Despite the history of female professionals in the real estate industry, significant opportunities remain to accelerate the advancement of women as brokerage owners and industry leaders. That’s why four years ago, I helped found the Hella Institute to help women real estate leaders strengthen their individual and collective impact on the ERA network, the industry, and the communities they serve.
Inspired by the name of the Greek goddess of women and family, the Hera Institute helps members address the unique challenges of professional growth, including financial fitness, leadership development, and inclusion.
We meet several times a year for both live events and virtual workshops, during which we stay connected through real-time communication channels.
After almost 20 years with the brand, we can truly say that ERA Real Estate is family. We support each other to grow and succeed personally and professionally. We understand the importance of leveraging the power within the ERA brand to learn, build relationships, and be inspired by each other’s stories and journeys.
At our recent annual conference in Austin, Texas, we hosted a panel discussion highlighting the personal journeys of several Hella Society members. Passionately moderated by Senior Growth Consultant Melissa Sullivan, they shared stories of courage, resilience, and pivotal moments that shaped their leadership paths.
Here are some comments that left an impression on me.
Sunita Arora
Start
Sunita Arora, Broker President, ERA One Source Realty
I didn’t come into this industry with a blueprint or pre-built connections. I had to figure it out on my own and build my own path. That’s why I truly believe that you don’t need a perfect start to create something meaningful. All you need is the will to get started and the courage to take the first step and keep moving forward.
Ranelle Birmingham
make a change
Ranelle Birmingham, Broker Owner, ERA Sarver Real Estate, Inc.
When faced with a difficult decision, weigh the pros and cons and consider the pros and cons. But most importantly, consider whether the change is right for you, your company, and your agent.
If it’s appropriate, move forward and elevate your team. If not, have the courage to say no, even if others disagree or are disappointed in the decision. Even if the answer is no, it’s more important to make decisions with the mindset of creating an environment where you and those you work with can grow and thrive.
Investing in customer trust
Real estate is as much a people business as it is a home buying and selling business. By doing the ethically and professionally right thing and investing in others, you create trust that will sustain the support of your clients and agents for years to come.
Our clients make the market strong regardless of ups and downs and current economic conditions. Don’t let the market dictate your success. Determine your own success by building customer trust, staying educated, saving time, and leveraging tech-savvy tools. This allows you to win in any market.
Stephanie Bellanova
see yourself as a leader
Stephanie Bellanova, Broker Owner, ERA Central Realty Group
When I look back on my career, I can’t believe I was ready to quit. During this time, I held a variety of positions within the company and in my personal life, from manager and bookkeeper to marketing, training and sales, as well as being a mother to two boys. My mom and I, who were both working at the time, were ready to sell the company.
Things took a different path as we considered selling to our current partners. I was planning to give up. But when I met with Scott Lori to talk about acquiring me, he said, “You know what? “I’d buy you out if you really wanted to, but honestly, I’d rather be your partner.”
It gave me an unexpected impact and gave me the courage and inspiration to continue with him as my partner. As a leader, it’s important to remember that no matter how you’re feeling, you’re always leading the way and inspiring, even when you’re not feeling great. Seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes completely changes the way you think.
Remember your value as a leader
People pay more attention to tone, choice, and patience than big speeches. Model the behavior and set the norm, even if it’s something as small as answering a question calmly, showing up to work on a tough day, or being on time for your team. Your team internalizes and reproduces those cues, so your presence matters, even if you think it doesn’t.
When Scott Lohri offered me a partnership rather than an acquisition, it wasn’t just a business decision; it was an external affirmation of my worth and potential. External validation doesn’t erase difficulties, but it interrupts the negative self-narrative of “I can’t do this” and allows you to see options you’ve been ignoring.
Some ways to remind yourself of your value and impact:
Ask someone you trust how they perceive your strengths and influence. Create a “leadership ledger” that records small wins and moments when others relied on you. This is a concrete reminder when self-doubt increases. Invite partnership and shared ownership (mentors, co-leaders, advisors) so that responsibilities and perspectives are distributed.
melissa sullivan
enhance each other
Melissa Sullivan, ERA Real Estate Senior Growth Consultant
There is real power in uniting with women who openly share their stories and remind us of the importance of persevering through it all. Our Hella gathering empowers us through the strength that comes from shared stories, connections, and uplifting each other.
Events like this are completely consistent with the Hera Society’s mission. We take the knowledge and inspiration from our time together back to our companies, communities, and personal lives to improve those around us. I truly believe that when we push each other into a corner, there are no limits to what we can dream and do. Thank you to all the women who are leading with purpose and passion.
Lee Ann Roughton is National Vice President of Franchise Performance for ERA Real Estate.
