Women Leaders Share Real Estate Success Secrets

Lucía Torres · 2026-03-02

During Women's History Month, we're taking a moment to celebrate the incredible women within our company. These are the leaders who've launched new offices, guided with clear vision, and fueled the strategic growth that keeps us ahead of the curve. "When I look around, I see women building extraordinary teams," says our President, Rainy Hake Austin. "They're redefining workplace culture and succeeding in ways that raise the bar for everyone. I feel lucky to connect and learn from them. Their perspectives lift up our company, our culture, and our entire industry." We sat down with award-winning senior leaders and new office leaders from across the country. We asked them about their inspirations, the relationships that shaped them, and the best advice they've ever gotten—both personal and professional. Here's what they shared. ### Ellen Bohn's Insights Ellen Bohn, Managing Partner at our Camano Island office, looks up to Martha Stewart. "She's made reparations and come back stronger," Ellen notes. "She constantly challenges and reinvents herself, showing that age is just a number." For inspiration, Ellen turns to a few key podcasts: - "The Mel Robbins Podcast" - "Wiser Than Me" by Julia Louis-Dreyfus - "On Purpose with Jay Shetty" She finds these hosts bring positivity, motivation, and critical thinking—all delivered with a light, humorous touch. When it comes to networking, Ellen believes in a simple, authentic approach. "Getting involved in your community and pursuing your passions naturally brings people into your sphere," she says. It's about genuine connection, not forced interactions. Her best professional advice? "Activity breeds activity. The energy you put into your business will be reciprocated." And on a personal level, she shared this wisdom: "We're all souls having a human experience. We're doing our best with the knowledge we have. Everyone has a story. Be kind." ### Vanessa Griffin's Perspective Vanessa Griffin, Managing Partner in Tyler, admires Sara Blakely. "I'm inspired by how she built a billion-dollar brand through resilience and creativity," Vanessa explains. "She believed in herself without following a traditional path. She embraces failure as part of growth and leads with authenticity—that really resonates with me as an entrepreneur." Vanessa's sources of inspiration have evolved. Early in her career, she leaned heavily on podcasts and industry media to learn from other leaders. That foundation was invaluable. But since joining our network, she's found something even more powerful. "One of the most powerful sources of inspiration is right within our own company," she says. She's intentionally shifted toward learning from her incredible partners across the organization, taking full advantage of our collaborative, high-level network. Her top networking tactic is surprisingly simple yet profoundly effective: intentional follow-up. "Not automated, not transactional—intentional," she emphasizes. "In real estate, relationships *are* the business. I make it a priority to stay meaningfully connected long after the transaction closes." The best professional advice she ever received? "Lead with value, not ego." That single phrase shaped how she operates as a broker and owner. When you focus on providing genuine value to clients and colleagues, everything else falls into place. These stories highlight a common thread—success isn't just about transactions or market share. It's about building authentic relationships, staying curious, and leading with purpose. It's about creating opportunities for others while continually growing yourself. That's the real secret these women are sharing, and it's what makes their leadership so impactful.