Join Claudia Diaz, Parisha Kinsey, and Renée Roqué on Friday, 5/19, as they chat with MoxiWorks' Meghan Foulkes and one of our Retreat Keynote Speakers, DD Richards.
We are continuing our WaveMaker Takeover as we introduce you to some women you will meet, greet, and connect with at the 2023 WomanUP!® Retreat.
Welcome! Let’s start at the beginning… YOU! Please introduce yourself! Share who you are, where you are, and WHY you love doing what you do!
What was the first business you started/owned?
What is the life or leadership advice you give most often?
DD: Definitely to always be learning and growing and open to new things. No matter how long we’ve been in business or leadership, there are always new ideas and way to grow. We can always improve and be seeking out ways to improve. I read a quote recently that said, When you stop learning, your slide into mediocrity has begun. The other piece of advice is to listen to your gut, that inside voice that is always right. Work on developing that voice. It will help keep you pointed in the right direction.)
Meghan: Know your “why”. I think people often want to get into leadership because it’s the next step for them in their career or they don’t want to do outbound sales, but it is so important to know your why and that may change over your career. Knowing your “why” will keep you motivated intrinsically. Additionally surrounding yourself with mentors and executing on their advice really helped me in my career.
Tell us about a woman in your life who helped you reach a goal or encouraged you to step into your personal power!
DD: I’m so fortunate to have just incredible women in my life. I really needed help when I started my real estate business. Brittany Walker was instrumental in helping me grow my business and be strategic about it. I so appreciate her friendship and wisdom. ANother is Lori Biasca. She has been my shoulder to cry on in my business and personal life and is not afraid to get in my face and tell me exactly what I need to hear. Like she knows exactly what I need to hear. I recently came to her with a personal issue and I was being really hard on myself. After I told her I didn;t think I had done enough, she looked straight in my eyes and said, don;t you dare say that. You do more than anyone. You keep your head right and know you;ve done everything you possibly can and I love you. Man, we all need friends like that.
Meghan: When I first moved into a leadership role with a larger sales org and had to manage managers I struggled. I sought out help from a women named Hillary Headlee, she was previously head of rev ops for zoom. She was someone I looked up to in my company and she really helped mentor me. Additionally Amy Volas has been instrumental in my career and has taught me how to better navigate business, especially in a male dominated industry.
What are you most looking forward to at the retreat?
Parisha: Meeting everyone and planning my dinner
Meghan: Connecting with other amazing women and learning from the best. I am still new in the real estate space, I came from saas and mostly fitness tech so I am really interested in connecting with women in the industry to understand their stories.
DD; Meeting these amazing women and learning and growing together. These are industry leaders with so many accomplishments and incredible stories. I can’t wait to learn from them. And I could definitely use a few pours to fill my cup. And that could just be a glass of wine because the Mondavi sisters are going to be there!)
Renée: Besides Pam’s Morning Yoga…the connection with my Sisters. So much that we do at Women’s Council of REALTORS® is always jammed packed with meetings such as our recent Legislative Meetings in Sacramento and DC that we work so hard there isn’t a lot of time to connect as we pass in the halls on to another meeting. Our Retreat provides for deeper connection.
It’s time to share your final words of wisdom. Let’s start with you, Meghan!
Meghan One of my favorite things to remind myself of is that confidence is a choice. In leadership we sometimes second guess ourselves and I myself have had imposter syndrome at times. I always like to remind myself that leadership is often about making decision and inspiring people and to do that you need confidence and competence.
DD (Invest in yourself. I don’t necessarily mean with money. Invest in knowing yourself, learn, try new things, spend time with people who truly support you and will help you move forward in your goals. Life is short so get going on your dreams. You really can do absolutely anything you want, you just have to start)
Renée: Get your tribe - our Circle of True Die Hard Sisters to uplift, encourage and speak truth to you. Can’t do this alone.
