Empire Building

What does it look like to build a big business, grow real wealth, and stay anchored through the messy middle? In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Vories to talk about the path she took from working as a cocktail waitress to building a thriving real estate business, flipping properties, and creating long-term cash flow.Jennifer shares how she got started at Keller Williams, why speed of implementation changed everything for her, and what it looked like to move from hustle into systems, leverage, and ownership. We also talk about building wealth through investment properties, raising kids with a stronger understanding of money, bringing family into the business, and using success to make a bigger impact in your community. Along the way, Jennifer opens up about marriage, fitness, faith, grief, setbacks, and what has helped her keep going when life felt heavy.This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply encouraging if you're building in the middle of real life and want to create something that lasts.Resources:The Vories Team WebsiteCheck out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Ever feel like you’re doing everything for everyone else and still ending the day depleted? We’ve been there. In this episode, we’re digging into the energy traps that quietly drain leaders before full burnout ever shows up.We talk about why leadership starts on the inside, and why protecting your energy is not selfish, it’s strategic. We break down five common traps: over-scheduling your life, confusing productivity with effectiveness, falling off your commitments and refusing to restart, carrying emotional weight that isn’t yours, and waiting until burnout to finally pay attention. Along the way, we share real stories about packed calendars, perfectionism, decision fatigue, and the invisible labor so many women leaders carry every day.We also leave you with four powerful reflection questions to help you assess what’s draining you before your business, your health, or your relationships force you to. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, stuck in busyness, or like your tank is always running low, this conversation will help you spot the patterns and start leading with more intention. Come back next week for part two, where we’ll share the simple non-negotiables that help protect your energy moving forward.Resources:Read The ONE ThingCheck out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

What if the thing holding you back isn’t your business… but doing life alone?In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, we sit down with Charlotte Johnson—top-producing real estate agent, entrepreneur, and one of the most resilient women we know. Her story is one you won’t forget. From a childhood marked by instability and trauma to building multiple successful careers, Charlotte shares what it really took to survive and ultimately thrive.We talk about the hidden loneliness that can come with success, why strong leaders often struggle to be vulnerable, and how finding the right room can completely change your trajectory. Charlotte also shares the mindset shifts that helped her heal, grow, and finally allow others in.If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite belong in the next room—but know you need to walk in anyway—this episode is for you.Tune in, and then share this with someone who needs to hear it.Resources:Charlotte Johnson's WebsiteCheck out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Ever feel like everyone around you is chasing the next quick win while you're trying to build something that lasts? In a world obsessed with viral moments and overnight success, it can feel like playing the long game is outdated or even impossible.In this episode, we unpack why the long game is still the most powerful strategy for building a business, wealth, and a meaningful life. We define what “playing the long game” actually means and why it often feels boring, lonely, or even like you're going backward before the results show up. From building a referral-based business and growing wealth slowly, to parenting, friendships, health, and legacy, we explore how consistent actions compound over time.We also talk about the hidden signs you're actually winning the long game, even when it doesn't look impressive on the outside. Think fewer flashy decisions, more intentional choices, and the confidence to stay the course when others chase shiny objects.If you're in a season where the results haven't caught up to the effort yet, this conversation will remind you why consistency still wins. And stay tuned—next week we’ll share the seven tactics to use when you're tired of playing the long game.Resources:Check out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.Any text or materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) should be reviewed for accuracy and reliability as there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies.

Scaling sounds exciting. More revenue, more impact, more visibility. But what if growing too fast could actually break what you’ve already built?In this kickoff to our Scaling Series, we slow it down before we speed it up. We share the five essential questions every leader must ask before expanding into new markets, hiring more people, or chasing bigger numbers. Because growth magnifies everything. It multiplies strong systems—and it multiplies chaos.We walk through the hard-earned lessons behind these questions: Are you scaling systems or scaling stress? Why do you really want to grow—ego or impact? Do you have the right people owning outcomes, not just tasks? Is your client experience worth multiplying? And most importantly, is your life aligned with the scale you’re asking for?We share candid stories of expansion wins, expensive mistakes, and the personal cost of growth done wrong. If you’re serious about building a big business and an even bigger life, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and scale on purpose.Time-block space to journal these five questions. Your future self will thank you.Resources:The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay PapasanRead: Remarkable!: Engaging Culture. Superior Service. Outrageous Results Tony Robbins & Alex Hormozi interview Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Great people don’t leave great businesses by accident. In this conversation, we dig into what actually keeps strong relationships thriving over the long haul and where leaders unintentionally push good people out the door.We talk candidly about what it really takes to go the distance with your team, starting with self-awareness as a leader and extending into hiring, compensation, onboarding, and retention. We break down why knowing your own strengths and gaps matters more than any personality assessment you hand to someone else, how slowing down the hiring process builds trust early, and why clarity in the first 30, 60, and 90 days can change everything.We also unpack the role money plays in retention, from common compensation mistakes to structuring bonuses people can actually influence. Finally, we explore how relationships, recognition systems, and future vision keep people engaged and growing alongside you.If you’re tired of constant turnover or ready to build a team that grows with you over time, this episode will give you practical steps you can put to work immediately.Resources:Learn more about DISC personality assessmentsCheck out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

AI is already here, and the real difference is not who is using it, but who is using it with intention. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on how we are actually using AI inside our businesses to create clarity, save time, and generate more opportunities without adding more work.We walk through four practical prompts we use every week to sharpen our messaging, practice better conversations, eliminate decision fatigue, and communicate at scale with confidence. These are not theoretical ideas. They are simple, repeatable prompts that help us sound like our smartest selves on our best days.Here are the four prompts we reference in the episode:Prompt 1: Competitive Advantage[Insert your team’s name] is a real estate team that specializes in helping families buy and sell homes across multiple markets. One of our top competitors is [insert competitor’s name] who we frequently go head to head with for listings in the [insert region name] region. Our target audience is move-up sellers. They're homeowners who are selling their first home in order to purchase their second larger or more permanent home. They're often juggling equity concerns, emotional attachment, timing and uncertainty about market conditions. Based on what you know about [insert your team’s name] and our competitor, what messaging or features might be making the competitor more attractive to move up sellers right now? Please only use things that are facts and don't make something up. What are the top three to five reasons our ideal client might call them before calling us? What specific changes should we make to our website messaging, visuals, calls to action, or value propositions to resonate more clearly with move up sellers and better differentiate ourselves? Use psychological triggers and emotional decision-making cues in your recommendations.Bonus Prompt for Generating More Business:Give me five marketing messages that speak directly to the fears and goals of move-up sellers, specifically targeting those who are unsure whether now is the right time to sell their first home and upgrade, include emotional appeal, trust-building language, and urgency.Prompt 2: Role Play Partner You are an expert real estate sales trainer. Your task is to roleplay realistic real estate sale scenarios to help real estate agents improve their communication, discovery, objection handling, closing and rapport building skills. At the completion of the roleplay, provide the user feedback. You will play the role of a buyer, seller, landlord, prospect, etc. Before starting the roleplay, ask the user the following clarifying questions to set the scenario properly:Question 1: What specific role would you like me to play?Question 2: What is your primary objective for this role play?Question 3: Are there specific objections you'd like me to raise during this conversation? Question 4: Would you like me to simulate a particular personality type?Question 5: Any specific challenges you'd like to practice?Once the user confirms, begin the roleplay naturally as the selected character making the interaction realistic and challenging while aligned to the user’s goals.Prompt 3: Social Media ContentBased on what you know about [insert your team’s name], create a content rhythm across the social media platforms of LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Include a simple 90-day repeatable outline of content that will be used across all platforms but only created once, that is needed weekly, with a sample of most searched for real estate topics centered on selling your home. I cannot post more than three times a week. I like to provide a lot of factual content, so please don't make up any facts. If you wish you knew something, then leave me a blank to fill in. Be concise but funny. And the outcome I want from the readers or consumers is to have people respond and engage in asking questions about their home's value.Prompt 4: Lead Re-EngagementAct as a seller-focused cold lead conversion expert in real estate. Act as a top 1 % real estate agent strategist who specializes in converting cold buyer leads. I want 20 re-engagement messages that I can use over various mediums like direct message and email. These should trigger replies first and build trust and urgency and confidence in my team. Assume that the market is slower, the buyers are hesitant, and we will win through strategy and negotiation expertise. Keep it punchy and real.For context, these are homeowners who have expressed interest in selling but paused due to uncertainty, pricing, concerns, and market hesitation. They're cautious, analytical, and afraid of making the wrong move, and they've stopped responding in the last eight weeks. Write messages to reengage these sellers and position our team as the safest, smartest choice to guide their home sale. Emphasize pricing strategy, risk management, and marketing realism. Address hesitation without pressure. Use authority, calm, confidence, and clarity. Avoid over-promising or hype. Please no emojis or cliches. No salesy language. And one question max per message.Resources:Prompt CowboyJulie Holmes Books on AI in BusinessJoin Her Best Life. Where Women Come to Build Big BusinessesConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.WARNING! You must comply with the TCPA and any other federal, state or local laws, including for B2B calls and texts. Never call or text a number on any Do Not Call list, and do not use an autodialer or artificial voice or prerecorded messages without proper consent. Contact your attorney to ensure your compliance.Any text or materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) should be reviewed for accuracy and reliability as there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. The use of generative AI is subject to limitations, including the availability and quality of the training data used to train the AI model used. Users should exercise caution and independently verify any information or output generated by the AI system utilized and should apply their own judgment and critical thinking when interpreting and utilizing the outputs of generative AI.

Ever set big money goals and then wonder why nothing really changes? We’ve all been there. In this episode, we kick off a two-part series on the rhythm of accountability around money, and why consistent money meetings at home and in your business are the difference between hoping and actually building wealth.We talk about why wealthy people don’t wing it, they track it, and how attention plus intention changes everything. From weekly budget check-ins and monthly net worth meetings at home, to cash flow reviews, P&Ls, and sales pipeline health in your business, we walk through the real conversations that keep money neutral, strategic, and working for you. We also dig into why money is emotional, how systems reduce friction with partners and teams, and how small, regular check-ins prevent those “gradually then suddenly” moments.If you want your money to stop running on autopilot and start fueling your long-term vision, this is where it starts. Press play, take notes, and come back next week for the full breakdown of how to run each meeting.Resources:The Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselJoin Her Best Life. Where Women Come to Build Big Businesses. Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Ever look up and realize the bar has quietly dropped—then wonder how you fix it without crushing morale? We’ve been there, and in this episode, we walk through a simple, repeatable reset that brings standards back with clarity, care, and real ownership.We’re breaking down a five-step framework Sarah implemented in real time after noticing a massive performance gap across locations—same headcount, wildly different results. We talk about why the standard is only as high as the least-accountable person on the team, and why the first move is to own it as leaders (no blame, no drama). From there, we revisit the standard and the “why,” lead with care (because accountability is a gift), and invite people to recommit—or opt out—so everyone’s aligned going forward. Finally, we circle back with compassion to reinforce that this isn’t punishment, it’s partnership.We also share the personal standards we’re resetting for 2026—from in-person meetings, to lead gen blocks, to consistent 411s, to protecting creative input—so you can choose what you’re recommitting to next.Resources:Join Her Best Life. Where Women Come to Build Big Businesses. Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Ever had a moment where someone casually says something—and it completely cracks open what you believed was possible? That’s exactly where today’s episode begins. We’re talking about the surprising, perspective-shifting stories that helped each of us realize: “I didn’t know I could do that.”We talk about the rules we thought we had to follow, the expectations we carried from childhood, and the “joy moments” that led us to start designing lives we truly wanted. From month-long family travel and year-long worldschooling, to taking sabbaticals, reclaiming weekends, planning multigenerational trips, starting hobbies now instead of “someday,” and gifting our kids meaningful coming-of-age challenges—each story shows how one permission slip can reshape everything. We also talk about smaller breakthroughs that matter just as much, like taking a weekly day off in real estate, surprising your kids after school, or carving out intentional space during seasons of caregiving.This episode is an invitation: What are the things you’ve always wanted to do but assumed you couldn’t? And what happens when you stop saying “I can’t” and start asking “How could I?” Building a big business matters—but the bigger life you create along the way is what you’ll remember most.Resources:Her Best LifeEmpire CircleConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

If your listings are sitting—and the market feels slower than ever—you’re not alone. This week, we’re diving into a strategy that has helped Sarah’s team move hundreds of listings even in a real estate recession: the Online Broker’s Open. It’s a simple, scalable twist on an old-school tactic that gives sellers the feedback they need, restores trust, and gets homes sold.We break down exactly how to host your first Online Broker’s Open, whether you’re a solo agent or part of a large team. You’ll learn how to gather top agents on a Zoom call, what to review first (spoiler: it’s photos), and how to evaluate if your remarks actually spark emotion—or if they’re just generic filler. We also walk through how to analyze showing data, identify price problems, and present those findings to a seller in a way that strengthens your value and moves them toward the right decision.If your listings need momentum, this strategy gives you leverage, collaboration, and clarity—all in under an hour. The best part? You can implement it this week.Resources:Check out Her Best Life: https://www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle: https://www.herbestlife.com/empirecircleConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.A Broker’s Open is solely used to receive feedback from agents concerning the marketing of specific listed properties and how the listing agent might make the listings more attractive to other agents and their buyer clients. No information is disclosed or discussed about knowledge of properties soon to be listed, commissions, business plans, or other non-public aspects of an agent’s business.

Ever find yourself running from one task to another---dropping off packages, managing carpools, juggling emails---and wondering, "When did I become my own assistant?" In this episode, Wendy Papasan and Kymber Lovett-Menkiti dive deep into the exact moment you know it's time to hire a personal assistant and how doing so can transform your business…and your life.We explore what "buying back your time" really means, how to calculate your hourly rate so you can focus on the work that truly matters, and why hiring help isn't a luxury---it's leverage. You'll learn how to identify your signs of burnout, what qualities to look for in the right assistant (from ownership mindset to tech confidence), and practical ways to set them up for success---from defining 90 days to success to creating daily check-ins and clear rhythms of communication.If you've ever struggled to let go of control or wondered if you can really afford help, this conversation will help you see that you can't afford not to. Empire builders don't do everything---they design systems and surround themselves with people who make it all possible.Resources:Check out Her Best LifeLearn more about Empire CircleConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.