Advertise on podcast: Empowering Women in Real Estate® - The Podcast with Karen Cooper

What if the skills used in hostage negotiations could completely transform the way you navigate real estate? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, I'm joined by Marcella Oakley—real estate team leader, former SVU detective, and trained hostage negotiator turned negotiation coach. Marcella brings a perspective that most agents have never been taught … but desperately need. Because the truth is—real estate isn't just about contracts and transactions. It's about managing emotions, navigating high-stakes conversations, and guiding people through some of the most stressful moments of their lives. Inside this episode, we dive into:   Why real estate agents are actually crisis managers (and how to embrace that role) The concept of tactical (cognitive) empathy—and how it builds trust without burnout How "fighting" in negotiations often backfires (and what to do instead) The hidden cost of defensive communication between agents—and how it impacts your future deals Why trust—not pressure—is the foundation of successful negotiations How to slow down, ask better questions, and uncover the real story behind your clients' decisions The importance of having your own "team" to support you—personally and professionally Practical ways to protect your mindset and reduce stress in high-pressure situations Marcella also shares how these principles don't just improve your deals—they change how you experience your business. Less stress. More connection. Better outcomes for everyone involved. If you've ever felt the weight of difficult clients, tense negotiations, or the emotional toll of this industry … this episode will give you a completely new way to approach it. Plus, we're inviting you to go deeper—Marcella will be hosting a free live webinar for our Empowering Women in Real Estate® community, where she'll teach you exactly how to apply these techniques in your business. Use this link to register: https://bit.ly/EWREGrowthSession This is one of those conversations that will stay with you—and change the way you show up in every transaction moving forward.     Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

In this episode of Empowering Women in Real Estate® - The Podcast, I'm talking about something we do not discuss nearly enough in this industry: stress and anxiety. So many women in real estate are carrying the weight of constant pressure, nonstop availability, empty pipeline fears, overloaded schedules, burnout, and the emotional toll of trying to keep it all looking fine on the outside. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. In this conversation, I'm sharing some of my own very real experiences with stress and anxiety in business and life, how it shows up for me, and a few simple strategies that help me interrupt the spiral when it starts. From gratitude and prayer to getting outside, reducing caffeine, making a list, and creating better boundaries, this episode is an honest look at what it means to care for yourself while building and sustaining your business. This is an important conversation, and it is one we need to have more often.     Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

400 episodes … and it all comes down to one thing: consistency. In this milestone episode, I'm sharing the real lessons behind what it takes to keep showing up. Not just in podcasting, but in your business and your life. Because consistency isn't about adding more things to your already overcrowded plate, it's about doing the right things … over and over again. Inside this episode, I share 5 key principles that have helped me:   build a community of 41,000+ women in real estate create a consistent real estate sales business year after year stay committed, even when it would have been easier to stop We talk about:   why consistency creates momentum how to make it easier (not harder) and what to do if you've been stuck in an "on and off" cycle If you've ever struggled with consistency, this episode is for you.

How you start your morning can shape everything that follows. In this episode of Empowering Women in Real Estate® – The Podcast, I'm joined by bestselling author Jennifer Dukes Lee to talk about how creating intentional morning rituals can bring more peace, purpose, and joy into your day — even in the middle of a busy life and business. Jennifer shares the inspiration behind her new book How to Love Your Morning (releasing April 7th), and why she believes mornings are not about rigid routines or waking up at 4:30 AM. Instead, they are about creating meaningful rituals that help you begin your day grounded, intentional, and connected to what matters most. We talk about the difference between a routine and a ritual, how your identity shapes the way you approach mornings, and why even a few intentional minutes at the start of the day can change your mindset and energy. Jennifer also shares wisdom from interviewing 100 women across different seasons of life about what actually helps them start their day well. In this episode, we discuss: • Why mornings are so powerful — and why they matter for busy professionals • The difference between a morning routine and a morning ritual • Why you don't have to wake up early to become a "morning person" • How morning rituals can sustain you during stressful or caregiving seasons • The surprising impact of "revenge bedtime procrastination" on your mornings • Practical ideas from women in many stages of life for starting the day with intention If your mornings often feel rushed, reactive, or chaotic, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you begin your day — and how a few intentional moments can change everything. You can pre-order Jennifer's book here: https://amzn.to/4d169be You can connect with and follow Jennifer on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferdukeslee/     Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

We are nearing the end of the first quarter of the year—and whether business has felt busy or slow, this is the perfect moment to pause and take a look at what's actually happening in your business. In this episode, I walk you through a simple but powerful 1st Quarter Review process that will help you: • analyze your closed and pending transactions • identify the real sources of your business • evaluate your current pipeline and active opportunities • reflect on your biggest challenges and successes • determine whether you're on track to reach your goals for the year • choose a clear focus for the second quarter   This doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Block an hour, grab your numbers, and walk through the process with me. A quarterly review is one of the best ways to build a consistent, sustainable real estate business—because it helps you see what's working, what needs attention, and where your next opportunities are. This episode will give you the framework to do exactly that.   Also mentioned in this episode: Our Empowering Women in Real Estate® Monthly Meet-Ups across the country will be discussing the 1st Quarter Review throughout April. If you'd like to attend a meetup in your city, go to EmpoweringWomenInRealEstate.com and click on Monthly Meet Ups. If you'd like to join the virtual meetup hosted by me, you can register here: https://bit.ly/vmuregistration   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Imposter syndrome doesn't always show up as "I'm not good enough." Sometimes it shows up as overworking. Overtracking. Overthinking. Comparing. Second-guessing what's already working … and then rebuilding your business (or your identity) from scratch because someone else looks like they're winning harder. In this episode, I'm joined by Dani Hampton from The Real Dani Show for an honest conversation about how imposter syndrome and comparison feed each other — and why this can be especially costly for successful, high-capacity women in real estate. We talk about:   The "inspired to insecure" switch that happens when you scroll Why imposter syndrome doesn't go away just because you've been in the business longer How comparison can derail momentum (and profitability) in a business that already works Defining what a "win" looks like in this season of life The importance of grounding routines, faith, and coming back to who you really are If you've been feeling triggered by what you see online, questioning your value, or tempted to overhaul everything… this is your reminder: you don't need a new identity. You need a clearer connection to your own. Listen now to episode 397 of Empowering Women in Real Estate® - The Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

What happens when a 20-year real estate veteran says yes to mentoring a brand-new agent? In this episode, I sit down with Platinum Group team members Jodi Hooper and Val Ovalle to talk about a modern mentorship story that has transformed both of their businesses. Jodi has been licensed since 2005. After years of saying she might retire "soon," she found something she didn't know she needed — mentoring. Val joined our team in late August, received her license in September… and was our Top Producer by December — less than four months into her career. But this episode isn't about production numbers. It's about:   What new agents really need in their first 90 days Why mentorship is more than just contracts and compliance How experienced agents can build a path toward legacy with mentorship The power of collaboration over competition And why no one should try to do this business alone If you're a new agent wondering where to start… Or a seasoned agent wondering what's next… This conversation will give you perspective, possibility, and maybe even a new path forward. Listen now to episode 396 of Empowering Women in Real Estate® – The Podcast on your favorite podcast app.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

What if your next stream of real estate leads didn't come from cold calling, paid ads, or chasing the latest trend, but from building a local online community people genuinely love? In this episode, I'm joined by Tina Beliveau of Baltimore, MD, a 21-year real estate veteran, team leader, and coach who rebuilt and scaled her business using a hyper-local Facebook community group. Tina breaks down exactly how she runs a group that serves her community, grows consistently, and quietly turns into a reliable lead generator. You'll hear how she: Built a 10,000-member Facebook group in a single zip code Systematized the content so it does not require constant effort Set clear rules to keep the community positive (and not turn into "Nextdoor") Uses simple lead capture methods like join questions, DM templates, and quarterly giveaways Turns group members into email subscribers and nurtures them long-term Protects the integrity of the group while still staying visible as the local go-to agent If you've been thinking about starting a community group but feel overwhelmed by the "how," this conversation will give you a practical path forward.   Tina's FREE Bootcamp (starts March 10) Tina is hosting a free bootcamp to help agents actually launch their Facebook group with a plan for content, growth, and lead capture. Join here: https://tinabeliveau.myflodesk.com/bootcamp Connect with Tina Instagram: @highperformanceagent Email: [email protected]   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Confidence in real estate isn't about being loud or arrogant. It's about clarity. In this episode, I'm breaking down what business confidence really looks like and why owning your value is one of the most important skills you can develop as a real estate professional. We talk about how confidence shows up in your boundaries, your pricing, your communication, and how you handle difficult situations. I also share why confidence fluctuates (even for experienced agents), how comparison and market shifts quietly erode it, and why tying your confidence to outcomes will always keep you stuck. I walk you through three core areas every agent must be clear on in order to lead with confidence:   How you work What you charge Who you serve And I close the episode with a simple but powerful exercise to help you reconnect with the value you already bring to the table … especially if you've been feeling unsure, discouraged, or disconnected from your confidence lately. If you've ever questioned your worth, your pricing, your boundaries, or your place in this industry, this episode is for you. Listen now to episode 394 of Empowering Women in Real Estate® - The Podcast on your favorite podcast app or by clicking the link below.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

What if success in real estate didn't have to come at the expense of your presence at home? In this episode, I'm joined by Kerry McDonald, one of my team's top producers, for a powerful and honest conversation about redefining success in real estate during motherhood. Kerry shares her journey from a high-volume, hustle-heavy team environment to building a business that supports her life as a mom, without sacrificing income, confidence, or momentum. We talk about betting on yourself, leaning into systems, letting go of hustle culture, and giving yourself permission to define what "enough" really looks like. If you've ever felt torn between growing your business and being present for your family, this conversation will remind you that there is another way. In this episode, we discuss:   What it really means to be "present and profitable" Why producing less can sometimes feel more fulfilling The power of systems over hustle How to plan for growth while honoring your current season Redefining success beyond transactions and volume  Listen now to episode 393 of Empowering Women in Real Estate® - The Podcast on your favorite podcast app or by clicking the link below. You can connect with Kerry on Instagram @kerryhokie   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Teams are hard. They're complex, emotionally heavy, and often far less profitable than people assume. And if you're leading a team right now that feels more draining than fulfilling … it's time to rethink how your team works, not whether you're cut out for leadership. In this episode, I'm sharing what I've learned after 11 years as a team leader and two years into national expansion with our team. I'm walking you through the moments when a team model stops working, and why that's not a failure. Sometimes it's because of success. Sometimes it's the market. Sometimes it's the season of life you're in. And sometimes it's because the "old way" just isn't sustainable anymore … either for you or for your team members. You'll also hear the specific shifts we made that changed everything … including the biggest mistake we made early in expansion, how we simplified service levels, reduced overhead, and created a structure that's more stable financially and lighter emotionally. If you're rethinking your team model (whether you want to expand nationally or simply run your local team differently), start here. Listen now to episode 392 of Empowering Women in Real Estate® - The Podcast on your favorite podcast app or by clicking the link below.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Ever open Instagram or Facebook for a quick scroll … and suddenly feel that drop in your stomach? Someone else just won an award. Signed a pile of listings. Posted a highlight reel that looks so polished. And even if you're happy for them, something in you starts whispering: I'm not doing enough. I'm not doing it right. I'm not good enough. In this episode, I'm talking about The Comparison Trap — and how it pulls you off track in two big ways: the immediate disruption (the urge to change everything) and the slow erosion of confidence that happens over time. We'll talk about how to recognize when it's happening, why it's especially costly for experienced agents, and how to get yourself back to center … with clarity, peace, and focus on your definition of a win.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

By the end of January, the excitement of a fresh start often fades—and for many women in real estate, consistency is the first thing to slip. In this episode of Empowering Women in Real Estate® – The Podcast, Karen shares why motivation is unreliable and what actually creates sustainable success. Hustle and willpower only take you so far; clarity, realistic habits, and accountability are what carry you through the rest of the year. In this episode, you'll learn:   Why motivation fades (and why that's completely normal) How overly complicated habits quietly sabotage consistency Why small, realistic actions compound over time How to reconnect with the why behind your goals Three forms of accountability that actually work If you're feeling behind, overwhelmed, or tempted to give up on the goals you set just weeks ago, this episode will help you reset without guilt and move forward with intention.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

In this episode, I'm sharing my 2026 goals — and more importantly, how I plan to achieve them. I'm walking you through the five goals I've set for the year, why I approached goal-setting differently this time, and how my 2026 word of the year — surrender — is shaping both my life and my business. We'll talk about:   Letting go of control and perfection in goal setting Why personal and business goals can't (and shouldn't) be separated What it looks like to focus on embodiment instead of constant tracking Creating consistent, meaningful impact through generosity And my core business goal for 2026: creating opportunities for women in real estate that wouldn't exist otherwise I'm also breaking down the specific action steps behind each goal — because vision without a plan doesn't get you very far. If you're heading into this year craving clarity, simplicity, and a way forward that actually feels sustainable, this episode is for you.  Listen now and then come share your goals with us inside the Empowering Women in Real Estate® Facebook community. The resource mentioned in the show is the PowerSheets Goal Planner from Cultivate What Matters. You can review all of their products here: http://cultivatewhatmatters.com/EMPOWERINGWOMENINRE And when you use code EMPOWERINGWOMENINRE you will save 10%!     Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Real estate can feel like a 24/7 industry — and when you add multiple businesses, a team, family, sports schedules, and real life on top of it, it's no wonder so many women feel like they're constantly behind. In this episode, I'm walking you through my exact time and task management system — the rhythms, routines, and tools I use to keep multiple businesses, a team, a podcast, a community, and family life running without burning out.   We'll talk about: Why having start and stop times (most days) actually makes you more productive. How I use boundaries and theme days to stay focused. The difference between time blocking and rhythms — and why rhythms work better for my real estate life. My weekly planning session + brain dump, how I use my paper planner alongside digital calendars, and why I subscribe to sports and event calendars instead of entering everything manually. How I manage daily tasks so my list is realistic, not a guilt trip — plus the "big project list" I keep visible when there's a lot happening.   If you've been craving more ease, structure, and peace in your days — without pretending real estate is a 9–5 — this behind-the-scenes episode will give you practical ideas you can start using right away.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/