In celebration of International Women’s Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the exceptional female leaders within The Agency, delving into their unique journeys, insights and strategies for success in the real estate industry. Here, they reflect on the obstacles they’ve overcome, the strategies they’ve employed to empower others, and the pivotal moments that have shaped their career paths and leadership styles.
“I stand in awe of the remarkable female leaders here at The Agency,” says The Agency’s Founder and CEO, Mauricio Umansky. “Their exemplary dedication and unparalleled vision inspire not only admiration but a profound sense of hope for the future. As I look at all they have each accomplished—and work towards every day—I envision a world where my daughters, too, feel moved to pursue their dreams fearlessly, drawing strength from the incredible spirit of those who have come before them.”
Read on for invaluable insights and advice from some of The Agency’s female leaders—all in their own words.
As a leader in the industry, how did you navigate any obstacles or challenges along the way?
Managing Partner, The Agency Fort McMurray, Edmonton
No career was without its challenges—and real estate was certainly not an exception. Strength of character and self-awareness are shown in how a person conducts themselves when challenges cross their path. In the past, I have learned that I can not control every situation or obstacle—nor the actions of others—but that I do have the power to control my own reactions and words.
Whenever I encountered hurdles or negative experiences from clients, colleagues, or during deals, I didn’t dwell on them. Instead, I seized the opportunity to learn, grow, and reflect on the outcome after the dust settled. I turned setbacks into stepping stones for personal and professional improvement, constantly striving to do better and avoid similar issues in the future. Mistakes only remain mistakes if you don’t learn from them.
What strategies have you implemented to empower other women within our organization? Or within the real estate industry?
Managing Partner, The Agency Studio City, Sherman Oaks
When I accepted the challenge of becoming The Agency’s first female Managing Partner, leading the growth and footprint of our brand in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley area—specifically Sherman Oaks, Studio City and Calabasas—my mission was to create a unique experience for our agents. While never deliberately limiting men in our offices, I made it a personal goal to target female agents so that we can create a unique collective within our offices, one that truly does not exist anywhere else. From sharing advice about working your sphere of influence as a mother, to safety and security at open houses, creating female-forward happy hours and more, I have truly cultivated an environment that allows women to lean on and learn from one another—it has attracted the area’s top female leaders in our industry. And I am so proud of that.
Managing Partner & Broker in Charge, The Agency Charlotte
Empowering other women within our organization and industry is a top priority for me. To achieve this, I’ve implemented a range of strategies, including organizing team-building activities such as golf tournaments, dinners, mountain retreats, and trips. I actively participate in and support events that women are involved in, fostering camaraderie and creating opportunities for deeper personal connections. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of asking personal questions to understand each woman’s unique challenges. By knowing their stories, we can better support them in finding solutions and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment. It’s really just about showing up!
In your opinion, what are the key attributes or skills that have contributed to your success as a business leader, and how do you continue to hone them?
Managing Partner, The Agency Waterloo, Oakville, Muskoka, Brantford, Toronto West, York Region, Halifax
For me, what has served me well, is that what you see is what you get. Whether a blessing or a curse, I am very transparent and wear my heart on my sleeve. I cannot BS to save my life and I think that alone has helped me get as far as I have because people can see I am genuine. Whatever I am feeling is visible on my face, there is no hiding it! I think what I actually need to work on is being tough—that is probably the one thing others would say is my downfall, I am too nice. I have to learn to be more direct and unwavering on the things that I will and will not tolerate and understand that I have earned that right as it pertains to my business, and that’s how you protect it. This has always been the toughest part about parenting for me as well—being tough when tough is necessary.
Managing Partner, The Agency Austin
For me, it’s a compilation of things. First is work ethic and passion. I owe much of my work ethic to my upbringing; raised by parents who instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility from a young age. My journey into the workforce began at 12, driven by life’s circumstances. This fusion of necessity and work ethic instilled in me a profound pride and affection for every task I undertake. It’s transformative, fostering a solution-oriented mindset and a deep love for the craft.
Curiosity, problem-solving, good communication and trust are also paramount. Listening precedes all else for me; it’s a cornerstone in cultivating a supportive work environment and nurturing trust among team members. By empathetically understanding their emotions and perspectives, I establish genuine connections. I make it a point to address individual concerns and extend unwavering support where needed, maintaining meticulous records of each member’s aspirations and progress. This allows me to facilitate their growth and hold them accountable to their highest potential.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience in your career that shaped your leadership style and approach to business?
SVP of Franchise Operations
A pivotal moment for me was when an older male agent told me he was happy that I finally turned 30. When I asked him why, his response was, “Because people will take you more seriously.” Although I was completely offended and hurt, I wasn’t going to allow this person or his comment to hinder my professional journey and personal growth. Reflecting on that experience, I now appreciate the resilience it instilled in me. I surrounded myself with supportive professionals who inspired and mentored me. Joining The Women’s Council of Realtors proved instrumental, leading me to eventually become the Regional President. This organization provided valuable lessons in public speaking, leadership, and the importance of cultivating enduring relationships.
I also became business partners with two amazing, talented women. We built a very successful, powerhouse multi-office company. Grateful for the guidance of numerous mentors, I continue to prioritize self and professional development, striving to be the best version of myself and empowering others to reach new heights. My advice to all women in this industry is to stay true to yourself, show kindness to others, and seize opportunities to learn from those around you.
Managing Partner, The Agency Panama
In Latin American countries, where I have forged my path, women who navigate male-dominated industries encounter a myriad of challenges that scrutinize their leadership prowess. Undaunted by these obstacles, I embraced my passion for excellence and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I learned that my name (and relatedly, my brand) was my greatest asset. And succeeding depended on more than just problem-solving. It hinged on my commitment to exceeding expectations, consistently pushing boundaries, and challenging the norm.
There is nothing more magnetic than fully owning who you are and doing the things that bring you joy. That is why your energy is your best presentation card.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what message or advice do you have for aspiring female entrepreneurs and professionals looking to make their mark in the business world?
Agent, The Umansky Team
A mentor/coach once told me that “action precedes confidence.” It’s a simple phrase that has always resonated with me. If you’re an over-thinker and think that you can intellectualize your way into feeling confident about something, that is probably not going to happen. Being prepared is a great foundation but most important is taking action. You might never be ready if you’re waiting for the confidence to do something, but if you face the fear and do it anyway, the confidence will likely follow.
Managing Partner, The Agency Seattle
My advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs and professionals looking to make their mark in the business world is to give yourself permission to be authentic. It is the most authentic version of yourself that will attract others to you, and gives others permission to follow your lead. Don’t be afraid to use your own voice and to take up space.You have a unique set of gifts to offer the world that only you can deliver. As women, we are often told to speak a certain way, dress a certain way, behave a certain way. Embrace being too much for others. Too awesome, too dynamic, too bold, too successful! Lastly, surround yourself with people who believe in you, support you and remind you of your strengths.
Managing Partner, The Agency Salt Lake City
No one can take away your education, experience or the unique perspective you bring to the world; if you prioritize being an expert in your field, providing value to those around you, and honing in on your own personal brand, you don’t need to rely on anyone else to provide opportunities for you, because you’ll be able to make them happen for yourself. Always stay curious and hungry, and never say no to exploring an opportunity, even if you feel perfectly content in your current situation; you never know what incredible story lies at the other side of a new opportunity. And finally, if something doesn’t align with you, remove it. As hard as that may be, if you are unapologetic in your pursuit of going after what feels right, the path that gets laid will always end up being the one that is most authentic to you.
Managing Partner, The Agency Charlotte
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, my message to aspiring female entrepreneurs and professionals is to embrace your unique strengths, talents, and perspectives. Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue your passions. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, allies, and advocates who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way. Remember that failure is not a setback but an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay true to your values, and never underestimate the power of your voice and your ability to effect positive change. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable business world where all women have the opportunity to thrive.
Managing Partner, The Agency Riviera Maya
My message is simple. embrace your ambition and have confidence in your abilities. Believe in yourself and your vision, and don’t let self-doubt or societal expectations hold you back. There is a lot of chatter out there, about what a woman can or can not do in their lifetime or in their career but you know you have the talent, determination, and resilience to succeed. Pursue your passions, learn from failures, adapt to changes, and never lose sight of your goals. Remember that every setback is an opportunity for growth and innovation. Your circle is everything. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and allies who can offer guidance, inspiration, and encouragement. Cultivate meaningful friendships with other females that are authentic and they cheer for you just like you cheer for them and their successes. Seek out mentors who can provide advice. Embrace your unique strengths and perspectives as a woman in business, and leverage them to create positive change and drive meaningful impact in your communities and beyond.
Managing Partner, The Agency Aspen
Never lose sight of who you are. For me, my family comes first. My children inspired me to take this path, so I factor them into every decision. Be creative. Business in the modern world takes creativity. Be bold. Women are dominating the business landscape. Do something unexpected. My trademark is adding a VIP service-oriented culture to my business. I love trailblazing with my clients, whether it’s on skis or horseback. Always go the distance.
Managing Partner, The Agency Big Sky & Bozeman
Mental toughness is not just about pushing through when things get hard, it’s also about having self-awareness, knowing your edges, creating good boundaries and growing your appetite for risk. This is why I love entrepreneurship—it pushes you past your own self-created limitations. It can elevate how you think about yourself and others, and it can show you what you’re capable of, which more often than not, is more than you think. So embrace the journey, whether you’re cashing checks or getting kicked in the teeth with unexpected challenges. Your future self will thank you for betting on yourself!
Managing Partner, The Agency Denver & Boulder
It is important to ask for a seat at the table. No one is going to simply offer you a seat. Asking for a seat at the table also requires an immense amount of hard work and preparation to earn it. You may get turned down a few times, but each of those times will better prepare you for when it is your time to seize the opportunity. The combination of hard work and preparation along with vocalizing your desire to succeed can take you a long way.
SVP & Managing Partner, The Agency New York/Tri-State
Our New York and New Jersey offices at The Agency happen to be run entirely by women. It was not an intentional plan or strategy but I still go out of my way to celebrate it because it has helped to shape our amazing culture. I truly believe the most effective way to empower other women is to lead by example. To me this means checking my ego at the door, taking accountability instead of apologizing, communicating effectively and compassionately and perhaps, most importantly, keeping things in perspective. As one of my early mentors used to say: We are not saving lives, we are simply transacting real estate.
The Agency Bethesda, Frederick, Dominican Republic and Toronto
Sensitivity, intuition, multitasking, and nurturing aren’t weaknesses; they’re our superpowers. We have the capacity to negotiate not just with strategy and intellect but also with love and understanding, achieving our goals while fostering harmony and mutual respect. Firmness tempered with compassion, assertiveness balanced with empathy—these are the hallmarks of effective leadership and meaningful relationships. By staying true to our feelings and caring for others, women create supportive environments where everyone can thrive. By prioritizing the greater good and seeking win-win solutions, we harness the full potential of our strengths to create positive change in the world.
