Empire Building

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About the show

It’s no secret that business owners face a unique set of challenges, often juggling marriage, parenthood, and career aspirations. Empire Building brings together five influential women who are unapologetic in their goals to build big businesses and live big lives. Another common goal? Helping others do the same. Tune in for authentic, unfiltered conversations with Wendy Papasan, Seychelle Van Poole, Sarah Reynolds, Kymber Lovett-Menkiti, and Tiffany Fykes, as they invite you to be a part of their journey.

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33 min

328. Thrive Even When You’re Surrounded by Difficult People

Difficult people are part of leadership, business, parenting, marriage, and life. And as much as we may want to avoid them, the truth is that building a big business and an even bigger life requires us to learn how to handle hard conversations without losing our peace.In this episode, we’re talking about how to deal with difficult people with more clarity, curiosity, and emotional control. We share why avoidance rarely makes things better, how to examine your own DNA in the situation first, and why the “difficult person” may actually be a difficult situation. We also talk about the power of asking for perspective, choosing the right person to process with, and having private conversations that focus on solving the problem instead of winning the argument.We walk through practical tools like using “I” statements, restating what you heard, looking for the hidden need, moving to the same side of the table, and attempting to reach a real agreement. And when the conversation is over, we talk about how to discharge your own stress so you don’t carry it into the next room.If you’re leading people, raising kids, serving clients, or navigating hard relationships, this conversation will help you stay grounded while doing the brave work of communication.Resources:Read Fierce Conversations by Susan ScottCheck out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

27 min

327. Scaling Sales: The Playbooks That Work Across Markets (Part 2)

If your sales feel inconsistent, the problem may not be your people. It may be your process. In this episode, we’re continuing our scaling series with the next three sales playbooks every leader needs to build a team that can grow without depending on one person to hold it all together.We talk about creating a salesperson launch system, building a learning management system that keeps training consistent, and why recording everything can save your leaders from repeating the same conversations over and over again. We also dig into tracking the full conversion pipeline, from leads to conversations to appointments to agreements to closings, so you can see exactly where the breakdown is happening and coach with clarity.Then we talk about the non-negotiable rhythm of coaching, training, and shared learning. You’ll hear how group coaching, role play, Slack conversations, and public wins can create a culture where questions are celebrated and knowledge compounds across the whole team. If you’re ready to scale sales with more consistency, this conversation will help you find the weak spot, build the system, and lead your people with more intention.Resources:Check out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

29 min

326. Scaling Sales: The Playbooks That Work Across Markets (Part 1)

If scaling sales feels like adding more people, more leads, and more pressure, this episode is your reminder to slow down and build the system first. Because more volume without a repeatable process usually creates more chaos, not more freedom.In this episode, we continue our scaling series with Sarah Reynolds and Kymber Lovett-Menkiti to talk about the first three playbooks for scaling sales across markets. We dig into why every client type needs its own defined conversion process, how documented conversations and dialogues create confidence for your team, and why follow-up systems are where sales are often won or lost.We also talk about the danger of building a brand that depends on one person, the power of automations inside your CRM, and why “hope” is not a follow-up strategy. Whether you are leading a real estate team, growing a sales organization, or trying to get yourself out of being the whole system, this conversation will help you create clarity your people can actually follow.Stay tuned for part two, where we continue the sales scaling playbook.Resources:Check out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

30 min

325. What Boundaries Really Make Possible with Kristen Bernard

What does it really cost to build a big business? In this episode, we sit down with Kristen Bernard, leader of the EmpowerHome Team in Charlotte, for a candid conversation about growth, boundaries, motherhood, blended families, and building success without sacrificing the people who matter most.Kristen shares what changed when she decided she would no longer build something professionally that cost her personally. We talk about the boundaries that protect her family time, from Tuesday night dinners to technology check-ins, and why those boundaries have not cost her momentum. They have helped her lead better. We also dig into what it looks like to parent teenagers, create open communication, build trust, and stay present during a season that requires more emotional availability than ever.This conversation is for every high achiever who feels like stepping back might make the business fall apart. Kristen reminds us that boundaries are not selfish. They are leaders. And sometimes the smallest boundary, like one protected dinner a week, can become the start of a bigger life.Resources:Learn more about Kristen BernardLearn more about EmpowerHome Team CharlotteCheck out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

31 min

324. Do This Before You Learn One More Thing

Ever feel like you are learning everything and still not moving forward? We get it. Between books, webinars, conferences, coaches, AI updates, market shifts, and the constant pressure to keep up, it is easy to mistake consuming information for making progress.In this episode, we are unpacking four lean learning shifts inspired by Pat Flynn’s book Lean Learning: learn less and apply faster, use short sprints to create breakthroughs, create pressure on purpose, and reconnect to your why before you drift too far off course. We talk about the difference between just-in-time learning and just-in-case learning, why action reveals the gaps faster than another class ever could, and how deadlines can help you build capability and confidence.We also share real examples from investing, hiring, AI automation, team leadership, health, and business planning. Whether you are stuck in research mode, waiting until you feel ready, or climbing a mountain you are not sure you even want anymore, this conversation will help you stop collecting ideas and start executing on what you already know.Resources:Read Lean Learning By Pat FlynnCheck out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

22 min

323. Why Most Salespeople Quit Before They Ever Get Good & How to Push Through

Ever stare at the phone knowing the next call could grow your business, but still find every reason not to make it? We’ve been there, and in this episode, Wendy and Kymber revisit one of our most popular conversations: overcoming call reluctance.We talk about what call reluctance really is, why it is not laziness or lack of motivation, and how fear, shame, embarrassment, anxiety, and rejection sensitivity can quietly stop salespeople before they ever get good. We also dig into why the phone still matters, especially in a world full of texts, DMs, and AI, and why real connection is becoming even more valuable.Then we break down 10 practical ways to push through, including repetition, mastering your tools, asking better questions, knowing the problem you solve, building your bunker, finding a mentor, serving instead of selling, gamifying the no’s, doing worst-case-scenario prep, and using the timer method. If you’ve ever felt stuck before a call block, this episode will help you trade avoidance for action and build confidence one rep at a time.Go make the call. We’re cheering you on.Resources:Read The Psychology of Sales Call Reluctance: Earning What You’re Worth in SalesCheck out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

37 min

322. The Systems That Saved Us: Scaling Back-End Ops Without Breaking

Growth sounds exciting until your business starts dropping balls, confusing your team, and creating inconsistent client experiences. In this episode, we talk about the systems that actually support scale so your business can grow without burning you out or breaking behind the scenes.We walk through what it means to stop building a business that only works when you are working and start building one that can run with clarity, consistency, and accountability. We share why every process needs a clear way of being done, how step-by-step actions and ownership remove chaos, and why your ops team needs language frameworks, not just task lists. We also talk about dashboards, communication rhythms, and building systems for the business you want next, not just the one you have today. If growth has started to feel heavier instead of easier, this conversation will help you identify where your systems need to catch up so you can scale with more confidence.Resources:Read The E-Myth RevisitedRead Scaling UpCheck out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

29 min

321. From Cocktails to Cash Flow: Turning Hustle Into Wealth with Jennifer Vories

What does it look like to build a big business, grow real wealth, and stay anchored through the messy middle? In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Vories to talk about the path she took from working as a cocktail waitress to building a thriving real estate business, flipping properties, and creating long-term cash flow.Jennifer shares how she got started at Keller Williams, why speed of implementation changed everything for her, and what it looked like to move from hustle into systems, leverage, and ownership. We also talk about building wealth through investment properties, raising kids with a stronger understanding of money, bringing family into the business, and using success to make a bigger impact in your community. Along the way, Jennifer opens up about marriage, fitness, faith, grief, setbacks, and what has helped her keep going when life felt heavy.This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply encouraging if you're building in the middle of real life and want to create something that lasts.Resources:The Vories Team WebsiteCheck out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

23 min

320. 5 Non-Negotiables to Protect Your Energy

Ever feel like your business is pulling from you faster than you can refill? In this episode, we are back with part two of our conversation on protecting your energy, and we are getting practical with five simple, non-negotiable steps that help leaders stay out of burnout and in alignment.We talk about why white space is not wasted time but recovery time, how routines and systems reduce decision fatigue, and why boundaries lose power when we over explain them. We also share what it looks like to restart faster when you fall off and why your energy is not separate from your business success. The 5 levels of earning trust as a leader show up here too: expecting people to bring solutions, not just problems, presenting multiple options, thinking through tradeoffs, reducing decision fatigue at the leadership level, and taking ownership instead of waiting to be rescued. It shapes your decisions, your creativity, your leadership presence, and the long-term sustainability of everything you are building.Whether you are feeling stretched too thin, stuck in reactive mode, or ready to lead with more intention, this conversation will help you protect what matters so you can build something that lasts.Resources:Check out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

22 min

319. The Energy Traps Leaders Fall Into

Ever feel like you’re doing everything for everyone else and still ending the day depleted? We’ve been there. In this episode, we’re digging into the energy traps that quietly drain leaders before full burnout ever shows up.We talk about why leadership starts on the inside, and why protecting your energy is not selfish, it’s strategic. We break down five common traps: over-scheduling your life, confusing productivity with effectiveness, falling off your commitments and refusing to restart, carrying emotional weight that isn’t yours, and waiting until burnout to finally pay attention. Along the way, we share real stories about packed calendars, perfectionism, decision fatigue, and the invisible labor so many women leaders carry every day.We also leave you with four powerful reflection questions to help you assess what’s draining you before your business, your health, or your relationships force you to. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, stuck in busyness, or like your tank is always running low, this conversation will help you spot the patterns and start leading with more intention. Come back next week for part two, where we’ll share the simple non-negotiables that help protect your energy moving forward.Resources:Read The ONE ThingCheck out Her Best Life: www.herbestlife.comLearn more about Empire Circle Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.