EXECUTIVE AGNT MAGAZINE - LOS ANGELES JUNE 2019

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

INSIDE FEATURES: Daniela M. Gutierrez Assett Escrow

Norb Kohler My Home Group

Danielle Ocker-Rivas Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

TM

banking done different

We Open the Door to Your Clients’ Success As one of Southern California’s leading direct lenders, Kinecta streamlines the purchase process, and our competitive line of products is designed to meet the needs of your buyers.

Jumbo Loans

• Up to 50% DTI • Portfolio lending

Government Programs • FHA Lender • VA Loans

Portfolio Investment Property Program

• 30-year amortization, due in 15 years • Customized and competitive pricing without Fannie Mae standard loan level pricing adjustments

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)1 • Interest-only payment first 10 years • No fees up to $250,000

Partner with the Experts - Contact me.

Eric Kari Mortgage Loan Consultant cell: 310.418.5641 | tel: 310.529.5981 NMLS# 1010087 eric.kari@kinecta.org kinecta.org/ekari

Membership requirements apply. NMLS (Nationwide Mortgage Lending Service) ID: 407870. Information in this flyer is intended for Real Estate and Mortgage Professionals only and not intended for consumer use as defined by Section 1026.2 of Regulation Z, which implements the Truth-In-Lending Act. Any expressed underwriting guidelines are subject to change without notice and are subject to Kinecta Federal Credit Union guidelines and all applicable federal and state rules and regulations.

1 Minimum credit line is $20,000. Maximum credit line is $500,000. 10-year draw period followed by a 20-year repayment period. Homeowner’s property insurance is required. Flood insurance may be required. Credit line together with any other mortgage(s) cannot exceed 85% of the property value on 1-unit owner-occupied properties. Non-owner occupied properties are not eligible. Line of credit requests over $250,000 require appraisal. Applicable appraisal fees may vary and range between $450-$650. Consult your tax advisor regarding deductibility of interest and charges. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to credit approval.

23023SB-04/19

EXECUTIVE AGENT OF THE MONTH

Eileen Rivera The Rivera Group - GE Dean & Associates

19

17

Inside Features

12

4

06

26

Daniela M. Gutierrez

Norb Kohler

Danielle Ocker-Rivas

Assett Escrow

My Home Group

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

LOS ANGELES COUNTY - JUNE, 2019

Editorials

E XECUTIVE AGENT

TM

MAGAZINE

Ahhh! 6 Ways to Get Better WorkLife Balance -Admin

14

Fred Arrias Executive Publisher PO Box 73384 San Clemente, CA 92673 Ph: (949) 297-8323 Fax: (949) 266-8757 Fred@ExecutiveAgentMagazine.com www.ExecutiveAgentMagazine.com

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX What Makes a Leader?

-Travis Bradberry

City of Hope....................................................34 Fairway Independent Mortgage.......................16

24

Finance of America Mortgage........................36 iPhotography Studio...............................................23 Kinecta Federal Credit Union.................................2

If You Want to Change Your Results, You Have to Change Your Thinking First -Tony Jeary

loanDepot®...............................................................11 NAHREP..................................................................30

28

SRAR.................................................................................10

The Termite Guy......................................................3 VAREP............................................................................31

3 Things I’m Doing to Find My Own Definition of Success -Mary Sauer

32

Positive Thinking -Zig Ziglar

08 ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Photography: iPhotography Studio, Michelle Fairless Photography, Rob Paino Graphic Designer: Garon T. Arrias Editorial Manager: Trudy Van Writers: Ben Angel, John Boe, Haley Freeman, Jim Rohn, Walter Sanford, Dirk Zeller, Zig Ziglar Craig Harrison, Simma Lieberman, Chris Widener © Copyright 2019 Executive Agent Magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Executive Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

5

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

TM

Norb Kohler Written by H. K. Wilson

S

o who is Norb? Norb Kohler is the managing partner of The Laughton Team at My Home Group in Orange County, a dynamic boutique real estate company that recently disrupted the local real estate market.

Nationally recognized Realtors® George and Jennifer Laughton established The Laughton Team at My Home Group in Arizona, where they have become the number one agents in the region. Their innovative, people-centric business model has ensured the success of agents and clients alike, and now that same award-winning service is available to OC residents and to enterprising Realtors® who are looking to up their real estate game like never before.

According to Norb, the most important things in life are not things at all, but people. And to him, real estate is about more than helping his neighbors buy or sell a house, it’s about building relationships that last a lifetime. His philosophy fit perfectly with that of a company whose core beliefs entail that “complete honesty builds strong client relationships, excellent service and unwavering care creates client advocates, and total competence exceeds client expectations.”

“The Laughtons are quality professionals who genuinely care for people,” Norb says. “Along with their managing partner in Arizona, Justin Baker, they

inculcate a sense of family and community involvement in their business model. The mentors in my life have helped me understand that world revolves around genuinely caring for people and engaging them on a personal level. In the business of real estate, I see that as a top priority.”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

A native of Ontario, Canada, Norb grew up in a family of artisans who designed and built custom interiors for high-end restaurants and hotels. He began life as an apprentice who became proficient in drafting, design and estimating. But life called him to become a pastor, a work he dedicated himself to for 30 years. Throughout his years of service, Norb and his wife bought and rehabbed a number of properties to augment their income. After resettling in California several years ago, Norb was working on a house and had an epiphany. “I realized I was leaving money on the table. I decided to get my real estate license. I learned about The Laughton Team and had to find out what made them so successful.”

Today, Norb is recreating the same elements for success in the OC marketplace. He explains, “We run a lean, efficient brokerage that excels in supporting teams. We’re looking for self-motivated business owners who want to double or triple their gross income. We provide a platform to do business up front with the tools to generate multiple, quality leads. We then provide the training to execute on that pipeline.

Our goal is to give each agent everything that is required to run a healthy and sustainable business.”

Seasoned agents can accelerate their businesses by creating teams, with support that makes growth manageable. Entry-level agents have a chance to acquire education and mentorship in a positive environment. Since all splits are paid at the end of a transaction, newer agents can focus on growing their businesses without crushing overhead.

As a leader, Norb’s caring and inspirational nature comes through. He describes himself as a visionary thinker who is motivated by helping others achieve their goals. “I’m not the greatest at details. I think my greatest strength is seeing the capacity that people have. My goal is bring on quality people and then grow their business with them.”

In real estate, Norb enjoys building authentic relationships and being of service by helping people achieve one of their greatest life accomplishments — the American Dream of home ownership. He often meets clients at Brot Coffee Co., a coffee house owned and operated by Adrian & Natalie (his son-inlaw and daughter). “I spend a lot of time with clients there. I love the idea that my life is interwoven with my kids and embracing that community feeling that we’re all in this together. It flows into an authentic community through coffee culture, loving people and caring for them wherever they are in their life space.”

On the subject of family, Norb is quick to share about how much he loves his two grandchildren, Sophie and Willa. Their photo is his cell phone screensaver, and he often points to their picture when explaining his “why” to clients and colleagues.

Whether you are a potential buyer or seller of property in Orange County, or a real estate professional who is looking for a place to flourish, Norb is someone who is both able and eager to help make your goals a reality. He says, “By creating great relationships, we can cause a win-win for everybody, and have a lot of fun doing it.”

Norb Kohler My Home Group – The Laughton Team 420 Exchange, Ste. 270 Irvine, CA 92602 Tel: 714.600.4061 Email: norbkohler@icloud.com Web: www.theorangecountyhomesearch.com DRE # 01988364

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

8

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Positive Thinking

J

ust what can positive thinking do? To be candid, some people have given positive thinking a bad name.

I can’t stand to hear some gung-ho individual say that with positive thinking you can just do “anything.” If you think about that one for a moment, you recognize the absurdity of it. As a ridiculous example, I’m a positive thinker, but I could never slam-dunk a basketball or perform major surgery - or even minor surgery - on anyone and expect that person to survive. Nate Newton, the 300-plus pound lineman for the Dallas Cowboys is positive, optimistic and outgoing but he’d be a complete failure as a jockey or a ballet dancer.

It’s safe to say that positive thinking won’t let you do “anything.” However, it is even safer to say that positive thinking will let you do “everything” better than negative thinking will. Positive thinking will let you use the ability which you have, and that is awesome. It works this way.

You can walk into a dark room, flip on the switch and immediately the room is lighted. Flipping the switch did not generate the electricity; it released the electricity which

had been stored. Positive thinking works that way - it releases the abilities which you have.

The student who hasn’t studied and prepared for the test won’t be helped by “thinking positively.” However, positive thinking will help the student who has studied and prepared by “releasing” the stored knowledge when the questions are asked. To express it in a different way, knowledge breeds confidence; confidence breeds enthusiasm; and enthusiasm is an important key to being and doing more with your life.

Buy the positive approach to life and I will SEE YOU AT THE TOP! Zig Ziglar is a beloved author and America’s motivator.

He is the author of 25 books and offers training and consulting to organizations all across the globe. To learn more about Zig and his business visit his website at www. ziglar.com.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

9

UPCOMING EVENTS & CLASSES FOR MEMBERS •

June 6, 2019 Contracts Class Taught

by Jeff Kahn

•

July 17, 2019 Duane Gomer 45 Hour Continuing Education Course

•

June 11, 2019 SRAR REALTOR® Expo

•

•

June 20, 2019 Lunch and Learn: How To Deal With Unpermitted Construction

July 18, 2019 Lunch and Learn: Topic TBD

•

July 24, 2019 Overview of Commercial Real Estate Analysis

•

June 26, 2019 Tax & Legal Impact on Commercial Real Estate

Visit www.SRAR.com for More Information On All Events & Classes!

Text “WHATSUP” to 313-131 for Alerts on SRAR Events

SRAR REALTOR® EXPO *JUNE 11, 2019*

9:00 AM - 2:30 PM THE ODYSSEY | FREE FOR MEMBERS

SOUTHLAND REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® “The Voice of the San Fernando & Santa Clarita Valley” Your REALTOR® Association Bringing Benefits & Services to Members. www.SRAR.com | 7232 Balboa Blvd. Lake Balboa, CA, 91406 | 818-786-2110

THE FUTURE OF LENDING meets

THE FUTURE OF REAL ESTATE HOW IT WORKS

loanDepot aggregates digital inquiries, pre-qualifies buyers and works with our sister company, mellohome to match them with local real estate agents!

1

2

3

4

BORROWER(S)

LOAN CONSULTANT

CONCIERGE

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Borrower(s) complete an online inquiry and connects with Loan Consultant.

loanDepot Loan Consultant establishes relationship, gathers info, pre-qualifies the client and continues to work with the borrower until they are ready to begin their home search.

Borrower is referred to mellohome concierge team member to be matched with an expert local real estate agent.

Top local real estate agent connects with borrower and begins helping them find the home of their dreams.

Contact me to learn about what mellohome can do for you! loanDepot.com, LLC (NMLS# 174457, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) and mellohome (Texas brokerage license #9006745) are sister companies. (021919 178856)

RICHARD HEDRICK

NMLS# 1059650 Branch Manager (909) 912-7835 office (714) 400-2753 cell 3281 E Guasti Rd, Suite 550 Ontario, CA 91761 rhedrick@loanDepot.com www.loanDepot.com/rhedrick

ONTARIO BRANCH

RIVERSIDE BRANCH

TEMECULA BRANCH

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO BRANCH

(909) 912-7810 3281 E Guasti Rd, Suite 550 Ontario, CA 91761

(951) 375-4800 41607 Margarita Rd, Suite 101 Temecula, CA 92591

loanDepot.com, LLC NMLS ID 174457. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act CRMLA 4131040.

(909) 912-7835 21804 Cactus Avenue, Suite 102 Riverside, CA 92518

(949) 799-3050 30448 Rancho Viejo Rd, Suite 250 San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

TM

Daniela M. Gutierrez An Asset to Your Real Estate Transaction Written by H. K. Wilson

G

enerations of families in Redlands and throughout Southern California have trusted Perrie Mundy and the Perrie Mundy Realty Group with their most precious financial investment — their home. In 2018, Perrie expanded her ability

to deliver comprehensive real estate services by opening Assett Escrow, a non-independent broker escrow company.

Consistent with her practice of seeking excellence in all things real estate, Perrie sought out some of the industry’s finest talent to help carry out her vision. As a result, she chose Daniela Gutierrez to help design the foundations of Assett Escrow and continue on as one of the company’s escrow officers.

Daniela’s interest in real estate began in high school, where she enrolled in a career program that introduced her to the industry. She started her professional journey working as a mortgage loan processor, then as a real estate transaction coordinator, finally moving to escrow in 2005. Once in the escrow environment, Daniela quickly realized she had found her niche. She says, “This is what I’ve chosen to do since I was very young, and I see myself in this career for many years.”

Daniela’s love of numbers, rigorous attention to detail and outstanding communication skills contribute to her reputation as a trusted partner in a real estate transaction. Her enthusiasm for helping all parties achieve a successful closing is evident in the way she engages with people and in the results she creates. “To me, it’s very exciting to deal with the day in, day out details of a transaction. In escrow, we have a unique opportunity to see both the buyer’s and seller’s side of things, and I enjoy being of service to both parties. I actually enjoy paperwork and making sure everything is in place so the transaction can close on time. ”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Where many people shy from challenges, Daniela is eager to work with her team to craft solutions. “I get very excited when I see liens or something that is troubling someone’s life. Most transactions are very smooth, but some require extra care. The most challenging transactions we do are usually land deals. In any transaction, I am committed to finding an answer and creating a happy result at the end.”

With more than a decade of experience in escrow, Daniela has the knowledge to foresee and resolve issues quickly. “It’s important to everyone involved to have a fast response and address concerns in a timely manner. I usually know what is needed ahead of time and request it even before it becomes a condition on the lender side or agent side. We coordinate to make sure if lenders know there will be an issue of delay, we can tackle it early and all get to the closing date on time.”

Daniela puts the principals in a transaction at ease by always being available to help with their concerns.

“Buyers and sellers like being able to speak with a live person and get answers to their questions. They can call me anytime and I will answer or get back to them right away.”

Daniela spends most of her time outside of real estate with her 5-year-old daughter. “Weekends are precious to me. She’s my hobby at this point. We are very active going to hiking trails, the beach, the lake — whatever activities get her outside.”

Over the course of her career, Daniela has overseen successful closings of escrow in commercial, investor, land and residential home transactions. She says that working at Assett Escrow, where her primary focus is on personal real estate transactions, is her favorite part of her career so far. “I love helping people get through this transition as smoothly as possible. I want them to know that I am here as a problem solver, and they are in good hands.”

Daniela M. Gutierrez Escrow Officer Assett Escrow A Non-Independent Broker Escrow Company 214 E. Olive Ave. Redlands, CA 92373 Tel: 909.266.0232 Email: Daniela@Asset-Escrow.Com

As an affiliate of the Perrie Mundy Realty Group, Daniela says she appreciates being part of an award-winning real estate organization where she is well-supported professionally and respected for her expertise. “This is an environment where there is already a lot of pressure, and it’s nice to be backed up by people who are professional and knowledgeable.

Everybody here is doing what they’re supposed to do for the best interests of clients, and it feels good to be part of it.”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Ahhh! 6 Ways to Get Better Work-Life Balance

1. Manage yourself.

Sufficiently managing oneself can be challenging, particularly in getting proper sleep, exercise and nutrition. Self-management is the recognition that effectively using the spaces in our lives is vital.

Energy and time are finite resources. Be the captain of your own ship: No one is coming to steer for you.

4. Manage change.

In our fast-paced world, change is virtually the only constant. Continually adopting new habits and adapting old ones is vital to a successful career and a happy home life, so that the volume and rate of change does not overwhelm or defeat you.

2. Manage your time.

Time management is enhanced by creating appropriate goals and discerning what is both important and urgent.

5. Manage technology.

Technology has always been with us, since the first walking stick, spear, flint and wheel. Often you have no choice but to keep up with the technological “Joneses”; still, you rule technology—don’t let it rule you.

3. Manage your stress.

More people, more noise and more distractions require each of us to become more adept at maintaining tranquility. Multitasking increases our stress, while focusing on one thing at a time decreases stress.

6. Manage leisure.

Leisure management acknowledges the importance of rest and relaxation. Time off is a vital component of maintaining balance.

14

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

15

More Educated, More Motivated, More Confident Home Buying (714) 350-7014 Team@MarcBuiTeam.com

Cover Story

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

THE RIVERA GROUP GE Dean & Associates Written by H. K. Wilson - Ian Wiant Photographer

J

ust about everyone who is successful in their chosen profession will tell you that success begins with loving what you do. That is certainly the case for Eileen Rivera, founder of The Rivera Group and real estate boutique G.E. Dean & Associates in Long Beach.

For nearly 40 years, Eileen has called Long Beach her home, and she is intrinsically bound to the community as a wife, mother, homeowner, business leader and social activist. Her proximity to the community sets Eileen apart as a real estate professional because her sense of connection with her neighbors inspires an integrity far greater than that of someone who simply sells houses for a living.

Eileen loves her home, and she loves welcoming new residents to this vibrant community.

After building The Rivera Group under the banner of

some of the largest real estate brands in the region, Eileen decided it was time to step out and create her own independent brand, one that would allow her to fully express her client-first business philosophy. She and her team have ranked among the top three Realtors® in Long Beach for the past five consecutive years, and she says her boutique advantage springs from a focus on serving rather than selling. “We’re always clear about who is number one in a transaction — the client,” she explains. “What I expect from my team is to serve the consumer. I think of us as consultants. If we are working with a seller, we know the data, take the opportunity to explain it, and then take action to protect their equity. On the buyer side, we recognize that a home is one of life’s biggest investments. Real estate is an important part of a family’s financial health, and we take our role in that very seriously.”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Eileen’s collaborative team includes five more licensed agents, a personal assistant, a sales manager, a listing coordinator and a college intern. This diverse group of individuals are all local residents, and each brings a unique perspective on varying aspects of the Long Beach community. “Everybody on my team went through Long Beach schools and has deep roots in the community. It gives us so much credibility when we are able to talk to someone who is looking for a home here and understand exactly what neighborhoods will offer their ideal lifestyle. I believe a team always outperforms an individual.

I want to do the work of five people, but I can’t, and my team ensures that our clients don’t sacrifice anything.”

Her company may be small, but the scope of Eileen’s service stands up to any of her corporate rivals. Her ever-adapting approach to real estate includes the latest technological tools, cutting-edge marketing strategies and access to the finest educational resources available. Eileen combines the very latest advances with tried-and-true busi-

ness methods to create unparalleled results. “I believe that in a world and industry where there is so much disruption, the old becomes new. Caring about people, and knowing a community and being passionate about it is old. But not at my office. When people walk through our door, they find we’re as equipped as the ‘big boys,’ but they can’t compete with our passion and commitment to clients. There are so many mom and pop businesses all over Long Beach, and there is a reason they succeed. People come to them for quality and consistency, and we strive for that.”

Eileen’s office is located in the heart of Bixby Knolls, a historic Long Beach enclave known for its diverse architecture and warm community spirit. Bixby Knolls is also Eileen’s home community and the place where she focuses much of her real estate practice. “I love my home.

One of my favorite things to do is be at home. I don’t have the fanciest house in the community, but it’s where we raised our four daughters, and now my husband and I live there with our rescue puppy, Yogi.”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Loving Home With more than 20 years of industry experience, Eileen is also a speaker and trainer for the nation’s number one real estate coach, Tom Ferry, and she is sought after as a presenter for other recognized organizations. Eileen’s public persona extends to television, as she and her team have been featured on several HGTV programs. As an authority on all things real estate, Eileen’s expertise extends beyond the bounds of her local community to national markets. This New York City native maintains a bi-coastal point of view that is progressive and savvy, and Eileen’s personal network is often instrumental in helping her clients achieve the results they are seeking.

Eileen explains, “Because of my affiliation with Tom, I talk regularly with agents on the East and West coasts. It gives me different perspectives and a powerful network I can tap into. When someone is moving from other markets into Southern California, I can help. Or when one of my clients here is moving to another market, I can help them pick the right agent. Recently, I helped a client interview three agents on Skype. I think it’s a real value-add for clients.”

With an impressive 225, five-out-of-five client reviews on Zillow and counting, Eileen’s reputation for excellence inspires her clients to return every time they buy or sell real

estate. One client said: “Eileen Rivera’s extreme knowledge and masterful skills as a real estate professional were on full display with every detail in the process of selling our home. She took control of the whole sale from staging, to pulling community and outside-the-area focus to the premier open house, and following through on the buyer’s requests so that the house remained sold. I highly recommend that anyone that is contemplating selling their home contact Eileen first. She and her very dynamic team work tirelessly, are always in communication, always professional and cheerful, and they take care of every single detail. By the way, our home sold during the premier open house weekend!”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Eileen also demonstrates her care as a supporter of community organizations and social causes, including the Long Beach Library Foundation and For the Child, an organization committed to building healthy lives for children and families, free of abuse, neglect and violence.

passion for her work. “I love the community and diversity of Long Beach. We have diversity of everything, from architecture, to home prices, to the kinds of people who make their homes here. No matter who you are, you can find your spot here. I sell real estate all over Southern California, but my greatest joy is doing it in this community.�

Eileen’s love of home comes through authentically in her ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Eileen Rivera

The Rivera Group – GE Dean & Associates 1150 San Antonio Dr., Long Beach, CA 90807 Tel: 562.989.1997 – 562.349.0800 Email: Eileen@riverareg.com Web: www.riverareg.com - DRE # 01208517 ExecutiveAgent Magazine

What Makes a Leader?

Written by Travis Bradberry

W

hat makes someone a leader?

It’s such a simple question, and yet it continues to vex some of the best thinkers in business.

We’ve written several books on leadership, and yet it’s a rare thing to actually pause to define leadership.

Let’s start with what leadership is not…

Leadership has nothing to do with seniority or one’s position in the hierarchy of a company.

Too many talk about a company’s leadership referring to the senior most executives in the organization.

They are just that, senior executives. Leadership doesn’t automatically happen when you reach a certain pay grade. Hopefully you find it there, but there are no guarantees.

Leadership isn’t management.

This is the big one. Leadership and management are not synonymous. You have 15 people in your downline and P&L responsibility? Good for you, hopefully you are a good manager. Good management is needed. Managers need to plan, measure, monitor, coordinate, solve, hire, fire and so many other things.

Managers spend most of their time managing things.

Leaders lead people.

So, again, what makes a leader?

Let’s see how some of the most respected business thinkers of our time define leadership, and let’s consider what’s wrong with their definitions…

Leadership has nothing to do with titles.

Similar to the point above, just because you have a C-level title doesn’t automatically make you a “leader.” We often stress the fact that you don’t need a title to lead. You can be a leader in your workplace, your neighborhood or your family, all without having a title.

Leadership has nothing to do with personal attributes.

Say the word “leader” and most people think of a domineering, take-charge, charismatic individual.

People often think of icons from history like General 24

Patton or President Lincoln. But leadership isn’t an adjective. We don’t need to be extroverted or charismatic to practice leadership. And those with charisma don’t automatically lead.

Peter Drucker: “The only definition of a leader is someone who has followers.”

Really? This instance of tautology is so simplistic as to be dangerous. A new Army captain is put in the command of 200 soldiers. He never leaves his room or utters a word to the men and women in his unit.

Perhaps routine orders are given through a subordinate. By default, his troops have to “follow” orders, but is the captain really a leader? Commander yes, leader no. Drucker is of course a brilliant thinker, but his definition is too simple.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Warren Bennis: “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”

Every spring you have a vision for a garden, and with lots of work carrots, and tomatoes become a reality. Are you a leader? No, you’re a gardener.

Bennis’ definition seems to have forgotten “others.”

Bill Gates: “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”

This definition includes “others” and empowerment is a good thing. But to what end? We’ve seen many empowered “others” in life, from rioting hooligans to Google workers who were so misaligned with the rest of the company they found themselves unemployed.

Gates’ definition lacks goals and vision.

John Maxwell: “Leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less.”

We like minimalism but this reduction is too much.

A robber with a gun has “influence” over his victim. A manager has the power to fire team members, which provides a lot of influence. But does this influence make a robber or a manager a leader? Maxwell’s definition omits the source of influence.

Notice the key elements of this definition: • Leadership stems from social influence, not authority or power.

• Leadership requires others, and that implies they don’t need to be “direct reports.”

• No mention of personality traits, attributes or even a title; there are many styles, many paths to effective leadership.

• It includes a greater good, not influence with no intended outcome.

Leadership is a mindset in action. So don’t wait for the title. Leadership isn’t something that anyone can give you—you have to earn it and claim it for yourself.

Dr. Travis Bradberry is the award-winning co-author of the #1 best-selling book, Emotional Intelligence 2.0, and the co-founder of TalentSmart, the world’s leading provider of emotional intelligence tests and training, serving more than 75% of Fortune 500 companies. His best-selling books have been translated into 25 languages and are available in more than 150 countries. Dr. Bradberry is a top LinkedIn Influencer and he has written for, or been covered by, Newsweek, BusinessWeek, Fortune, Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The Harvard Business Review.

So what is leadership?

DEFINITION: Leadership is a process of social influence which maximizes the efforts of others toward the achievement of a greater good.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

25

E XECUTIVE AGENT

TM

MAGAZINE

Danielle Ocker-Rivas Helping Your Family Make The Right Move Written by H. K. Wilson

Continuing a legacy of service through real estate, this team’s slogan is “Let Our Family Help Your Family Make the Next Move.”

Danielle embraces her heritage with pride and gives her all to ensuring that her clients’ expectations of service are fully realized. “Our clients are building their wealth with us, and we need to be trustworthy, accountable and honest. All that is based on communication and strong listening skills. We want people to know we are really invested in them and their future, and that we’re here to help them build wealth continuously through ongoing generations.”

onnection, caring and community have long been a way of life for Danielle Ocker-Rivas, Realtor® at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties and member of Team Karen and Debbie.

Danielle describes Karen as the “face and rainmaker” of the team and Debbie as the “negotiator and problem solver.” She says, “Clients see us as a united front in terms of getting the job done with the best outcome.

Together, we have a lot of knowledge, and in addition to our communication and attention to detail, I feel our greatest strengths come back to serving. It’s about pausing and listening, seeing what clients really need. We take the time to slow down a bit and build a relationship. That’s what sets us apart from our peers.”

Growing up in Upland, volunteerism was a family tradition. Danielle earned her bachelor’s degree in fashion and marketing from Woodbury University, and parlayed her skills into a successful first career in customer relationship management with Penske, Nordstrom and Target. After relocating to Orange County, Danielle decided to join her mother, Karen Ocker, and Karen’s longtime business partner, Debbie Browne, in real estate. This was a perfect forum for Danielle to express her deeply rooted care for people alongside her considerable marketing and client service abilities.

With 65 years of combined real estate experience, this team of professionals holds the prestigious Residential Real Estate Council (RCC) designation, one that requires rigorous training and is only held by three percent of Realtors® nationwide. Through their network of other CRS Realtors® and the outstanding professionals at Berkshire Hathaway, this team is able to serve clients wherever they go, connecting them with well-qualified agents in other states who have the same level of expertise. This is important, since many of their clients are relocating outside of California or purchasing second homes elsewhere.

C

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

“Our client base is made up of a lot of baby boomers, so we’re helping them transition into their next homes, their parents’ homes, and many of their children are buying their first homes. We love being part of that multigenerational experience, and as a multigenerational team, we have the perspective to understand exactly what they are experiencing at each of their milestones.”

A client who recently sold her home with Danielle expressed her feelings about the experience on Zillow. She wrote: “Danielle was extremely professional, eager to help, timely and prompt, and in all ways made the sale of our first home seamless and stress-free. She was always available and quick to respond to our many questions. Additionally, she assisted in helping find our new home and in all ways made a big life event seem easy. We would highly recommend her services to anyone!”

Community service remains an important part of Danielle’s life outside of real estate, as well. She is an enthusiastic supporter of Women Helping Women (WHW), an organization that assists clients who are returning to the workforce with wardrobe selection, computer classes, and work placement. Danielle’s grandfather started the vol-

unteer fire department in his home town on Long Island, and she has several family members who are first responders. In keeping with that tradition, she and her husband, Erick, are members of their local Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT) and are neighborhood captains ready to jump into action during a disaster.

Danielle and her team think of real estate as something greater than just business as usual.

Working with them is an invitation to belong to a special community. “No matter who you are, once you work with us, you become part of our family.

We stand by that. All of our vendors are also familyrun businesses. We enjoy the people we work with, and to us family is forever.”

Danielle Ocker-Rivas Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 10750 Civic Center Dr. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 Tel: 909.908.2445 Email: Danielle@karenanddebbie.com Web: http://www.karenanddebbie.com DRE # 01961052

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

If You Want to Change Your Results, You Have to Change Your Thinking First

28

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

M

y team and I constantly ask ourselves, “How do we make the biggest impact on helping our clients get the results they want faster?” The powerful answer is for us to help change people’s limited thinking or help them adjust their standards or habits to support their goals. So we encourage clients to nurture thought-provoking relationships and opportunities, thus creating more thought-provoking results. Big returns come from thinking smart.

Here’s a simple assessment that will trigger thought and action. Rate yourself 1 to 10 on each question below (1 is low; 10 is high). Then take a few minutes to write down what actions you want to change in response to your answers.

1. How is my life working out?

4. How’s my health (weight, overall wellness, selfesteem, stress levels, etc.)?

5. How effectively am I feeding my mind? (How many books have I read in the last six months? What do I wish to become? Am I studying productively?)

6. How do I rate my lifestyle (my satisfaction with activities such as travel, exploring, attending fun events, etc.)?

7. Where is my income in comparison to where I want it to be?

8. How often do I give back to others?

9. How is my goal-setting? How satisfied am I with how my goals have manifested in my life?

2. How’s my daily attitude; how happy am I? Written by Tony Jeary 3. How are my relationships with my family, friends, co-workers, coaches and mentors?

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

29

The 2019 State of Hispanic Wealth Report found that Latinos have experienced four consecutive years of homeownership growth, three straight years of income growth, and the lowest poverty rate since estimates were first published by the U.S. Census Bureau in 1972. Share the stats and download the report today!

Download the report at

hispanicwealthproject.org/annual-report

HELPING MILITARY & VETERAN

FAMILIES REALIZE THE

AMERICAN DREAM! 2,600 + VETERANS

EDUCATED ABOUT HOMEOWNERSHIP

1,500 + FAMILIES

WHO WE ARE Established in 2011, the USA Homeownership Foundation, Inc. DBA Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to increasing sustainable homeownership, financial-literacy education, VA loan awareness, and economic opportunity for the active-military and veteran communities.

WERE HELPED THROUGH VAREP CARES

750 VETERANS PLACED IN HOMES THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS

UPCOMING LOCAL VAREP EVENT VAREP Orange County - Golf Tournament September 14, 2018 Tustin Ranch Golf Course 12442 Tustin Ranch Rd, Tustin, CA 92782

66 HOUSING SUMMITS TO EMPOWER VETERAN HOMEOWNERSHIP

WHO CAN JOIN? Any individual regardless if you have served or not. VAREP and its members represent and work within all sectors of the real estate, housing and financial services industries...

WE WANT YOU!

VAREP San Bernardino - Veterans Housing Summit Saturday · September 22, 2018 Check In 8:00AM Event 9:00AM - 2:00PM Ontario Chamber Of Commerce Education Training Room 3200 Inland Empire Blvd., Ste 130 Ontario, CA 91764 VAREP San Diego - Golf Tournament September 26, 2018 Riverwalk Golf Club 1150 Fashion Valley Road · San Diego CA 92108 View the full VAREP Events Calendar at:

https://varep.net/eventsfront/advocacy

info@VAREP.net | w w w .VAR EP. n e t | 951-444-7363 VAREP IS A 501.C.3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE. USA HOMEOWNERSHIP DBA VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS TAX ID: 45-2458485

3 Things I’m Doing to Find My Own Definition of Success Written by Mary Sauer

F

or as long as I can remember, I have been a fairly ambitious person. As a young child, I kept journals filled with ideas about what my future should look like. From dream jobs to where I would live, I’ve always had a good idea about what I wanted to accomplish in the years that followed. As I’ve grown older, starting a family and a career, I’ve experienced something I didn’t expect—I’m tired of chasing success.

Here’s the problem, for a couple years now, it has felt like I am always falling short. I’ve been frustrated that I’m always a couple steps behind where I expected I would be at any given moment. More maddening, perhaps, is that it’s been a while since I felt I was truly giving my all to accomplishing what I set out to do. There’s this version of myself, characterized by avoidance and self-sabotage, that has been winning out more often than I care to admit.

It wasn’t until recently that I realized what was motivating my resistance to moving forward. Was it just that I suddenly got lazy? I don’t think so. Instead, I believe the underlying issue is that I’ve adopted a version of success that’s a poor fit.

Finding our own definition of success is important to living a fulfilled life. I think for a lot of millennials, it has been more difficult to connect with what success means because of the amount of outside opinions we’re exposed to at any given time. In an age of business coaches, gurus and

32

social media influencers, it feels harder than ever to decide for yourself what a life well-lived looks like.

For me, this realization meant coming to terms with the fact that I was no longer emotionally connected with the success I was working so hard to achieve. It was a lightbulb moment for me, to step back and see that I had adopted another person’s definition of success, down to an income goal and work lifestyle they shared online, and it fit like a shoe three sizes too big. Correcting this mistake by redefining my version of success hasn’t been an overnight change, but there a few things I’ve learned that have helped me break free of the pressure to model my success after that of others.

1. I’m taking a break from the noise.

I think that career coaching has a time and place for professionals, but it isn’t for me at this specific point in my life. Involving myself in masterminds and courses has taught me a lot, but it has also created a lot of pressure to set goals for success that match up with the status quo.

So, at least for now, I’m taking a break from all the noise.

I unenrolled from one course, left a few networking groups and simply stopped logging into another course I plan to finish once my mind is in a better place. I even went as far as unfollowing some influencers on social media, because I found I was really sensitive to talk of income goals and lifestyle achievements and the pressure to keep up.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

2. I’m practicing self-awareness.

Gladys Rodriguez, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist, advises that self-awareness plays an important role in creating an individualized definition of success.

“Start connecting with your feelings,” she says.

“Practice breathing deeply and in silence to connect with that inner voice that will tell you what you need and what you want.”

For me, this has practically looked like spending a lot of the time I was investing in coaching and mastermind groups on reflection. I’ve done a lot of journaling, exploring my desires for the future. This intense time of self-awareness has allowed me to connect with a more holistic view of success. While I was once fairly committed to a singular goal of achievement as a writer, I’ve become more aware of how important it is to define success for all areas of my life—including my family life, my health and having fun.

3. I’m celebrating how far I’ve come.

Lastly, and most importantly, it became clear that the habit I had developed of constantly sizing myself up against the success of others had to stop.

that has found detrimental effects of using social media as a benchmark for determining your own success.

Instead, I’m trying to replace these thoughts of comparison with small celebrations of how far I’ve come. In the past, I haven’t done a great job at making a big deal about my achievements simply because they felt like nothing more than small steps in the grand scheme of things. Now? I’m sharing with friends, writing it down in my journal, or treating myself to a glass of wine when I’ve reached a new milestone in my personal and professional life.

“Instead of looking for what you don’t have or what you are missing, begin noticing the steps you have taken to achieve what you have, the talents you have cultivated, the milestones you have achieved,” says Rodriguez.

“Nothing is too small.”

Ultimately, this time of redefining success has been an exercise in being more present in my life, instead of spending too much time worrying about the future of my career or wondering what I could have done differently in the past. It’s been a refreshing chance to slow down and acknowledge that, at this moment, I’m experiencing success that it isn’t a milestone in the distant future.

“Stop looking at social media to determine what you are supposed to do, when, or what success means,” advises Rodriguez, pointing out that there is plenty of research

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

33

Our bone marrow transplant reunion is now standing room only.

Each year, City of Hope invites bone marrow transplant recipients and their families to attend the “Celebration of Life” event. It’s a joyous time during which survivors of blood cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma embrace their health, their life and each other. It began more than 35 years ago when City of Hope created what is now one of the largest and most successful bone marrow transplant programs in the world. In fact, we’ve completed over 11,000 transplants and, according to national reports, our outcomes are among the best in the nation. The goal of curing cancer isn’t just something we work at. It’s what we live for.

If you have cancer, make us your first call. Or ask your doctor for a referral. We accept most insurance.

800-826-HOPE

COH-0726_BMT_Hem_fp_4c_ExecAgt.indd 1

WE LIVE TO CURE CANCER. Science saving lives. cityofhope.org/bmt

11/25/13 6:02 PM

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

SEARCHING FOR OUR NEXT

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE

TO NOMINATE? Submit Nominations to: info@eamag.net Tel: 949.297.8323

TM

ORANGE COUNTY BRANCH 320 Commerce | Suite 100 | Irvine, CA 92602

Build a partnership with a direct lender that offers exceptional service.

John J. Reed

Eric Miller

(949) 398-3655

(562) 682-0746

Branch Manager NMLS-391165

Branch Manager NMLS-869516

Mark Martinez

Rick Bui

Alan Cipolletti

Sales Leader

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(949) 398-3666

(714) 305-2400

(949) 394-1757

NMLS-302745

Valerie Dawson Senior Mortgage Advisor NMLS-1552910

(949) 398-3650

NMLS-309803

Hanh Duong

NMLS-653005

Karina Flint

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(714) 689-9834

(949) 903-3370

NMLS-352080

Mario Pierce

NMLS-1736332

Momi Pointer

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(714) 689-9846

(949) 769-7633

NMLS-491911

NMLS-272816

Julie Colangelo

Georgie Corona

Ryan Dabich

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(949) 769-7625

(949) 769-7600

(909) 282-4506

NMLS-234887

Therese Franklin

NMLS-245260

John Kramer

NMLS-1659500

Lynn Nelson

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(949) 398-3647

(714) 689-9830

(714) 412-8608

NMLS-1151840

NMLS-282232

NMLS-653022

Patricia Redfern-Wright

Thomas Testerman Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

NMLS-483924

(949) 769-7582

(714) 521-0039

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(714) 329-8620

NMLS-435148

Jim Thiel NMLS-907893

We offer in-house agent marketing support providing the following services: POSTCARDS | FLYERS | VIDEO | PHOTOGRAPHY Š2019 Finance of America Mortgage LLC is licensed nationwide | | NMLS ID #1071 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 300 Welsh Road, Building 5, Horsham, PA 19044 | (800) 355-5626 | AZ Mortgage Banker License #0910184 | Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act | Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #15499 | Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee | Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company | Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance | Licensed Mortgage Banker -- NYS Banking Department | Rhode Island Licensed Lender.