrade your life—and give yourself permission to grow from the inside out.

Resources:

• Check out Her Best Life
• Learn more about Empire Circle

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.

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 people. From tithing to piggy banks, scarcity mindsets to abundance practices, we explore the foundational role money plays in our lives—and how to shift old patterns to build healthier financial habits.

We also share practical tactics for talking to your team about money, teaching financial stewardship, and helping others build the reserves they need to weather any market shift. Because when times get tough, people revert to their programming. And it's our job as leaders to help them rewrite the script.

Resources:

• Check out Her Best Life
• Her Rich Life Masterclass

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.

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 academic underachiever with a 1.8 GPA to becoming the Head of Industry at Keller Williams, Jason’s story is one of grit, purpose, and heart. We talk about the role his mother played in shaping his early confidence, how he learned to lead by influence instead of authority, and why his son is his biggest teacher right now.

We also dive into how Jason chooses what to read (and why reading with purpose is different from being an intellectual tourist), the moments that shaped his views on love and leadership, and the wisdom he’s gained from hundreds of interviews with top performers in business and life.

And we get personal. Jason shares what he hopes to leave his son, how he's approaching legacy through a video library, and why relationships—not success or stuff—are the next frontier of growth for him.

Trust us, this episode is filled with gold. You’ll walk away thinking differently about leadership, purpose, and the people who help unlock the best parts of who we are.

Resources:

• Listen to The Millionaire Real Estate Agent Podcast
• Connect with Jason on LinkedIn
• Read: Exactly What to Say by Phil M. Jones — A favorite for refining communication and leadership language.
• Read: Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre by Keith Johnstone — Cited for its relevance in mastering communication through improv.
• Read: Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (And How to Fix It) by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic

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.

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 articulate the value of what we’ve built. And as Sarah starts to pull stories out of her—stories she doesn’t often share—Tiffany was reminded just how much impact she’s made through her business.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not telling your story well enough—or if you’re second-guessing whether people really understand the opportunity to work with you—this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with concrete language shifts, sales strategies, and a reminder that you’re not “bragging”—you’re sharing what’s possible when people partner with you.

Resources:

• Check out EmpowerHome Team Growth Ladder
• Learn more about the Empire Circle at 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.

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 using empathy to influence without pressure. From mirroring tone and body language to the power of labeling your client's emotions, we’re sharing real stories (including a few early-career sales meltdowns!) and tactical tips to help you master the art of connecting.

If you’ve ever felt like you lost a deal because you were too pushy—or not pushy enough—this episode will shift your perspective. EQ isn’t just a “soft skill.” It’s a sales strategy. And when you start tapping into it, you’ll find that trust builds faster, clients open up more, and the close almost happens naturally.

Whether you’re a seasoned sales pro or just trying to find your footing, this conversation will help you lead with connection—and ultimately, win more deals. So grab your notebook, your coffee, and your big empire energy. Let’s build.

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 guest's views, thoughts, and opinions 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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