Episode 173 – Laura Stewart – Reach New Heights of Success

“We’re all in the same boat. We all suffer from a bit of imposter syndrome at some point in our lives. Sometimes it’s debilitating, sometimes it stops people from pursuing their dreams. It’s been so much fun to help people get over those fears, to address their insecurities and to really look at themselves in the mirror and say, it’s ok that I’m scared but I’m going to do it anyway. If I can help people on that journey, nothing feels better.” – Laura Stewart


 
  • [0:42] Patrick introduces his next TEDM guest, Laura Stewart.
  • [01:56] Laura and Patrick kick off their conversation, get acquainted, and Laura fills us in on how her passion has flipped from side hustle to committed focus. Selling real estate has shifted a little in priority, but surrounding herself with a fantastic team has helped Laura build a successful business over the past 10 years.
  • [06:55] Relational vs. transactional. Laura emphasizes that building solid relationships is a vital piece of creating a thriving business and being a trusted real estate advisor who is client-focused not commission-focused. That is where longevity lives.
  • [12:55] Laura speaks to the difference for investor-based realtors to get educated on the investor market and understand how to analyze properties and build proformas in order to work with clients and create a win-win experience. With the right knowledge and support, a realtor can build trust and enjoy the benefits of a multi-transactional client, while the client benefits from a solid investment portfolio.
  • [16:24] Laura explains the process of gaining platinum access as an agent to pre-construction deals and how she intentionally works with her clients to get them maximum returns on their investment.
  • [23:13] Having a Plan B for a pre-construction purchase is the game changer in a market like Toronto so you’re not left standing without a chair when the music stops. Working with an experienced realtor who understands this and walks their talk is a critical part of this investment strategy. Laura provides a brief explanation of her own deal.
  • [27:46] The why. Laura speaks about what lights her up to be of contribution to the other realtors, to provide the programs that train, coach, and support them to reach a new level of success.
  • [30:39] Experiencing imposter syndrome is real, no matter where we are in life, present company included. Laura discusses her own experience with it, how she works through those challenges with clients to get them unstuck, the perceived obstacles which are truly fear, and then doing it anyway.
  • [35:14] Laura and Patrick riff on ego and judgment. Our ego tries to protect our identity and we can either elevate from that or it keeps us playing small. The fear of failure is really fear of judgment and shame. Other people’s fears, rooted in love though they may be, can hold us back so it serves us to get clear on who we decide to entrust with our goals and dreams to keep them moving forward.
  • [40:31] Building an environment to grow and thrive is our responsibility and it starts with showing up authentically with an open mind. Laura expands on the idea that for our own growth it’s sometimes healthy to be the small fish in the big pond, we need to allow people into our lives who question but don’t need to make us wrong. Laura uses an example from childhood to illustrate that.
  • [46:15] Work as a team! You don’t have to go it alone, and often we can learn more about ourselves and improve at a faster pace when we work together with someone or many.
  • [48:55] Ya gotta start somewhere! And there’s going to be bumps. Laura begins with the New Years resolution analogy of how so many set themselves up to fail. Shifting over to content creation, Laura advises to take your idea, start with a manageable goal, practice, be consistent, don’t beat yourself up, and work toward the larger goal.
  • [54:05] A short word from Patrick and Laura about their approach to podcasting.
  • [55:35] Laura shares a bit about her background and what drove her, nature vs nurture, and why she chooses to work through discomfort and continue her entrepreneurial path.
  • [60:05] Patrick shares his mindset around being an entrepreneur and continues to feel jazzed about what he does. Life is layered and our vision changes, and with that our goals and perception of success also shift.
  • [67:14] Self-reflection is necessary to understand what is driving us. Know thyself and decide how you’ll show up and who you desire to be in the context of your life. Laura talks about self-doubt, we all have it, and her fear of living with regret. This is how she can push beyond the doubt to take action.
  • [70:04] Perpetual motion doesn’t always mean action. Laura shares the approach they take in their coaching programs to get realtors into immediate action. Just do it and build in accountability.
  • [74:13] Ambition doesn’t always match work ethic. As a coach Laura understands and encourages people to be real with what they’re willing to work at and sacrifice to get the outcome they desire. Not everyone wants the same things, or the same lifestyle and she emphasizes the importance of being good with that.
  • [76:45] Let’s bring it home for a casual fireside chat: Apple or Android; impactful books for both Laura and Patrick; diving in to absorb self-development books for deeper understanding vs simply getting through them; a conversation on extreme ownership and accountability; favourite inspirational quote; room-desk-car and setting ourselves up for our day; favourite music genre; favourite TV series; favourite swear word.
  • [92:25] Laura’s gratitude.

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