Christy Maxfield, MBA, CEPA’s Post

We bought a house on the other side of the country without ever setting foot inside. A few years ago, my family made the decision to move from Georgia to California—a move we hadn’t planned but felt was necessary. The catch? We had only seen pictures and videos of the house we were moving into. Was it risky? Absolutely. But here’s what I learned from that experience about taking calculated risks, in life as well as in business: Moving forward (despite uncertainty) is sometimes the only way to make progress. We didn’t have all the answers, and there was plenty of fear of being wrong. But we knew the timing was right, and sometimes, you just have to trust your instincts and move ahead with your best guess. This principle applies whether you're making a career change, investing in a new opportunity, or making a big life decision. The key is pushing through the fear of uncertainty to move forward at the right time. While we hadn't seen the house in person, my wife, who’s a savant with Zillow, had done extensive research. She had analyzed hundreds of homes, understood the market, and carefully considered every factor that could impact our decision. It helped that she had once lived in this neighborhood as well. We had gathered enough information to feel confident that we were getting a great house at a reasonable price. In business, we often don’t have all the information we’d like, but making informed decisions is crucial to taking the right risks. Finally, this move was about more than just the house—it was about building the right support system for our family. Because I travel for work, my wife wanted to be near her family to have that available support. In Georgia, I was closer to my team at work and didn’t have to travel as much to see them, and my parents were nearby, but both work full-time. In California, I would have to flex more often with work hours (pacific time zone) and travel a bit more to see my team, but with my wife’s parents retired and able to help with the kids, we saw an opportunity to have more consistent support when we needed it. Similarly, when we take calculated risks in business, it's often about balancing both. As we continue to build leadership sessions on the importance of calculated risk at Signature Leaders, we’re exploring how to analyze uncertainty, make informed decisions, and take action—even when the path ahead isn't fully clear. In business, as in life, calculated risks can lead to the most meaningful rewards. #leadership #growth #businessstrategy

I believe building a legacy should include being remembered by your family too.  You don’t have to be a workaholic to leave an impact. Even though we all think we know better, our culture still lionizes the individual who won’t stop working. And I think it keeps some entrepreneurs stuck, keeps them falling into the default position of the solo suffer. Because that’s so often the picture, the story we have of the path to great achievements. Now I’m not saying there isn’t plenty of hard work to do (there is). Rather, it’s about applying that passion and effort to more than just your individual scope. It’s about the arguably harder work of building something beyond yourself, so you’re not always what’s needed for significant things to happen. It means you have to break the pattern of  - “If I don’t do it, it doesn’t get done right.” - “Oh I’ll just do it - it takes too long to explain.” - “Everything goes through me. It’s just better that way.” You can haul water every day, and start from scratch every day. Or, you can look to the future, and build pipes once. If your legacy relies on what YOU alone can achieve, well, that story can only be so long. You can only serve so many. You can only create so much. You can only become what one person has the potential to be (and you might miss a lot of great stuff outside of work). If you make the investment to build the pipes - infrastructure that can support a healthy team, all flowing in the same direction - those limitations fall away. The horizon grows. Building that network takes time, effort, and money, yes it does. You or others may have doubts, get impatient for the returns to be felt, look for ways to avoid the maintenance. But if you put your heart and hard work into a future beyond yourself, not just on the individual grind, you’ll not only have a broader impact than you could’ve ever had alone, you’ll have a team at your side to celebrate with. If you want to be remembered, by strangers and loved ones alike, start building the pipes. Watch your reach, and your kids, grow.

𝗠𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 You know, back in 2010, I was staring at my dreams through the lens of debt and financial struggle. But I had this unwavering vision, this burning desire to own apartments in Dallas. 🔥 Every morning, before the sun even stretched its rays across the sky, I'd rise with determination fueling my steps. I'd look ahead, pointing at Dallas, declaring to the world, "I'm gonna own apartments here." And sure, at that moment, it seemed like a distant dream, almost impossible. But I kept saying it, believing it, living it. Fast forward to 2019, nine years of hustle, grit, and relentless pursuit later, and there I stood, not just owning one, but three apartments back to back in Dallas. It wasn't luck; it was sheer willpower, determination, and a refusal to let circumstances define my destiny. Why do I share this? Because I want you to understand that no matter where you're starting from, no matter the obstacles in your path, your dreams are within reach. Own your vision, declare it boldly, and let your actions speak louder than your doubts. Your journey might not be easy, but it will be worth it. And one day, when you look back, you'll see that every struggle was just a stepping stone to your success. #DreamsToReality #NeverGiveUp #HustleHard #BelieveInYourself #SuccessJourney

Hi! Want to get to know me better? In the fast paced world of New Jersey business, I dove headfirst into business with my husband. Together, we steered a cloud hosting company to success over 22 exciting years. At the same time, I wore another hat as a partner in a property management firm, where I got my first taste of the real estate world. Most of the firm's acquisitions required me to be involved with rehabbing the buildings, handling the finances, analyzing potential acquisitions, working with contractors and partners, attracting tenants and preparing financials. After selling our company, retirement seemed like a dream. But, turns out, I missed the buzz of business and helping people out. With our kids all grown up, my husband and I decided to swap the Jersey hustle for a more laid back life in Florida. We spent a couple of months in Jersey getting rid of the clutter and stuff that you accumulate over 22 years. Once done, it was freeing. Our house sold in 5 days and we began our new adventure. Hello, palm trees, more friends and a really active and social lifestyle that includes golf, general aviation flying events, pickleball, bunco, trivia nights, concerts, NASA launches and meeting friends at the pool to see the sunset. I never dreamed this could be a reality for me. I figured I would work and live in the same New Jersey house forever. When we came to Florida, I wanted to retire and travel and I realized that I missed working with folks and hearing about their dreams.  Homes and investment properties help create generational wealth.   The goal is to find a property and try to see beyond its current state. Sometimes that can be tough! My finance side kicks in and I start preparing the numbers for my clients. Preparing a numbers driven market profile so they can make a competitive offer to win or list at the maximum price the market will allow.  Nothing makes me happier than to see them win. Now, I’m channeling my energy into helping folks in the Daytona Beach area sell their homes quickly and for a great price, bringing my blend of business savvy and personal touch to real estate. 

✨ As we approach the end of the year, let’s take a moment to reflect. When the grind feels relentless, when the business feels overwhelming—remember why you started. Your WHY is what fuels you, grounds you, and pushes you forward. Now, imagine yourself at the end of next year, raising a glass and toasting to everything you’ve accomplished—not just for your business, but for your family, for yourself, and for those you’ve helped along the way. If your WHY feels unclear, take this opportunity to reconnect with it or even redefine it. Make it your vision for 2025. Let it guide your decisions and fuel your actions. And if you’re feeling like you need a little invigoration or motivation in your real estate career, let’s talk. Reach out to me to discover all the ways The List Realty supports its agents in building thriving, fulfilling businesses. Wishing you clarity, focus, and all the best as we close out this year strong. Let’s make it one to remember! 🥂 #Vision #RealEstateMindset #WhyWeDoWhatWeDo #TheListRealty #RealEstateSupport

Life has a way of shifting those well crafted plans around. The real estate business isn't any different. If doesn't matter what it is, family plans, work related. Even the best laid plans come with problems. Always looks good on paper - of course it does. On paper we write down what the vision is. The extra money, all those great sales, that well needed vacation, etc. What we generally don't write down are the challenges that come along with bringing all that together. It doesn't matter what the plan is...what is inevitable is that we don't expect the unexpected and that is where many people start to lose focus of their plan. In any business what can be most expected is that something unexpected will happen. Working in real estate is a large moving target. Something can hit us from any direction at any time. We may have a great plan and then things change and we had no idea that change would even come into play. But it did and plans have to change. We can't always write them into the initial plan because many times we are not even aware of what could happen. However, we need to always expect that "something" will happen. It may be small or it may be major. It may hardly fluctuate your time frame or it may extend it for a very long time. But the unexpected event isn't the problem...how you address it is! If every challenge knocks you completely off course than the vision isn't really all that clear. Take a breath, refocus, restructure if necessary and then go back to work. Remember we have lights on and you are reading this on an electronic device because others didn't lose their focus. Do you think their challenges were any less then yours? You have a vision - now don't lose sight of it. Let's go to work Let me know if I can help @Jim Girard buff.ly/3wBhlsp #goal #vision #challenges #realtrotips #bestadvice #realestateagent

Nearly a decade ago, I hit rock bottom. I was a wreck, both personally and professionally. I’m currently a dad, husband, and mobile home park syndicator. But let me take you back a bit. In college, I met the woman of my dreams. We moved to Los Angeles after graduation, where I worked as an engineer, and she as a teacher. Life was busy, but we were enjoying it. In 2011, we moved to Boise, bought a house, got two dogs, and had a child. It seemed like we were living the Dream. But by 2014, work consumed me. By 2016, I was working 60-80 hours a week. I rarely saw my son, and my marriage and health were suffering. Despite all my efforts, I was failing at work too—projects were late, and I couldn’t keep up. The breaking point came when my son didn’t recognize me after a week of not seeing him awake. That moment was a wake-up call. Something had to change, and I knew I had to figure it out. But I didn’t know where to start. A friend recommended I read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. This simple advice set me on a path that transformed my life. The concept was straightforward: invest in assets that generate income! As an engineer, this made perfect sense. Why hadn’t I thought of this before? I realized I could use my skills to create a better future, starting with small, smart investments. This was the beginning of my journey into passive income and real estate. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Taking that first step was the key. What’s one step you can take today to move toward your goals?

Ryan was like so many people with big dreams and a taste for the finer things. He loved the idea of a life where he could enjoy stylish living without constantly worrying about money. But he found himself in a job where his income barely supported his goals, let alone the lifestyle he wanted. That’s when Ryan discovered a 30-day plan specifically created for people with a vision for both success and luxury. This wasn’t about long years of hard work or sacrifice. It was about making quick, meaningful moves in the right direction. Each day, he followed a clear path designed to build wealth without over-complicating things. The results? By day 30, Ryan was experiencing income growth he hadn’t thought possible in such a short time. And he was doing it without giving up his unique style or values. 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬. Like Ryan, you can start today and see results sooner than you’d expect. Success doesn’t have to take forever—and you deserve a chance to live it. #FinancialFreedom #LuxuryLife #MoreThanDreams #30DaysToSuccess #ElevateYourLifestyle

“Your Wealth-Room™” Momentum Chronicles  The Power of Structure in Building Wealth and Legacy ❓ How are you structuring your mornings to set the foundation for your wealth and legacy? 💥I'm particularly focusing on my morning structure because, for my 9-to-5 job, I plan everything the day before.  . And I wonder  ‘Why am I not planning the day before on a consistent basis for my business?’ — And it all boiled down to structure.” . 🎯 Getting that structure in place has been a game-changer for me, and I want you to get yours together too! . ✅ Because when we build structure, we build a foundation,  whether it’s your career or your calling. . ✅ The structure we create is what helps us bridge the two and walk into our Wealth Room—a room you design, build, and leave as a lasting legacy.  . 🎯 Because let's be honest, we can’t pass down our great jobs to our children. . 💥 If you’re ready to bridge your career and your calling, to not only build but also pass down a wealth room to your legacy. . ❓So, How are you structuring your mornings to set the foundation for your wealth and legacy?  Let’s talk about it! SEND ME A DM & and I'm here to help you on this journey. . Talk to you soon, Coach Gwen Brand Wealth Strategist . P.S. Have you joined the “Your Wealth-Room™” Community yet? It’s still FREE for a limited time—don’t miss out! Join today and start building your wealth room. 🏡✨ #wealth #goals #legacy #strategy #businesscoaching #entrepreneur #consultingbusiness #branding #career #calling #4dshift #gwendavisyancey

It looks fabulous doesn’t it? It was North East Scotland. In May! We took three weeks off to do the North Coast 500 route in our campervan – it was an amazing experience, and I thoroughly recommend it. For lots of business owners, this might seem like an impossible dream, and if that’s you, it’s a sign that too much in your business depends on you. Taking a break is essential for your mental well-being. It’s how you create the energy you need to serve your team and your customers. If you don’t, it will eventually drag you down and have a negative impact on your family, and the team you rely on to deliver your business success. You need to set up your business so that the day to day decisions and activities don’t depend on you. At a simple level, you need to delegate more, but that’s only part of the picture. To do this effectively, you need your team to have a shared purpose, to know the direction they’re heading in. You need to establish a culture based on a growth mindset, where people are willing to take decisions, trusting you will support them when they do. If you’re a small business owner, a great place to start is “The E-myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber. If your business is more well-established, it can be less obvious what is really holding you back, and this is where I can help. The Mustard Diagnostic can pinpoint the missing pieces of the puzzle and tell you what you need to do to create stable, sustainable growth that doesn’t depend on you. I love talking to business owners about the challenges they face and asking questions that help them find ways to solve them.  The initial conversations will only cost you a couple of hours of your time. Call me on 07827 479773 to find out more. What are your holiday plans for this summer?