Edition September 2025
AMY PETERSON: TURNING GLASS INTO GOLD IN REAL ESTATE
Welcometothisspecialedition,EliteLeadersReshapingReal EstateSolutions2025,wherewespotlightprofessionals,whose journeysredefinewhatitmeanstoleadwithbothexpertiseand heart.
Inthisissue,wefeatureAmyPeterson,MinnesotaREALTOR® oftheYear(2022),whosetransitionfromengineeringandthe glassindustrytorealestateisapowerfulstoryofresilience, adaptability,andpurpose.Amy’sleadershipshinesnotonly throughheraward-winningcareerbutalsointhewayshe upliftsclients,mentor'speers,andadvocatesforfairhousing andcommunitygrowth.Herabilitytoblendtechnicalprecision withempathyhassetanewstandardinrealestateprovingthat successcomesfrombothknowledgeandhumanity.
AlongsideAmy’sstory,you’lldiscovernarrativesofother leadersshapingindustrieswithvision,service,andauthenticity. Together,theyremindusthattrueleadershipismeasurednot justinmilestonesachieved,butinthelivestransformedandthe futuresinspired.
Wehopethiseditionencouragesyoutoembracechange,lead withintegrity,andseeeverychallengeasanopportunityto createlastingimpact.
C ONTENT S T ABLE OF
08. 16. 24. 32. 40. 44.
Amy Peterson
Realtor| Instructor|Volunteer
Unlocking Success Through Networking: Creating Meaningful Connections
DR. MICHELLE ACORN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER NPAO
The Power of Purpose: How Corporate Values Fuel Employee Retention and Engagement
DREW HANEY Founder | Rooster Capital LLC
Redening Human Resources: How HR Leaders Are Shaping the Future of Work
AMY PETERSON
TURNING GLASS INTO GOLD
IN REAL ESTATE
REALTOR | INSTRUCTOR | VOLUNTEER
In every profession, there are defining qualities that set some people apart. For some, it’s sheer determination. For others, it’s technical expertise. But in real estate, the rarest strength comes from blending both precision and empathy. Few embody that balance better than Amy Peterson, a Minnesota REALTOR® whose journey from engineering and the glass industry to award-winning leadership in real estate proves that diverse experiences can build extraordinary careers.
With a track record that spans everything from complex short sales to guiding families through their first new build, Amy has not only earned the title of Minnesota REALTOR® of the Year (2022) but also the trust of countless clients and peers. Her story is one of embracing change, serving with integrity, and inspiring future leaders in the industry.
From Engineering to Real Estate
Transitioning from the world of engineering and the glass industry to real estate may seem like a leap, but for Amy, it was the perfect foundation. Years spent solving technical challenges taught her to listen deeply, communicate clearly, and approach every problem with logic and precision.
Those same skills now fuel her ability to understand clients’ needs, anticipate roadblocks, and guide them through lifechanging decisions with confidence. Her project management background ensures that nothing slips through the cracks, while her commitment to lifelong learning keeps her flexible in a fast-changing market.
What began as a career shift has since become a calling, one that allows her to blend sharp analytical skills with a deeply human touch.
GIVING BACK BEYOND TRANSACTIONS
Volunteering and committee work have become cornerstones ofAmy’s journey. To her, giving back isn’t optional; it's essential. Whether through local organizations or industry committees, she sees serviceasawaytoconnect,learn,andcontributetosomethinglargerthanherself.
Herlegacy,shehopes,willnotjustbemeasuredbytransactionsclosed,butbythelivesshe’stouched, thepeersshe’sencouraged,andthecommunitiesshe’sstrengthened.
EnergyfromEveryRole
BeyondbeingaREALTOR®,Amywearsmanyhats:speaker,volunteer,mentor,andadventurer.These rolesinfuseherprofessionallifewithfreshenergyandperspective.Theyremindherthatrealestateisn’t justaboutproperty;it’saboutpeople,transitions,andgrowth.
Everynewexperiencesheseeksoutsideherdailyworkhelpsherbringfreshinspiration,renewedfocus, andcreativesolutionsbacktoherclientsandcolleagues.
StayingOptimisticThroughMarketShifts
Evenwhentheheadlinespaintuncertainty,Amyremainssteady Why?Becausebehindeverystatistic arerealpeople,familiesrelocating,individualsdownsizing,orprofessionalsstartingfreshchapters.
She sees her role as cutting through the noise, helping clients make sense of what truly matters, and guiding them with facts, not fear. Optimism, for her, is not blind hope; it’s grounded confidence that transitionswillalwayscreateopportunities.
Conclusion
From engineering precision to real estate expertise, from award-winning recognition to heartfelt volunteering,AmyPeterson’sjourneyisatestamenttothepowerofblendingskillwithpurpose.
Her story shows us that success in real estate or in life isn’t about avoiding challenges, but about embracingthemwithempathy,knowledge,andresilience.
Asshecontinuestoguideclients,mentorpeers,andleadtheindustryforward,onethingiscertain:her legacy will be measured not just in homes sold, but in lives uplifted, communities strengthened, and futuresbuiltwithcare.
This photo is while volunteering at a Habitat For Humanity build site at The Heights in St. Paul earlier this year. This was the second time I volunteered at this job site this year.
WhyNetworkingMattersinToday'sWorld
Networkingisnotanewconcept;ithasexisted forcenturiesintheformofcommunity gatherings,guilds,andtradeassociations. However,intoday'sglobalizeddigitaleconomy,it hasbecomeevenmorecrucial.
1. AccesstoOpportunities:Manyjob openings,collaborations,andbusiness dealsnevermakeittopubliclistings. Theyarefilledthroughreferrals, introductions,orinsideconnections. Networkingprovidesaccesstothishidden jobandbusinessmarket.
2. KnowledgeandInsights:Byengaging withpeopleinyourindustryandbeyond, yougainaccesstodiverseperspectives, insiderknowledge,andtrendsthatmay notbereadilyavailableelsewhere.
3. PersonalBranding:Astrongnetwork canamplifyyourreputationand credibility.Whenpeopleknowyou,trust you,andassociateyouwithvalue,they aremorelikelytorecommendyoufor opportunities.
4. SupportandGuidance:Networking createsacommunityofmentors,peers, andcollaboratorswhocansupportyouin navigatingchallenges,brainstorming solutions,orsimplymotivatingyouto keepgoing.
5. Long-TermGrowth:Building relationshipstodaycanpayoffyearsdown theroad.Someoneyoumeetata conference,auniversityevent,oreven onlinecouldlaterbecomeabusiness partner,employer,orclient.
TheDifferentTypesofNetworking
Networkingisnotaone-size-fits-allactivity Dependingonyourgoals,youmayengagein differentformsofnetworking:
1. ProfessionalNetworking:Thisinvolves connectingwithcolleagues,industrypeers, andleadersforcareergrowth,mentorship, andbusinessopportunities.Platformslike LinkedInandindustryeventsarekeyspaces forthis.
2. SocialNetworking:Personalconnections withfriends,acquaintances,andcommunity groupscanalsoleadtoopportunities.Many successfulcollaborationsstartoutsideof formalsettings.
3. StrategicNetworking:Thisisintentional andgoal-orientednetworking,whereyou connectwithpeoplewhoalignwithyour long-termaspirationsandcanopendoors foryou.
4. InternalNetworking:Building connectionswithinyourownorganization isjustasimportant.Itcanhelpwith promotions,cross-department collaborations,andleadership opportunities.
CommonMythsAboutNetworking
Beforedivingintostrategies,it'simportantto addresssomemisconceptions:
● Myth1:Networkingisjustaboutasking forfavors.
Reality:Truenetworkingisaboutcreating mutuallybeneficialrelationships,notonesidedtransactions.
● Myth2:Youneedtobeextrovertedtobe goodatnetworking.
Reality:Introvertsoftenexcelat networkingbecausetheytendtobuild deeper,moremeaningfulconnections.
● Myth3:Networkingonlyhappensat events.
Reality:Networkingcanhappenanywhere, onsocialmedia,involunteergroups,at coffeeshops,orevenduringcasual conversations.
● Myth4:Networkingprovidesinstant results.
Reality:Networkingisalong-terminvestment. Sometimesittakesmonthsoryearsbeforea connectionpaysoff.
HowtoBuildConnectionsThatTrulyMatter
Nowthatwe'veestablishedwhynetworkingis powerful,let'sdiveintopracticalstrategiesfor buildingauthenticandlastingconnections.
1.StartwithaClearPurpose
Beforeattendinganeventorreachingoutto someone,defineyourgoals.Areyoulookingfora mentor,seekingcareeradvice,exploring partnerships,orsimplyexpandingyourcircle? Knowingyourpurposewillhelpguideyour interactions.
2.FocusonGiving,NotJustReceiving
Networkingisaboutvalueexchange.Offerhelp, shareresources,makeintroductions,orprovide insightsbeforeaskingforanythinginreturn. Peoplerememberthosewhocontribute.
3.BeGenuineandAuthentic
Don'tapproachnetworkingasasalespitch. Instead,focusonrealconversations,active listening,andshowingcuriosityaboutothers. Authenticitybuildstrust,whichisthefoundation oflastingrelationships.
4.MastertheArtoftheFollow-Up
Meetingsomeoneisjustthefirststep.A thoughtfulfollow-upmessage,expressing gratitude,continuingtheconversation,orsharing aresource,cementstheconnection.
5.
LeverageDigitalPlatforms
ToolslikeLinkedIn,Twitter,andindustry-specific communitiesareinvaluable.Shareyourexpertise, commentonothers'posts,andengageactivelyto stayvisibleandrelevant.
6.AttendEventsandConferencesStrategically
Insteadoftryingtomeeteveryone,aimtobuild qualityrelationshipswithafewindividuals. Researchattendees,preparequestions,and approachpeoplewithintention.
7.CultivateLong-TermRelationships
Stayintouchevenwhenyoudon'tneedanything. Celebratemilestones,checkinoccasionally,and nurturerelationshipsconsistently.
8.DiversifyYourNetwork
Connectbeyondyourimmediateindustry.Crossindustryrelationshipsoftensparkthemost innovativeideasandunexpectedopportunities.
Real-LifeExamplesofNetworkingPower
Toillustratethetrueimpactofnetworking,here areafewreal-worldstories:
● ReidHoffmanandLinkedIn:Hoffman, co-founderofLinkedIn,builthiscareeron theprinciplethat“yournetworkisyour networth.”HisconnectionswithSilicon Valleyentrepreneursandinvestors enabledLinkedIn'ssuccessandgrowth.
● OprahWinfrey:Beyondhertalent, Oprah'sabilitytobuildrelationshipswith influentialleaders,authors,andthinkers hasbeenkeytoherglobalinfluence.
● EverydayProfessionals:Ayoung graduateattendinganetworkingevent mightmeetsomeonewhorefersthemto
theirfirstjob.Afreelancermayfindtheir biggestclientthroughacasualconversation withafriend.
Theseexampleshighlightthatnetworking doesn'tjustbenefittheultra-famous;it'sa toolthatworksforeveryone.
TheRoleofEmotionalIntelligencein Networking
Successfulnetworkingisn'tabouthowmany peopleyouknow;it'sabouthowwellyou connectwiththem.Emotionalintelligence (EQ)playsamajorrolehere:
1. Self-Awareness–Knowingyour strengthsandweaknesseshelpsyou presentyourselfauthentically.
2. Empathy–Understandingothers' perspectivescreatesstrongerbonds.
3. ActiveListening–Payingattention andaskingthoughtfulquestions leavesalastingimpression.
4. Adaptability–Adjustingyour communicationstyledependingon thepersonorsituationenhances rapport.
Networking
intheDigitalAge
Withremotework,socialmedia,andvirtual eventsbecomingthenorm,networkinghas evolved:
● VirtualConferences&Webinars: Theseprovideopportunitiesto connectwithglobalprofessionals withoutgeographicalbarriers.
● OnlineCommunities:Slackgroups, LinkedIngroups,andnicheforums allowprofessionalstoconnect,share insights,andcollaborate.
● PersonalBrandingOnline:Posting thoughtleadershipcontentorshowcasing yourexpertisecanattractvaluable connections.
Thedigitalagehasmadenetworkingmore accessiblethanever,butitalsodemands consistencyandauthenticity.
OvercomingNetworkingChallenges
Manypeoplehesitatetonetworkduetofear, insecurity,orlackofexperience.Here'showto overcomecommonchallenges:
● FearofRejection:Remember,most peopleareopentogenuine conversations.Apoliteapproachisrarely ignored.
● NotKnowingWhattoSay:Preparea personalintroductionandafewopenendedquestions.
● TimeConstraints:Evendedicating10 minutesadaytoonlinenetworkingor oneeventamonthcanmakeadifference.
● ImposterSyndrome:Focusonwhatyou bringtothetableinsteadofcomparing yourselftoothers.
MeasuringtheSuccessofNetworking
Networkingisn'taboutcollectingthemost contacts;it'saboutqualityandimpact.Here's howyouknowyournetworkingiseffective:
● Youreceivereferrals,recommendations, orjobopportunitiesfromyournetwork.
● Youfeelsupportedandhavepeopleyou canturntoforadvice.
● Yourreputationwithinyourindustry growsthroughwordofmouth.
● Youactivelycontributevaluetoothers andarerecognizedforit.
Final Thoughts: Your Network is Your Net Worth
Networking is more than just a professional skill; it's a life skill. The relationships you build can open doors to opportunities you never imagined, provide guidance during challenges, and create collaborations that change your trajectory.
But the true power of networking lies not in quantity, but in quality. It's about building connections that matter, authentic relationships based on trust, value, and mutual growth.
As you move forward in your career or business, remember: every interaction is an opportunity. The person you meet today might be the key to your biggest breakthrough tomorrow. Invest in your network, nurture it, and let it become one of your greatest assets.
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, strong leadership is crucial for driving change and improving patient care. Dr. Michelle Acorn, CEO of the Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario (NPAO), stands at the forefront of this transformation. With over 35 years of experience in nursing, health systems, and leadership, she has been instrumental in advocating for the role of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and shaping the future of healthcare in Ontario.
Reflectingonherjourney,shefindsthe greatestfulfillmentinwitnessingthe tangibleimpactthatNPshaveonpatient lives.“Themostrewardingmomentsof mycareerhavebeenseeingNPsexpand accesstocareinunderservedareas, improveoutcomesforpatientswith chronicconditions,andmentorthenext generationofhealthcareprofessionals.”
HerleadershipatNPAOcontinuesto inspireanddrivemeaningfulchange, ensuringthatNPshavetherecognition, resources,andsupportneededtothrivein Ontario’shealthcaresystem.Asshelooks tothefuture,onethingisclear—Dr. MichelleAcorn’sdedicationto transforminghealthcarethroughNP leadershipremainsstrongerthanever.
LookingAhead:TheRoadtoaStronger HealthcareSystem
Withhealthcaredemandsincreasingand patientneedsbecomingmorecomplex,the roleofNPswillcontinuetoevolve.Dr. Acornremainscommittedtobreaking downbarriers,advocatingforexpanded NProles,andensuringthatOntario’s healthcaresystemcanfullyutilizeitsNP workforce.
“Thefutureofhealthcaredependson innovativesolutions,andNPsareacritical partofthatfuture.Withtherightpolicies, support,andfunding,wecanbuilda stronger,moreresilienthealthcaresystem thatbenefitsbothpatientsandhealthcare providers.”
Asshecontinuesherjourney,Dr Acorn remainsasteadfastadvocateforNP empowerment,healthcaretransformation, andpatient-centeredsolutionsthatwill shapethefutureofOntario’shealthcare landscape.
DREW HANEY
Thatphilosophycarriesovertoeveryfacetof Haney’sleadershipstyle.Insteadof micromanaging,heempowers.Insteadofchasing shinyobjects,heprays,pauses,andplaysthelong game.
Faith,Family,andFreedom—TheCultural Compass
Eveninadecentralized,remote-firstbusiness, Haneyfostersculturewithsurgicalprecisionand humanwarmth.
“Whetherit’stextingdaily,rememberingbirthdays, orprayingwithmypartners—thesearen’ttactics. They’revalues,”hesays.Hisleadershipphilosophy rejectstransactionalnormsinfavorof transformationalrelationships.“IfIwouldn’tbe friendswithsomeoneoutsideofwork,Idon’twant theminmybusinesslifeeither.”
Hiscalendaristightlystructured,histeamshighly accountable,andhisSaturdayssacred.“That’s familytime,”hesays.“Itrynottoevencheckmy phone.”
SCALING WITH SOUL: THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR HANEY AND ROOSTER CAPITAL
Lookingahead,Haneyenvisionsboldgrowth—expandingRoosterCapitalintolarger,eveninternational landdevelopmentprojects.Buttheheartbeatofhisvisionremainsunchanged.
“It’saboutbuildingsomethingthatoutlivesthedeals,”heshares.Hispodcast,TheOtherSideof Enough,exploresexactlythat:findingpurposebeyondsuccess,andredefiningwhat"enough"lookslike inbusinessandlife.
Haney’sleadershipisnolongeraboutbeingineveryroomormakingeverydecision.“It’sabouttrusting thepeopleI’vetrainedandinvestedin,”hesays.“IfIgettherelationshipright,everythingelseflows.”
WordstotheWise:AdviceforEntrepreneursandVeteransAlike
Whenaskedwhathe’dtellaspiringentrepreneursorveteranssteppingintotheprivatesector,Haney doesn’thesitate.
“Neverstoplearning,”hesays.“Becurious.Read,askquestions,andsurroundyourselfwithpeople outsideyourcomfortzone.Thinkaboutwhatkindoflifeyouwant10,20yearsfromnow—andreverse engineerit.Thejourneyisjustasimportantasthedestination.”
Inahigh-velocityindustry,DrewHaneyhasbuilthisempireontherarestofcurrencies:character.From ruralplotstohigh-stakesdeals,he’sprovingthatsuccessisn'taboutconqueringland—it'sabout cultivatingtrust.
REDEFINING HUMAN RES
HOW HR LEADERS ARE SHAPING
ESOURCES:
FUTURE OF WORK
• DrivingmeasurableROIfromHRinitiatives.
• Navigatingglobalcomplianceandcultural differences.
Forward-thinkingHRprofessionalsmust anticipatethesechallengesandinnovate solutions.
10.TheRoadAhead:HRastheHeartof Business
ThefutureofHRisnotaboutadministration,it’s abouttransformation.Companiesthatplace peopleatthecenteroftheirstrategywillthrivein thenewworldofwork.
HRwillincreasinglyfocuson:
• Human-CenteredDesign:Buildingpolicies andsystemsthatprioritizehumanneeds.
• PeopleAnalytics:Usingdatanotjustto measurebuttopredictandpreventissues.
• CultureasaCompetitiveAdvantage: Embeddingpurpose,trust,andcollaboration inorganizationalDNA.
Astechnologyadvances,HRwillremainthe heartbeatoforganizations,ensuringthatno matterhowdigitaltheworldbecomes,people remaintheultimatedifferentiator
Conclusion
HumanResourceshasentereditsgoldeneraof influence.Onceseenasaback-officefunction, HRisnowattheforefrontofbusiness transformation,drivingculture,strategy,and innovation.
TheHRleadersoftomorrowwillnotonly managetalentbutalsoshapetheway organizationsthink,act,andgrow.Byembracing technology,prioritizingpeople,andleadingwith empathy,HRprofessionalsareensuringthatthe futureofworkisnotjustaboutproductivity,but aboutpurpose,well-being,andprogress.
Edition September 2025