Today’s episode of Women Who Lead features a special guest: Christy Budnick, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services! In this episode, Christy and host Teresa Palacios Smith discuss what qualities make a good leader, how realtors today can start building those qualities, and Christy’s plans for the future of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. (Note: this episode is a prior recording with Christy; she’s now been the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services CEO since May of 2021.)
Christy didn’t intend to join real estate.
- When she was 11, her mother decided to join the real estate industry, with Christy and her sister acting as her marketing department.
- Christy knew one thing as she entered college - she never wanted to join the real estate industry.
- But in 2011, tired of the travel associated with her position running a sales and leadership training division, Christy joined her mother in real estate. And now, she loves everything about it.
What are the qualities of a great leader?
- For Christy’s style, it depends on the situation. She’s more than willing to lead a charge. But, if she delegates something, she wants to support from behind while someone else leads.
- A good leader can lead with their heart and mind, and is willing to take risks.
- Leaders challenge their people to make mistakes (because that means they’re pushed to grow.)
- Above all, leaders follow their gut.
Anyone can be a leader:
- Some people are raised in an environment where becoming a leader is more natural.
- You don’t need money to be a good leader. Instead, great leaders come from a place where they had the support that encouraged them to accomplish their goals.
- However, you don’t have to have that to be a leader. So while it makes it easier, it’s not impossible without it.
What are the greatest challenges brokers currently face?
- The greatest challenge is combating the noise in the marketplace because our job is to provide clarity.
- We need to believe we’re here to stay. Our business model is built on relationships over transactions, and technology cannot replace that.
- Real estate is a personal business that can’t be duplicated through the internet.
Christy’s 30,60, and 90-day plans:
- She met with the HSF team, and their dedication and knowledge blew her away.
- In her first thirty days, she wants to ask a lot of questions and learn to lead in a way that best supports the company.
- The first sixty days are all about planning for the future, establishing the goals and outcomes she wants to achieve.
- Her ninety-day plan will focus on implementing specific tactics to reach those goals.
Overcoming biases and assumptions:
- Christy has been fortunate to work with people who, while primarily men, promoted the best person for the job.
- Christy didn’t have biases against her (that she was aware of), but one assumption she fought was the belief that she came from money. In reality, everything she had as a child came from her mother's work ethic.
Christy’s Book Recommendations:
Christy’s final takeaway? Always find a way to help others in their journey. You’ll make an impact bigger than yourself while fueling your personal growth. Remember, always bring women up the ladder with you as you climb to the top. 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.
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.
