It takes a powerful strategist to successfully run a real estate organization in a city as robust as New York City. Today’s guest is Diane Ramirez, the Chief Strategy Officer for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England, New York & Westchester Properties. Tasked with growing the brand across the world’s most iconic city, Diane is a master strategist, and in this episode, she shares her career story that explains how she got to this point.
Diane’s start in real estate:
- When her husband opened an investment firm branch in Florida, Diane joined him. Having already bought and sold a few houses, she quickly became a Florida real estate agent.
- Diane loved the idea of working her own hours. But once her children went off to school, she decided to be an entrepreneur.
Overcoming challenges in the New York real estate market:
- While the real estate market for the area has had to overcome several challenges, but it’s back and poised to do great things.
- There are still obstacles ( both political and government), but it’s moving in the right direction.
- Branding is essential, especially in New York City. Berkshire Hathaway needs instant recognition to accomplish its goals.
It takes leadership from the top down to implement strategic growth.
- How do you create lifelong clients, especially for new agents? It’s all about building the relationship.
- Successful agents aren’t just a realtor but an advisor. Someone who is there for the customer all the time, not just the transaction. If you’re there to help and guide, the relationship will strengthen.
- In many areas, realtors might not need to perform an advisory role. However, in New York, it is a necessity (because everything requires approval.)
- The realtor should lead the client through these nuances, whether the transaction was one week or five years ago.
Diane’s approach to leadership:
- Diane focuses on being true to herself and being better than she was the day before.
- For inspiration, she looks to many things, from her staff and past mentors to the people she meets each day. But, it’s not just anyone person; it’s simply the atmosphere of New York that is an inspiration to her.
Overcoming biases and assumptions:
- While Diane is Hispanic through marriage, she’s carried her last name for quite a while. As a result, she’s noticed an undertone of surprise when people see her because her appearance doesn’t match their expectations.
- Diane has frequently been the only woman in a board room, but she’s never felt held back by it because she knew she earned her place there. And when you project confidence, people will feel confident in you.
Balancing work and personal life:
- Diane had to make decisions early in her career, and she knew the only way to succeed in her endeavors was to be what was needed at that moment.
- If she was helping with homework or at a school function with her kids, that was the focus, but if she was at the office, she was in business mode. And that’s what made it work.
- Diane’s advice to listeners? Be present in your life as best you can, and you’ll find you won’t have to sacrifice as much.
One of Diane’s favorite quotes is by the great Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failures are not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” To get in contact with Diane or to see other content from her, connect on LinkedIn. 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.
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