Empowering Women in Real Estate
“Sometimes you just have to sit in the hard moments and find your way through.”
- Dan Rochon
Episode Summary
There are seasons in this business when everything feels heavy. Deals slow down. Life piles up. The pressure builds. And even when it feels uncomfortable, the only way out is to sit in it long enough to find the clarity that moves you forward.
That message frames a conversation I recently had with someone many of you already know. Karen Cooper leads a powerhouse team of 40 women in Northern Virginia and built one of the most supportive real estate communities in the country. Her story isn’t just inspiring — it’s a roadmap for agents who want to move from surviving to leading.
Karen shared what it looks like to grow a career while raising kids, how to thrive without burning out, and why community matters more now than ever.
The Weight of Wearing Every Hat
Karen has held just about every role in the industry — independent agent, rainmaker team member, managing broker, and now team leader. And here’s the truth she didn’t sugarcoat:
Working alone often feels isolating.
Most agents don’t enter this business expecting to run a full company.
And without systems and support, burnout becomes the default outcome.
Her shift came when she realized the business wasn’t meant to be carried alone. That clarity inspired her to build something bigger.
Building a Space Where Agents Don’t Feel Alone
Eight years ago, in a moment many agents can relate to — standing in the shower replaying the day — she realized something powerful:
If the community she needed didn’t exist, she could build it.
That idea became Empowering Women in Real Estate, now more than 31,000 members strong across the country. What started as a small group of Northern Virginia moms turned into a national movement.
The group has become a steady source of referrals, support, and training, but more importantly, it became a place where agents could show up as themselves without judgment.
The Hidden Challenges Women Navigate in This Business
Karen laid out two realities many agents overlook.
Safety.
Women often face risks during showings, meeting strangers, or traveling to remote homes. The solution starts with asking firm questions, setting boundaries, and treating the business like a business.
The juggling act.
Kids. Aging parents. A partner’s schedule. A full client pipeline.
Many agents carry multiple roles at once, and most people outside of real estate don’t fully understand how demanding that can be.
These conversations aren’t about limitations — they’re about awareness. When agents recognize the pressure they carry, they can finally give themselves permission to build systems that support them.
Why Business Owners Win — Not Just Salespeople
A salesperson reacts.
A business owner prepares.
Karen’s team is already mapping out next year’s marketing plan, events, budget, and touchpoints. That’s why they closed over $300 million in volume last year.
They plan once.
Execute all year.
And protect their energy when the market gets chaotic.
Consistent and predictable income (CPI) happens when structure replaces stress. Whether you lead a team or join one, success comes from clarity, alignment, and knowing your superpower — then leaning into it.
BUY THE BOOK:
If you’re ready to take the next step toward consistent and predictable income, get your copy of Teach to Sell here:
👉 https://www.teachtosellbook.com/
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