Early in January, I had the distinct honor of speaking at the Kathleen Black Summit in Toronto. If you’re unfamiliar with Kathleen, she’s one of North America’s most highly respected real estate coaches, and her annual summit is an experience unlike any other. She is also a fellow Wise Council member with me here in the Collective.
I’ve attended more real estate conferences than I can count, but this one stood out for a powerful reason: it was the first time I witnessed a real estate icon lead with vulnerability—balancing strength and a clear intention to inspire others to become alchemist leaders.
A Space for Growth and Collaboration
For two full days, Kathleen created a space where collaboration, learning, and deep personal growth weren’t just encouraged—they thrived. The energy in the room was electric, filled with leaders committed to evolving both professionally and personally.
Some of my favorite quotes from Kathleen throughout the event were:
📌 "If you want to grow, you must constantly look for new dragons."
📌 "High performance is holistic."
📌 "Always share from the scar, not the wound."
📌 "This is the year when we rise."
The messages were clear: True leadership isn’t just about knowledge or expertise—it’s about the willingness to face challenges head-on, to lead with heart, and to recognize that high performance isn’t about relentless hustle. It’s about leading with vulnerability and taking a realistic, intentional approach to growth.
The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership
Speaking of vulnerability, one of the biggest takeaways for me was how deeply authentic leadership is rooted in vulnerability. So often in real estate (and business and life), there’s pressure to show up as if you have it all figured out. But the most impactful leaders—the ones who truly create change—are the ones willing to be real.
They acknowledge the struggles. They talk about the dragons they’ve faced. They rise, and in doing so, they lift others.
That’s exactly what this summit embodied.
Leaving Inspired
As a speaker and a participant, I walked away from this experience feeling deeply inspired. The room was filled with leaders who weren’t just there to check a box—they were there with a deep commitment to growth and a willingness to evolve, even when it meant facing new dragons.
This experience reaffirmed what I already believe at my core:
✔️ Authentic leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up fully.
✔️ Vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength.
✔️ When we lead with intention, we inspire others to rise.
Were you there?
If so, I’d love to hear what resonated most with you!
Drop a comment below.
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