EXECUTIVE AGENT MAGAZINE-N. ORANGE COUNTY JUNE 2019

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

TM

Philip Kang Executive Agent of the Month

INSIDE FEATURES: Tayt Ianni Kinecta Federal Credit Union

Norb Kohler My Home Group

Danielle Ocker-Rivas Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

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.

EXECUTIVE AGENT OF THE MONTH

Philip Kang COMPASS

21

17

Inside Features

12

4

06

26

Tayt Ianni

Norb Kohler

Danielle Ocker-Rivas

Kinecta Federal Credit Union

My Home Group

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

N. ORANGE 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 Finance of America Mortgage...........................2

24

Kinecta Federal Credit Union...............................11 Michelle Fairless Photography..............................23 NAHREP..................................................................30 PWAOR.............................................................................10

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

The Termite Guy......................................................3 Ticor Title Company...................................................36

28

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

32

VAREP............................................................................31

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.

Positive Thinking -Zig Ziglar

08 ExecutiveAgent Magazine

5

E XECUTIVE AGENT

TM

MAGAZINE

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

9TH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT TAX ID: 03-0511249

9TH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

THURSDAY

JUNE 20 TUSTIN RANCH GOLF CLUB 12442 Tustin Ranch Rd, Tustin, CA

SHOTGUN START AT 9 AM

$179

PER PLAYER INCLUDES:

• Green Fee • Cart Fee • Range Balls

• Lunch • Longest Drive Contest • Awards Mixer

SIGN UP AT WWW.PWR.NET/GOLF To Sponsor or Donate an Auction Item, please email lalainec@pwr.net

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 us.

Andy DeLuca Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant cell: 949.291.7189 NMLS# 440903 adeluca2@kinecta.org kinecta.org/adeluca

Chae “Jake” Kim Mortgage Loan Consultant cell: 714.679.3710 NMLS# 346847 chae.kim@kinecta.org kinecta.org/ckim

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

E XECUTIVE AGENT

TM

MAGAZINE

Written by H. K. Wilson

Tayt Ianni

W

hen Mortgage Loan Consultant and Construction Loan Specialist, Tayt Ianni, joined Kinecta Federal Credit Union in Newport Beach this year, he did so because he saw a company that values relationships as much as he does.

Tayt says, “I am excited to be here. I’ve done business with Kinecta over the years and always liked how they treated people. They do banking differently and are dedicated to serving their members. Because they’ve been in the South Bay area for 80 years, they have trusting relationships with their communities.”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Tayt, with 20-plus years of industry experience, is a California native who grew up in Lodi, where he proved himself a talented athlete. He won a National Championship playing soccer at UCLA and went on to play soccer overseas and in the first two seasons of Major League Soccer in the U.S. “The owner of the last team I played for also owned a mortgage company. With my soccer career trailing off, I was excited to try something new. I began working at the mortgage company and saw how loan consultants changed people’s lives by helping them purchase homes.

That is how I transitioned to the mortgage business.”

A broker who owned his own mortgage company for 13 years, Tayt is a well-rounded lending professional who has worked successfully with a broad spectrum of clients through dynamic market conditions. “I love earning trust and helping people with what is, for most, their largest investment - their home.”

While Tayt has spent much of his career helping people find the right loan products for home purchase or refinance, he also has experience working with construction loans.

“I especially enjoy construction loans because it’s not a 30- or 45-day process. It generally goes on much longer, and it’s an opportunity to really build a relationship with my client.”

Kinecta’s boutique jumbo construction loan product is something Tayt is eager for the real estate community to know about. “This product is unique in the market. We lend based on an appraisal of future value post construction, loan amounts up to $4 million, on an owner-occupied property. We also provide construction loans for second homes. This is a one-time, construction-to-perm loan with a single appraisal. We use a construction management company here in California to oversee the draw process.

Borrowers lock in their interest rate up front and pay interest only during construction. Upon completion, the loan automatically converts into a permanent loan with both interest and principal.”

homebuyers, helping them to design their dream home in a market where it may not be currently available or improve a home for greater investment value. “This is a way people can get into the neighborhood they want and then make it the perfect house. Or maybe they’ve found the perfect lot and always wanted to build. Either way, we can bring a lot of value in terms of the mechanics of how a construction loan works.”

Beyond the jumbo construction loan, real estate agents can find a diverse set of loan products at Kinecta, including conventional, government, and equity loans. It’s a onestop-shop with an experienced group of mortgage experts.

Tayt enjoys serving his neighbors in the community where he and his family live, work and play. Tayt and his wife, Nicole, have been married for 23 years and have three children. Soccer has long been a family pastime, along with time at the beach. Tayt and Nicole are sports boosters for their local high school and regularly support several community service organizations, including Lighthouse Outreach Ministries in Costa Mesa that serves meals to the homeless, KidWorks, and Young Life. “Service is very important to our family, and this is the first time I’ve worked for an organization as involved in the community as Kinecta. Their values are in synch with my own.”

With service at the heart of the organization, Kinecta is the ideal professional home for Tayt. “I’m passionate about serving people, whether they are first-time buyers, a homeowner looking to refinance and consolidate debt, or someone who needs help walking through the construction process. I know I’m in good company at Kinecta.”

Tayt Ianni NMLS ID 310914 Kinecta Federal Credit Union Tel: 949.689.8639 Email: tayt.ianni@kinecta.org Web: kinecta.org/tianni

This portfolio loan product is designed especially for the unique needs of the California market. It provides Realtors® with an opportunity to work creatively with 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.

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

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

Nomination Form Nominate a fellow REALTORÂŽ to be featured in one of our feature stories; on the cover as Executive Agent of the Month, or as a special feature story. All candidates must be nominated by a real estate professional. The selection process includes a questionnaire, personal interview, reference check and final approval by the Advisory Council. Candidates are evaluated based upon professionalism, length of service and uniqueness of story, as well as industry and community involvement.

I Nominate: Name_______________________________ Company___________________________ Address____________________________ _____________________________________ City, State, Zip_____________________ _____________________________________ Phone______________________________ Email_______________________________ Submitted By: Fax/Email nomination to: Executive Agent Magazine PO Box 73384 San Clemente, CA 92673 Fax: 949.266.8757 Email: Fred@ExecutiveAgentMagazine.com Tel: 949.297.8323

Name_______________________________ Company___________________________ Phone______________________________ Email_______________________________

TM

Cover Story

Philip Kang Executive Agent of the Month

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Philip Kang Written by H. K. Wilson

W

hen Philip Kang founded his top-producing real estate team, Kang & Associates, he had a vision of providing clients with value beyond the simple mechanics of a real estate transaction. He saw an opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor, one who offers in-depth insights and resources that bring buyers and sellers the maximum return on their real estate investments.

In order to deliver fully on his vision, Philip partnered with Compass in 2019, a boutique real estate company that is moving beyond the traditional real estate model and setting new standards of excellence for the industry. This innovative firm has distinguished itself in elite markets

from coast to coast by engaging the industry’s top talent and leveraging new technologies to deliver a uniform and seamless real estate experience.

“We came here because we felt Compass was aligned with our vision,” Philip explains. “With over a billion dollars in capital, this company can provide agents and clients with resources that put us far ahead in delivering value.

Compass recruits software engineers and graphic designers from top agencies all over the world to support their clients and their brand. When clients see our marketing collateral and websites, without even understanding the marketing vehicle behind the scenes, they know that it’s top notch. It is already helping us win over more clients.”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Philip is an Orange County native who went on to military service after high school, serving two years in Korea and a deployment to Iraq as an infantry team leader. An entrepreneur since the ninth grade, Philip long had an interest in e-commerce, and after his military service, he worked as a web developer. He became a loan officer in 2006 and a licensed agent in 2009. His background in technology and marketing have been instrumental in propelling his business forward and creating unparalleled results for clients.

As a complement to the outstanding team of in-house transaction and marketing specialists at Compass, Philip has assembled a group of standout professionals who are equally committed to delivering service and value to clients. “Jocelyn Jauregui was the first agent who joined

me when I had need for a buyers agent. She still fills the role and does an incredible job at it. Jocelyn received her B.A. in Business Administration from Whittier College and is passionate about helping her clients achieve their real estate goals.”

“Sharon Chai and I have been good friends for many years. She started as an admin and transitioned to sales.

Sharon has a PR background and worked for major firms in Washington D.C. She has been instrumental in getting the team and our listings more media exposure.”

“I met John Lee at a Tom Ferry event, and he was a natural fit with our group. He saw areas where we were not tapping into our full potential, and he has been doing very well since he joined us.”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Providing the Highest Value in Real Estate Kang & Associates is taking a hyper-local approach to real estate aimed at Fullerton in North OC. From their office on Imperial Highway near Harbor Boulevard in the heart of Fullerton, they are providing residents with the most informed, up-to-date market information and strategies for the optimal purchase and sale of the area’s real property.

“There are several reasons why we think this is crucial,” Philip says. “Realtors® are either going to be highly relationship-based, focusing on adding value for the consumer, or someone who offers minimal service with discounts.

Consumers are basically looking for value on one end of the spectrum or the other. They have the choice of the discount broker model where they’re paying less fees, or choosing someone who does more for what they’re already paying.

We are positioning ourselves as the latter, and our local

expertise is an important component in creating that value.”

The team’s local expertise allows them to fully utilize the groundbreaking Compass Concierge program. “If someone is selling and they need interior or exterior cosmetic improvements, this program allows them to get the work done using vendors they feel comfortable with and pay the money back at closing. It’s a huge value add, since they don’t have to take a lot less for a home by selling it ‘as is.’ Spending $15,000 on cosmetic improvements could bring as much as $100,000 more at the time of sale.

With our understanding of the local market, we know what kinds of improvements will drive a higher sales price, and we have great vendors we work with. Unless you know precisely the different nuances and comps from one neighborhood to another, you can’t advise someone confidently about making that kind of investment.”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Philip and his team go above and beyond to help sellers get the most for their property. They are bold about pushing the listing price and then doing what it takes to help their client attain it. “I always approach it as if I were selling my own house. I want to help my clients net as much as they can when listing.”

Adding value also means bringing resources that clients can’t readily find for themselves online. “When we represent buyers, we make sure their choices are not just limited to what comes on the MLS. I’m big on networking to stay ahead of the curve and see what’s coming to market. We also door knock and send mailers to neighborhoods our clients want to live in. Everyone can use an app to find homes that hit market these days. Our clients appreciate our proactive approach to finding what they want.”

Philip and his wife, Cynthia, live in Fullerton with their Corgi, Journey. “My parents are also local. My dad is a small business owner, and I really care about helping our local businesses, as well. I make it an emphasis to support business people who treat their clients the way I do. Our goal is to build deeper relationships in the community and do more

for our clients. We’re looking to reallocate the way we spend a portion of our budget to put more toward involvement with the community and be more impactful.”

According to Philip, his goal is to maximize value in every aspect of a real estate transaction. “We are keen on every detail. A home is most people’s biggest investment, and it matters how we package and sell that product.”

One client summed up his experience this way: “Philip Kang is the ultimate real estate agent. From the initial meeting to the closing of escrow, Philip proved to be highly experienced and knowledgeable in real estate. He began our relationship by defining his vision of how to present the property to get the maximum value possible. Philip strategically used social media and pulls all the stops in presenting the property in the absolute best light. All through the process, Philip made sure that we were comfortable with his action and seeks our approval at every step. He more than earned our trust, he deserved it. Our house sold at the amount Philip recommended and the escrow period was seamless. If you are thinking of selling your house, be sure to meet with Philip before you decide.”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Philip Kang Compass 251 E. Imperial Hwy., Ste. 411 Fullerton, CA 92835 Tel: 714.724.1841 Phil@KangAssociates.com www.KangAssociates.com DRE # 0186286 ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Head Shot Session 20 Minute Session Includes: Private Preview Gallery for you to choose your favorite photos 2 Fully Edited High Res Digital Downloads $150.00 South Orange County Only No refunds please Dates and locations based upon my availability

Home - Family - Head Shots - Real Estate Photography Events - Fashion - Boudoir Life Is About The People And The Moments That Take Your Breath Away

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

You too can tell us your story and be featured in a local issue of Executive Agent Magazine.

Cover and Feature story profiles Building wealth and visibility for real estate professionals and businesses alike Executive Agent Magazine, builds visibility for real estate professionals and associated businesses through original and thought provoking feature stories. Each issue showcases extraordinary real estate professionals who are breaking new ground and accomplishing exceptional goals in the local real estate industry.

For more information please contact:

Fred@ExecutiveAgentMagazine.com - 949.702.9577

TM

INTRODUCING

LiveLook Innovative Technology designed to give you 24/7 access to all of your transaction information!

Interactive Preliminary Title Report

What do I get with LiveLook Prelim?

• Escrow processing just got easier • Easy to read summary page including vesting, file number, form of policy and property type • Upload/Return documents through our SECURE Smart Portal • Exceptions are highlighted so the real estate professional knows what is sensitive on the file • Quick link to Documents, Property Taxes, Supplements, Water Rights, Easements, CC&R’s, Grant Deed, Deed of Trust and more • Quick Share feature allows recipients to send the LiveLook to others • Option to sign up for file updates • Provides access to Request CPL, Request Proposed Insured, Order Update and Blank Forms • Realtors can order Property Profiles and FARMS from the system

1500 Quail Street 3rd Floor • Newport Beach • CA 92660 Office phone: 714.289.3300 or 877.888.2842 ticoroc.com • ticortitleblog.com • ticorcommercial.com • ticorhospitality.com © 2018 Ticor Title Company