Global Experiences for Real Estate Success

Darlene Streit, a top real estate broker with over $2.2 billion in career sales, discussed her background growing up in Toronto, Canada, and her extensive international experiences, including studying in Switzerland, Southeast Asia, London, New York, and Rome. She credits her diverse global experiences and education in economics and psychology for helping her understand different cultures and client needs in real estate. Jean and Darlene agreed that living in different countries and understanding diverse perspectives are crucial prerequisites for becoming a successful real estate agent.

Women's Success in Real Estate

Darlene shared her journey into real estate, starting as an investor in a new urbanist subdivision and learning the ropes with her husband, who is a developer. She highlighted the importance of a strong team, including her husband, a marketing director, and others, in managing her successful real estate operation. Jean noted the time-consuming nature of real estate and emphasized the significance of having a supportive partner, which she believes is crucial for women's success in the field.

Real Estate Agent Experiences

Darlene discussed her experience as a real estate agent, emphasizing her ability to assess whether a property is right for potential buyers. She expressed her preference for both listing and representing buyers, highlighting the importance of building relationships. Jean shared anecdotes about her experiences as an agent, including having her son assist her and dealing with buyers who bring their children along. They also discussed the management and ownership of Sotheby's and Corcoran Group, with Darlene praising Pam Liebman's leadership at Corcoran.

Darlene's Real Estate Passion

Darlene discussed her passion for real estate, which consumes much of her time, and shared her hobbies and interests outside of work, including golf, tennis, and biking. She emphasized the importance of helping all types of people and maintaining a broad understanding of humanity, which she believes has made her wiser over the years. Jean and Darlene agreed that success in real estate requires a deep commitment, love for the job, and a passion for helping people, qualities that Darlene possesses.

Darlene shared her websites, SantaFerealestateproperty.com and DarleneStreit.com, where people can learn about her and her team.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Vanda's Journey to Coaching

Vanda shares her background, including growing up in Colorado, becoming a CPA, transitioning from public accounting to consulting, and eventually finding her passion in mentoring and coaching.

Vanda shared her experience growing up in a resort community in Colorado, where she spent her childhood skiing and participating in sports. She discussed how this lifestyle shaped her independence and strength, and how sports played a crucial role in her development. Vanda's Accounting and Entrepreneur Journey

Vanda discussed her career path, starting with an accounting job at Arthur Anderson after graduating from the University of Denver, following in her father and grandfather's footsteps. She emphasized the importance of accounting as a foundation for understanding business, sharing her experience of applying these skills across various sectors.

She shared her journey of transitioning from a career in accounting to running her husband's successful commercial real estate appraisal company after they moved back to Denver. After her husband's motorcycle accident, she took over the business and eventually sold it in 2007 to an outside buyer. Vanda emphasized that while hard work is crucial (citing 80% importance), success also involves elements of luck, and achieving success requires focusing on small, incremental steps rather than aiming for large, immediate goals.

Vanda's Journey to Leadership Coaching

Vanda transitioned from a career in accounting to leadership coaching after realizing her passion for people-focused work, obtaining her coaching certifications and leveraging her extensive business experience. She explained that her coaching practice primarily helps women leaders, including a controller client who needed guidance on presenting data without taking criticism personally and an attorney who became a CEO and required weekly support. Vanda emphasized her preference for working with people rather than numbers, and highlighted that referrals have been her main source of business growth since restarting her consulting practice.

Women's Coaching and Career Transitions

Vanda discussed the importance of self-reflection and coaching for women to identify their own wants and values, particularly after significant life events like marriage or children. She emphasized the value of coaching as a supportive process distinct from therapy, and shared her website for potential consultations. www.vandadyson.com

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Key takeaways

• Catherine Kondo Arkin successfully transitioned from working in film production to owning Upper Village Blooms flower shop in Croton on Hudson
• She comes from a multicultural background (Japanese father, Mexican mother) which influences her design aesthetic
• The flower shop focuses on serving the local community while maintaining a global design perspective
• Catherine emphasizes creating unique arrangements without using traditional fillers
• The business prioritizes retail operations over large events to maintain community focus
• Social media and word-of-mouth marketing have been key to business growth

Personal Background and Early Career

• Grew up in Los Angeles in a multicultural family
• Studied history and art history at UCLA
• Worked in film production in LA before moving to New York
• Transitioned to New York for a film production job in 1983

Transition to Entrepreneurship

• Started jewelry design after divorce while raising children
• Worked at local boutique in Croton selling her jewelry
• Took over the lease when the boutique closed in 2018
• Transformed the space into Upper Village Blooms despite limited floral experience

Floral Design Philosophy

• Emphasizes mixed varieties over single-flower arrangement
• Avoids traditional fillers like baby's breath and leather leaf ferns
• Promotes appreciation for undervalued flowers like carnation
• Offers different design styles including modern, tropical, and Japanese-inspired

Business Strategy

• Focuses on retail operations over large events
• Maintains independence from order gatherers like FTD
• Collaborates with local photographer Jill Pace for social media
• Aims to expand male customer base
• Develop strategies to attract more male customers
• Continue maintaining retail focus while selectively accepting events that fit schedule
• Continue building community relationships
• Maintain independence from traditional flower delivery networks

Advice to women seeking a change

• Sometimes, you are forced to make a change. You need to own it to get over the fence and move forward. The power of speaking about what you want and manifesting it goes a long way.
• Be grateful for the opportunity to change your life. It's a privilege.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Overcoming Cultural and Familial Challenges

Kateh shared her challenging childhood growing up as one of six sisters and two brothers in a culture that undervalued girls, facing both societal and familial pressure. Despite this, her parents, who were self-taught teachers, supported her education and encouraged her to excel, even when others discouraged them. Kateh's parents managed to provide for their children through teaching and farming, and while some of her sisters pursued higher education, Kateh completed basic studies.

Kateh's Journey to Faith

Kateh shared her spiritual journey, describing how she initially rejected born-again Christianity due to her Catholic upbringing but eventually experienced a profound conversion after feeling an urgent emptiness that only Jesus could fill. She detailed how her relationship with God deepened through Bible study, leading to audible communications from God that helped her overcome self-hatred and embrace her identity. During her college years, while maintaining her academic studies, Kateh experienced both challenging spiritual transformations and moments of divine guidance, ultimately seeing God's hand in her education and career path.

Bible's Role in Personal Transformation

Kateh shared her personal experience of studying the Bible, emphasizing that while the text is a roadmap for life, it led her to a deeper relationship with Jesus through practical application and personal transformation, even when the changes were painful. She explained that the Bible's teachings, particularly those that require self-sacrifice, are crucial for true spiritual growth.

Missionary Journey of Faith and Service

Kateh answered God's call to enter the missionary field, emphasizing her commitment to serve without relying on others for financial support. She described her initial act of feeding a hungry widow, which led to more community outreach and the establishment of a school and church in the bush. Despite facing personal challenges, including homelessness, Kateh trusted God to provide for her needs while focusing on her mission to spread the gospel and help those in need.

School for War-Orphaned Children

Kateh cared for orphaned children in war-torn areas and eventually established a school and church in a village without formal education. She described how she initially took in street children, faced challenges with housing, and eventually found a permanent location where she continues to reside with some of the children. The school now has 60 students, though many more children in the village are still not attending school due to lack of education culture and financial constraints. The school operates through parent contributions of food items and occasional donations from well-wishers, and while they have a kindergarten block, the primary school classes are still held in the church building.

Divine Path to Mission Fulfillment

Kateh abandoned her accounting career to pursue a mission-focused life path, which she believes was divinely guided. She emphasized that finding God's plan is crucial for personal fulfillment, as her current mission work brings her greater satisfaction than her previous accounting aspirations would have.

Divine Appointment in Uganda Mission

Kateh's experience demonstrates the power of applying God's truth for eternal joy.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Debby Collings has experienced many ups and downs in her life from broken relationships to cancer to career changes; but, she has always managed to find her joy. Whenever she is feeling troubled or just bored, photography has been her outlet, She calls it shutter therapy, and I can attest to her incredible bird photos. Debbie jokes that she must have been a gypsy is a past life, which might explain why she has always had the urge to move around so much. She’s recently moved back to her hometown of Milwaukee to be closer to her family after realizing their support was crucial during her recovery from cancer.

Notes from podcast:

1. Debbie grew up as a corporate brat, moving around a lot; she’s still on the move, fiercely independent. She jokes around that she must have been a gypsy in a past life, which explains why she always has the urge to move.
2. As the only girl in her family, she had to do its her way if she wanted something done.
3. She often felt like college was a waste of time and frequently considered leaving, which she dd her senior year.
4. Debbie worked in broadcast sales and pharmaceutical sales but was fired after working one year for not having a degree.
5. She went back to college to famish her degree in art history and found that she really enjoyed it. Today, Debbie works for PetLink selling microchip service to animal shelters, non profits, and animal control.
6. Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, during Covid and lockdown in Colorado. Her family and extended family were incredibly supportive, and she realized she needed to be closer to family, so moved back to Milwaukee.
7. She finds her joy thru photography; it’s her shutter therapy.
8. Glady, the cross eyed bear is a remarkable story of survival and defines Debbie’s life.
9. Today, Debbie is more comfortable with herself. No longer a people pleaser, she’s become more stubborn, set in her ways, and may be another reason Debbie says she’s still single.
10. What are her words for happiness? Talk to people, don’t sit on your feelings. Find an outlet. When you’re bored or unhappy, do something that brings you joy. For Debbie, this is photography.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

For her next podcast, Jean decided to interview her husband Duncan Hill, and how they have navigated marriage, travel, communication, God and Africa. Duncan spent 17 years rescuing children in Uganda. It was after he heard from God that this became his mission. So with his own $$ and lots of donations and a lot of faith, that’s what he did. They recently traveled back after a 7 year hiatus to reunite with his kids. What a blessing and adventure. Jean is so proud of the work he’s done and continues to do.

Notes on podcast:

1. In 1981 Duncan became a Christian. He was a stock broker up until 1997 when he started a small retail business, then he heard from God in 2002 that he was suppose to go to Uganda. He paid attention to the signs. God told him to go!
2. His heart was completely broken by the Aids crisis in Uganda. In the summer of 2002, Duncan started the Uganda Orphans Fund.
3. Duncan built homes for Ugandan churches to house orphaned children. Some local Ugandan families donated land and he started Kasozi (Hill in their local language)Village with a school, dormitories, a chapel and staff quarters.
4. Kasozi Village housed 150 kids. The school had to do their due diligence when accepting applications.
5. Kasozi school was based on the British school system with its own elementary school up to P7. If the kids had the acumen to go on to senior levels, the school would fund their education. This was all done by donations.
6. In 2018 Kasozi Village was given to a Ugandan non-profit school. In exchange for the land, buildings, vehicles they promised to take care of the Kasozi kids.
7. In Jan/Feb 2025 Duncan and Jean went back to see his kids. It was like magic. It was a personally gratifying time but there were some kids who were languishing and needed help. Duncan is now supporting 30 kids with their school fees, requirements and needs, to keep them moving forward toward success and self-sufficiency.
8. Duncan is funding this with his own money, but as their needs get greater and the number of kids in need increases, he’ll need to ask for financial help. His plan is to create the Kasozi Fund for just this purpose. Stay tuned.
9. Duncan and Jean pay their own expenses. Every penny in donations will go to help the kids.
10. Duncan believes that you need God’s direction to make your calling a success.
11. Duncan and Jean met in college but didn’t say a word to each other. They met 45 years later on FB in 2002, and married two months later.
12. They work well because they communicate. They care how the other person feels and they work things through.
13. Keys to their success are communication, acceptance and laughter.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Channa Beth Butcher wrote her PHD dissertation on UNLEARNING THE COLONIAL NARRATIVE OF THE AFRICAN GIRL THROUGH HER STORIES OF THE LIFE EXPERIENCES OF ONE KENYAN GIRL. Channa Beth achieved this feat at the age of 77. She is an inspiration and a reminder that it’s never too late to achieve the unimaginable. This past spring she founded E3 Kenya which stands for Encourage, Engage, Empower. The non-profit's goal is to teach women how to be self-sustaining. In this podcast you’ll learn about her love of learning, her fearlessness/willingness to take on new academic challenges, her intense curiosity about another culture, and her total disregard of her age when taking on new roles/challenges.

Notes on podcast

1. I was an only child and only grandchild and always felt very loved and safe. From a young age I knew i’d go to college. This was reinforced by my parents and grandparents.
2. She describes her childhood as an idyllic upbringing and spent a lot of time w her grandparents who were huge book lovers; she attributes that to her love of reading and learning.
3. When I was in Mexico in the early 80s I felt chagrined that I couldn’t communicate w the women there and wanted to learn SpanishShe studied Spanish for 4 years and became certified to teach Spanish and history and taught.
4. Languages come very easily for me. I’d start out with a book and a CD. I have to know what I’m saying grammatically. Best to take a class to learn.
5. Learned Swahili in 2014. I saw an article about Africa and was there a few months later. Went to Tanzania and gorilla tract in Rwanda.
6. Her favorite movie is “The Nun Story” w Audrey Hepburn and set in Belgian Congo. I was enthralled with Africa. When I got off the plane I cried. Felt like I belonged.
7. Once the locals saw that I spoke Swahili, they really opened up. It was an inspiration to the whites who ran the camp where I stayed.
8. When you speak to a person in your language it goes to their head, when you speak in their language it goes to their heart. Nelson Mandela quote.
9. So much racism still exists in the tourist industry and in East Africa. That’s changing but colonialism is still present.
10. Colonialism is not taught in the schools. Nonprofits exploit the dark side of native girls. But there is another side to the story. Let’s look at the reality that girls are going to school and have their own aspirations and agency. This became the crux of my dissertation.
11. Primary education is free but secondary education has school fees. She has long seen the girls of Kenya portrayed as poor, desperate and in need of money, but soon learned they just needed encouragement and support. Her dissertation theme became desensitizing the myth around these women.
12. Her dissertation centered around interviewing a senior at Starehe, a girls school in Kenya about her experiences, She did 90 hours of interviews about her everyday life. My Kenyan girl started out wanting to be a doctor and switched to law. She’ll be entering law school this year.
13. She started a non-profit called E3 Kenya. Part of my impetus to get my PhD was so I could be taken more seriously. I wanted to be legitimate.
14. Teach the girls how to be self-sustaining for what they need. Teach the girls how to sew and make reusable menstrual pads.
15. It was the most joyful 3 days I’ve had in a long time. We only made 2 menstrual pads given the complexities of Africa. But we did it and will be going back. “Sisterherd Strong.”
16. What advice do you have for women considering a life change? Go for it. Take a leap of faith that you can do it. You’re never too old. It will make you happy. Believe that your dreams are possible.
17. My success comes from having supportive parents, grandparents and a supportive husband.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Ryan has been a personal trainer for over 12 years. He is a certified functional aging specialist with a bachelors degree in Health & Exercise Science. Ryan has completed over 14,000 personal training sessions in his career and works with people of all ages & fitness levels with a focus on women over 50. He has transitioned from a local “in-person” personal trainer to an online trainer with clients in New York, New Mexico, Montana, Georgia, Connecticut, New Jersey, & even Italy.

Notes from podcast:

1. Ryan simplifies fitness with baby steps and micro progression. Anything can be measured and improved using 4 steps-corner stone, push, pull, accessory exercise.
2. Count the # of men vs women in the weight training section of your gym and you won’t find women over 60; they need this the most. I remove the intimidation barriers in my training program called the Courage Corner.
3. 90% of the people I work out with are on zoom. Started w the pandemic. Starts with one session on zoom to get them comfortable.
4. I provide people with a gift of bands. They get the door anchor and you basically have a complete cable machine. Easy to travel with.
5. I want people to meet me half way. I ask my clients to get a complete set of dumb bells. The more equipment the better.
6. The half hour work out has become the most popular. The intensity goes up. When you exercise at a high level, your metabolism is still working the next day.
7. There’s a large body of evidence that shows weight training improves your bone health keeping them strong and healthy, boosts your metabolism for fat loss, regulates your insulin passively, increases general strength, improves balance, improves your sleep and improves your confidence.
8. Build a program around the client’s needs. Smart goals. Keep things very simple.
9. Look at the functional aging trajectory. There is a decline if you don’t move. You control your quality of life. The key is to just do something.
10. Weight training improves your bone density and makes you more bullet proof to better survive a fall. Improves your ADLs-the activities of daily living.
11. Numbers don’t lie. Performance based metrics.
12. How do people get in touch with you? Call or text (914) 330-5968.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.