As we approach the end of 2024, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead. This year has been a testament to your hard work, resilience, and dedication. The challenges we’ve faced have been met with courage, and the successes we’ve achieved are a reflection of our shared strength and vision.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are entering a world of change and new opportunities—evolving trends, emerging technologies, and shifting client expectations. To help you close out this year strong and set yourself up for success in 2025, we are honored to share wisdom and inspiration from leaders across the WomanUP! community.
Wisdom from Our WomanUP!® Leaders
Cheryl Keller, Founder of Brick Lane Realty
Start with You: Reflect on yourself before leading others. Focus on your personal growth—it’s the foundation for helping others grow. Prioritizing your development equips you to inspire and uplift those around you.
Reflect and Refocus: Write down your biggest regret from 2024, then replace it with the one thing you most want to accomplish in 2025. Let this shift guide your energy and intentions for the year ahead.
Create Daily Balance: Find joy in life’s small moments. Whether it’s a walk, a great book, or something personal like watching a loved one at an activity they love, embrace what makes you happy. Cheryl finds peace watching her granddaughter at swim practice—a connection to her own swimming past that brings her relaxation and joy.
Anita Legacy Blue, Immediate Past President, LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance
Set Intentional Goals: Reflect on what you truly want to achieve this year and set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals. Write them down and break them into smaller, actionable steps to stay motivated and focused.
Build Your Support Network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who uplift and inspire you. Attend networking events, workshops, or join groups that align with your passions. A strong support system can provide encouragement, accountability, and fresh perspectives.
Practice Self-Compassion: Mistakes and setbacks are part of the journey. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, building resilience and fostering a positive mindset for personal and professional growth.
Leslie Appleton-Young, Former Chief Economist, California Association of REALTORS®
Active Listening is Leadership: Truly listening and being present in the moment is one of the most important leadership qualities. It’s a form of love—to see someone and be present in their story.
You Can Do Hard Things: Let failure be your fuel.
Be Intentional: Take time to reflect on where you’ve been, where you are, and where you want to go. Explore new experiences to discover who you are and what you’re capable of.
Leslie’s Book Recommendations:
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (Releases 12/31/24)
We Need to Talk by Celeste Headley
Who Cooked the Last Supper? by Rosalind Miles
Life Reimagined by Barbara Hagarity
On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen
Humans Are Under-Rated by Geoff Colvin
Valerie Torelli, Owner & Founder, Torelli Realty
Pick a WORD for the Year: Choose a word that resonates with your goals and bring it into your daily life. Valerie’s first word, “pause,” helped her calm her mind during triggers, creating profound change. Pick your word, breathe it in, and release it with intent—it can be life-changing.
Volunteer in Something Hands-On: Commit your time to causes where you can directly contribute. Valerie works with individuals overcoming addictive behaviors and those recently released from prison. The reward? “I am learning more than they are!”
Be Responsible for the Energy You Bring: The energy you bring into a room matters—make it intentional, uplifting, and positive.
Ginger Wilcox, President, Better Homes & Gardens® Real Estate
Act with Intention: Define success for yourself—personally and professionally—and outline clear, measurable goals to get there. Align your actions with what truly matters.
Lean Into Your Network: Growth is rarely a solo journey. Invest in relationships that challenge, support, and inspire you.
Prioritize What Powers You: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s setting healthy boundaries or dedicating space for reflection, identify what recharges you and commit to it.
Debra Shea, REALTOR®
Prioritize Authentic Connections: Take time to listen, understand, and genuinely engage with those around you. Relationships build trust and open doors to new opportunities.
Embrace Change as Growth: Change can be daunting, but it’s a catalyst for growth. Lean in with an open mind, and breakthroughs will follow.
Lead with Gratitude: “Begin and end each day reflecting on the moments, people, and opportunities you’re thankful for—it’s a simple practice with profound impact.”
Candace Doby, Founder, The Can-Do Company
Focus on Winning: Engage with your goals from a mindset of growth, not protection. Prosperity comes when you focus on achieving, not avoiding failure.
Compare Yourself Only to Former Versions of You: Celebrate your progress by focusing on how far you’ve come.
Stop Following Rules That Don’t Exist: If you’re stuck, ask yourself, “What rule am I following that doesn’t exist?” Break free of arbitrary timelines or processes.
Tami Bonnell, Co-Chair, EXIT Realty Corp. International
Take Time to Refresh, Renew, and Reflect: Give yourself a break—you’ll think and work better.
Create a Life Plan: Build a plan that includes Growth, Production, Communication, and Community.
Reach Out to Your Influencers: Share your goals with the 15-25 most influential people in your life—they’ll help jumpstart your success!
Karol Kochova, Real Estate Broker, Koch Properties
Prioritize Yourself: Take care of your mind, body, and soul first.
Own Your Voice: Always speak and live your truth.
Be Kind: Kindness has a ripple effect—commit to kind acts daily.
Regina Singh, Broker/Owner, Elevate by Mantra
Be the Best Version of You: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Gandhi
Embrace Growth: “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – John Maxwell
Shift Your Attitude: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
Attract Success: “Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become.” – Jim Rohn
Find Your Spark: “Find what sparks a light in you so that you can illuminate the world.” – Oprah
Katie Lance, Real Estate Social Media Strategist | Keynote Speaker | Best-Selling Author
Focus on One Big Idea Each Month: Tackle one core theme or goal at a time for consistent progress.
Leverage Your Superpower—Authenticity: Be yourself, share your voice, and connect with others on a human level.
Protect Your Peace: Reflect on what matters, and step away from distractions that don’t align with your values.
Claudia Diaz, REALTOR®, N.A.R. Global Ambassador Bahamas,Bermuda,Dominican Republic,Jamaica
Stay True to Yourself: Authenticity is your greatest strength—your story and perspective are powerful.
Invest in Yourself: Nurture personal and professional growth through learning, mentorship, and self-care.
Uplift Each Other: Celebrate one another’s wins, collaborate, and rise together.
Kama Burton, Broker /Owner of CMB Realty Services | Speaker | Trainer | Educator | Adjunct Professor | Founder of Loving Me 1st | Mentor
Stay Connected to Your Broker and Updates: Knowledge keeps you ahead of the curve.
Take Time for Yourself: Self-care is essential—you’re better for others when you reset and recharge.
A Final Word of Gratitude
We are so grateful for each of you in the WomanUP! community—for your support, inspiration, and commitment to lifting one another.
Let’s close out 2024 strong and step boldly into 2025 with energy, enthusiasm, and purpose. The future is bright, and we are stronger together.
Here’s to rising, thriving, and leading the way!
We invite you to register now and join us for the WomanUP!® National Conference taking place on June 11, 2025 in Pasadena, California.