Barbara Lawlor

CEO, Baker Real Estate Incorporated

HQ: Toronto, Canada

What are three things that helped you become a leader?

First, I absolutely love what I do! Over the years, I have worked hard to advance my career, because the real estate industry fascinates me for many reasons. I am passionate about helping people find the places they call home. Shelter is a basic human need, and I consider guiding buyers to the right homes or condos for them a noble pursuit. Another thing that helped me become a leader is excitement. Real estate is an ever-changing, dynamic industry. I thrive on every day being a new adventure, and I enjoy guiding other professionals on the path to success. And speaking of success, I appreciate the opportunity to earn a lucrative living doing what I love. I also understand that leading team members to do well benefits us all.   

Is there a person who inspired or mentored you over the course of your career? If so, how did they shape your approach to leading?

I have had three significant mentors during my career. I was born in Ireland, and the first was my father, Regimental Sergeant Major Henry Dixon. He was honored with the Nobel Peace Medal. He taught me that a true leader realizes PEOPLE ARE EVERYTHING – a concept that has served me well over the years. My next mentor was Pat Baker, founder of Baker Real Estate Incorporated. She showed me that a leader must lead by example by working hard, establishing credibility, and engaging in open communication. My current mentor is international entrepreneur and philanthropist Miles S. Nadal of Peerage Capital Group, which is now a partner of Baker’s. Miles is inspirational, positive, caring and giving. He also exhibits pure optimism, something I respond to. He is also a proponent of PEOPLE ARE EVERYTHING – and like my father, Pat Baker, and Miles, I consider caring about people the basis for everything I do. 

Why is real estate a sector in which so many women have been successful?

Women have always been associated with the concept of “home.” We are used to working hard and multi-tasking, and we are natural networkers.  Many women have gravitated to real estate, because the hours can be flexible while they are raising children, and it enables them to make a good income.  In fact, Baker was a female-dominated company for decades, but that had nothing to do with gender bias. Our current president is a man, Harley Nakelsky. The focus in real estate has always been on qualifications for the job.

What are your top priorities as a leader and have those priorities shifted over time?

I lead by example by exhibiting passion for everything I do. Real passion in the business world is so rare today that it gives you an immediate competitive advantage. When I hire new team members, I also look for a passion for people in their resumes and interviews. Often, something is lost between intellect and heart. I will choose heart if I believe they can develop in the appropriate job description. Third, I enjoy bringing out the best in our team members. My leadership style involves inspiring teamwork at all levels to make the most of the team’s diverse expertise. I encourage everyone on our team to focus on being credible, competent, and caring. 

Do you have any advice for women who are starting out in their careers?

Enjoy each success no matter how small but avoid resting on your laurels, then move on. Let your passion for your work show. People can tell when you love your work, and it evokes confidence. In real estate, the confidence of your clients is critical.  Confidence and trust in a real estate professional has to be earned.  Look at your industry in a positive yet realistic way. If I had accepted the opinions of all the “experts” who predicted doom and gloom over the years, I would not be where I am today. Keep a positive attitude, work hard, be honest and remember that in any career, you get out of it what you put into it.

Laurie Mecier Brochu,

CEO, Four Seasons Sotheby’s International

HQ: South Burlington, Vermont

What are three things that helped you become a leader?

My first opportunity to become a leader of an organization came as I was asked to be the President of our local board of realtors. Volunteering for the realtor organization and local, non-profits have been a pipeline for leadership opportunities.

1) Believing in what you are involved in leads to a passion that has a natural progression to leadership.

2) I was involved in a situation that ended up being other than what I had hoped which left me with two options: complain and hope it changes or step up and be the force for change. 

3) Being a catalyst for positive change is what inspires me. To be able to elevate an event, a workplace, or a situation from simply adequate to excellent is worth all the effort.

Is there a person who inspired or mentored you over the course of your career? If so, how did they shape your approach to leading?

As for a real estate mentor, I had the opportunity to work for a woman who believed in bringing your A-game every day. Dress for success, give it your all, never let someone tell you that you can’t do it-show them you can. After you close always show gratitude and always give back to your community through involvement and if possible financial investment. What you invest will come back to you many times over. I have had the good fortune to spend my career surrounded by people who elevate you by bearing witness to how they devote themselves to the business of real estate.

Why is real estate a sector in which so many women have been successful?

Women tend to nurture. They dig into what needs to be done and have a gear for organization and multi-tasking. Bringing a task to a close is satisfying and a real estate transaction is quite a task!

What are your top priorities as a leader and have those priorities shifted over time?

My top priority is always the success and well-being of my Associates and Staff.  Creating a culture where everyone understands that no matter your role within the company, each role is integral to our overall success.

Do you have any advice for women who are starting out in their careers?

To be successful you need to work hard, grow and be curious, have a positive attitude, be respectful to all, be yourself, have fun or the rest is not worth dime. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone as you may be surprised at where it will take you. There are more people rooting for you than you may know. 

Nicolle Scavuzzo

Chief Operating Officer, Chestnut Park Real Estate, 

HQ: Toronto, Canada

What are three things that helped you become a leader? 

Being Curious. Ever since I was a child- I’ve been curious and been a question asker. 

A passion to serve and create unique experiences. I really learned how much I loved being and was inspired to be creative through Four Seasons.

Learning from my daughter. Learning so many things including being patient, work/life balance, being more open to different perspectives. I learn so much from her daily. Children are incredible little teachers, and we can be better, from them.

Is there a person who inspired or mentored you over the course of your career? If so, how did they shape your approach to leading? 

The golden rule- “treat others as you wish to be treated” we learn it at home growing up (it was our family rule) – and it was the Four Seasons mantra. It makes a huge difference in building teams, building trust and confidence, being empathetic, and being happy. People work better in positive environments, where constructive coaching and feeling safe helps foster great culture. 

Why is real estate a sector in which so many women have been successful?

I’m learning that Real Estate is an incredible industry for women. It allows women to be their own boss, build their own brand, and do it on their own terms. This is a career that empowers women to truly “have it all”. With flexibility in hours, creating the right support systems, and being consistent in their focus, this industry recognizes and rewards women by proving that you really can “have it all.” I also believe that women, are inherently caregivers, and in this industry, when you are trusting your realtor with one of life’s most significantly important decisions, you will be drawn to someone who you can trust to care for you every step of the way. Chestnut Park excels at this.

What are your top priorities as a leader and have those priorities shifted over time? My top priorities as a leader are to be insatiably curious- I always ask “why?”- I’ve found that asking this uncovers opportunity. And I’ve dedicated a significant amount of time to listening to the Agents and to our staff. Listening makes it easier to know where to focus- so many great ideas come from listening and collating the common themes.

Do you have any advice for women who are starting out in their careers?

Love what you do. Trust your instinct. Be your authentic self every day. And- learn the difference of asking for what you need, not what you want. It’s easy to say what you want but learning to ask for what you need to grow and be successful is a game changer professionally, and personally. 

Mary Lynn Stone

President and Co-Owner, Century 21 New Millennium

HQ: California, Maryland

What are three things that helped you become a leader? (a specific experience/opportunity, a personal interest, a quest for balance, a passion for real estate)

You are not alone. Realize you don’t have all the answers. Be patient and respect everyone’s job (great or small) in the process.

The sooner you learn that as a leader you are not alone to make all the decisions, the better leader you will become. Of course, you will ultimately make decisions, but the journey to get to them should be filled with communication and collaboration. You play the part you know, foster an environment that lets others do their thing. Add to that some patience and respect for the talent around you and you will lead a high-functioning team capable of anything.

Is there a person who inspired or mentored you over the course of your career? If so, how did they shape your approach to leading?

I would say I’ve had a ton of them in business and my personal life as well. I honestly consider a mentor to be anyone from any industry, from any part of your life who helps you see something differently, changes your perspective. We all benefit from talking less, listening more, and hearing someone else’s perspective. 

Why is real estate a sector in which so many women have been successful?

For women in real estate, there is no glass ceiling. There are no boardrooms or corporate ladders to navigate. Everyone, not just women, is free to shape their success as they see it.

When it comes to residential real estate sales, for many, buying a home is a very personal and emotional purchase. I think women key into the emotion of the home sales and purchase process very well. That can be a little bit of an edge for them. And there is no doubt that real estate allows women and everyone to balance their home life and professional life. So, for women, that makes real estate a good life fit.

What are your top priorities as a leader and have those priorities shifted over time?

I’ve always felt a strong responsibility to create an atmosphere that allows people to improve the quality of their life through their work. That hasn’t changed.

Today, I am looking further ahead than I ever have, looking over the horizon to anticipate challenges, get ahead of them, being proactive for the greater good. The last two years it has been COVID, but before that, it was tough markets, market crashes, low inventory, competitive disruptors. It all shows you that you can never settle. Always be transformational.

Do you have any advice for women who are starting out in their careers?

When considering a career in real estate, I ask all to really think about why you’re doing it and then what you hope to accomplish. And if you still decide this is for you, make sure you periodically check in with yourself, revisit your whys and hopes. This business can take on a life of its own. A revisit will help you stay on track.

I would also encourage you to set boundaries for your business and personal life. Take time to stop, celebrate your successes and enjoy those moments with your family. That way, you all grow together. Real estate has never been a 9-to-5 career. That’s OK, there is responsibility and freedom there—so why not enjoy both?