Forward Leaders | Caroline Isern, Natalia Karayaneva and Christy Casey - 031

This month's interview includes three women forward leaders who are implementing ideas, strategies, and opportunities within the industry. In this episode, host Teresa Palacios Smith speaks with three lovely forward-thinking leaders: Caroline Isern, Natalia Karayaneva, and Christy Casey. They share their knowledge and beliefs on embracing AI technology and their journeys.

Meet the Leaders

• Caroline Isern - Senior Vice President, Multi-Cultural Lending, New American Funding (NAF)

• Natalia Karayaneva - Founder & CEO, Propy

• Christy Casey - President Region 7, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTOR®/Trident Group

The Leaders’ Journeys

• Christy started working with real estate agent Eunice Nelson after moving to a remote part of Arizona. She later realized her passion for the industry through her mom's background in real estate.

• Caroline came into real estate through a unique path, inspired by her parents and the passion of the leaders she's connected with, and is now proud to be a part of the Home Services of America family.

• Natalia started their real estate journey in Bulgaria, acquiring land and selling properties to foreign investors.

Fostering Creativity in the Real Estate Industry

• Natalia emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth throughout one’s career. She also discusses the importance of having great mentors and a supportive team to pursue leadership opportunities.

• Christy emphasizes the importance of being intentional and innovative in the industry, citing examples of successful strategies and leaders.

• Caroline encourages teams to operate intentionally, foster diverse perspectives, and recognize and reward innovation.

Innovation, Leadership, and Disruptions in the Tech Industry

• Natalia believes surrounding oneself with smart, diverse, and disciplined people is key to bolstering innovation and critical thinking in a startup. Her company prioritizes open communication, trust, and mutual respect among team members to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.

• Christy emphasizes the importance of collaboration and open-mindedness in staying ahead of disruption, citing the value of a "mastermind" approach.

• Caroline highlights the need for continuous learning and embracing technology to serve communities better and stay ahead of the curve.

Leaders’ Favorite Books

Natalia: “No Rules Rules” by Reed Hasting, “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight, and “The Sovereign Individual” by James Dale Davidson and William Rees-Mogg

Caroline: “Lend In” by Sheryl Sandberg 

Christy: “Fierce Conversations” by Susan Scott and “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara

Leaders’ Favorite Quotes

Caroline: “Instead of letting your hardships and failures discourage or exhaust you, let them inspire you.”

Christy: “Focus on what you want, not what you fear.”

Natalia: “ I’m grateful for everything I have in my life, and anything is possible. I’m driven by my future and can live in this moment.”

When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So, let’s build each other up and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.

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