Ryan Serhant didn't start as a real estate mogul — he started as a struggling actor in New York City with no money, no connections, and no clear plan. Long before Million Dollar Listing, SERHANT., bestselling books, and one of the largest personal brands in business, Ryan was simply trying to survive.
What began as a necessity quickly became an obsession. In this episode, Ryan reflects on the early years of his career — running out of money, getting rejected, learning how to sell, and discovering that confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build.
The conversation explores the mindset that helped Ryan go from broke actor to one of the most recognizable entrepreneurs in America. Ryan opens up about why he views everything as a game, why he's become a professional optimist, and why nobody gets anywhere by going backwards.
Ryan also speaks candidly about money, ambition, fear, and success. He shares why he doesn't connect money to self-worth, the pressure that comes with leading a growing company, and the habits that allow him to perform at a high level year after year. From waking up at 4:30 AM to navigating uncertainty, Ryan explains why the only way out is through.
Throughout the episode, Ryan returns to one core idea: the opportunities that change your life usually exist on the other side of the thing you're most afraid to do.
Join us for an energetic, insightful, and wildly entertaining conversation in Ryan's Office.
Don't miss this interview where we discuss:
• Growing up and the path that led him to New York City
• Running out of money and starting over
• Becoming a real estate broker by necessity
• Million Dollar Listing and life in the public eye
• Building SERHANT. from survival mode to industry leader
• Why confidence is difficult to teach
• Curiosity as a competitive advantage
• Optimism, mindset, and resilience
• Sales, communication, and human psychology
• Fear, discomfort, and personal growth
• Why Ryan treats everything as a game
• Money, self-worth, and success
• Entrepreneurship, leadership, and scaling a business
• Happiness, ambition, and the pursuit of more
• Why there has never been a better time to be alive
Find Ryan:
IG: @ryanserhant
IG: @serhant
Questions, comments…sharp takes? Shoot us a note at WhatsUp@officeof.world
Find out more about the Office Of Podcast
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Recorded at The Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center.
Thank you for listening.
