Melissa Cruz: Time Is Your Only Currency: Vision, Buckets, and Boundaries
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
Release Date: 01/30/2026
Melissa Cruz: Time Is Your Only Currency: Vision, Buckets, and Boundaries
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Melissa Cruz discuss: Vision casting with 10–5–3–1 year planning Aligning daily time blocks with long-term goals Using color-coded “buckets” to organize calendar time Prioritizing revenue-producing activities over admin tasks Protecting me-time and family time to avoid burnout Key Takeaways: Long-term vision (10, 5, 3, and 1 years out) should drive what you do today, not the other way around. Time blocking works best when you categorize your life into clear “buckets” like lead generation, customer retention,...
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Dan Mullen: Stop Overpaying the IRS: Tax Strategies Every Realtor Must Know
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dan Mullen discuss: Planning ahead to avoid self‑employment tax “surprises.” Using S‑corp elections to reduce self‑employment taxes Properly documenting travel, meals, and vehicle deductions Regular, proactive check‑ins with your accountant Investing in your own product: real estate for long‑term wealth Key Takeaways: Proactive tax planning is non‑negotiable for agents who don’t want to be blindsided at tax time. The S‑corp election can dramatically cut self‑employment taxes when structured correctly,...
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Dave Rosenberg: The Real Estate Power Producers Playbook
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dave Rosenberg discuss: Radical accountability’s three elements: mechanics, mindset, and modeling Importance of clear job descriptions, processes, and formal training with testing Counseling and curiosity instead of yelling when mistakes happen Leadership’s impact on safety: fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses to toxic behavior Leaders must “walk the talk” to build trust, accountability, and high-performing teams Key Takeaways: Radical accountability rests on three legs: mechanics, mindset, and modeling, and when any one of these...
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Dirk Zeller: From Dummy to Power Player: Timeless Skills Every Agent Needs
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dirk Zeller discuss: Timeless fundamentals of real estate: persuasion, communication, and objection handling Time management and focus are the biggest challenges for agents and entrepreneurs Importance of daily lead generation and prioritizing high-value, dollar-productive activities Power of practice and role play to master listing presentations and objections Building long-term wealth by investing in real estate, not just selling it Key Takeaways: Time management is the core constraint for most agents, such as too much $25/hour...
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Clay Johnson: Building a Real Estate Life of Daily Excellence
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Clay Johnson discuss: Power and impact of daily habits Replacing bad habits instead of “dropping” them Starting each day with small, non‑negotiable wins Consistent, proactive communication in real estate Incremental growth by focusing on one to three habits at a time Key Takeaways: Habits quietly run your life because when you train them intentionally, they become “autopilot” behaviors that move your business and life forward without relying on motivation or willpower. You can’t just drop a bad habit; you must...
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Verl Workman: What is your Relationship Capital
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Verl Workman discuss: Leveraging relationship capital Building a vision-driven business Specializing and creating leverage Setting ambitious, unrealistic goals Developing a culture of accountability and productivity Key Takeaways: Cultivating strong relationships and making deposits in others' lives can create a powerful network of support when you need it most. When you can articulate this vision and invite others to be a part of it, you unlock the potential for exponential growth and legacy-building. In a competitive market,...
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Nate Keller: Fatherhood and Mentorship: Shaping a Legacy of Excellence
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Nate Keller discuss: Connecting through music and dance Tailoring performance to the audience Embracing authenticity and honesty as a speaker Serving as Honorary Consul for Kyrgyzstan Inspiring others through fatherhood and mentorship Key Takeaways: By representing the United States in international folk festivals, he has fostered meaningful connections and bridged cultural divides through the universal language of performance. Nate emphasizes the importance of understanding the event's purpose, the attendees' needs, and...
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Sheryl Green: The Power of No: How to Set Boundaries & Reclaim Your Life
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Sheryl Green discuss: Realizing your right and responsibility to set boundaries Identifying past "icky" situations to find where boundaries are needed Using the PEC system - Pause, Evaluate, Communicate Communicating boundaries graciously and with respect Seeking support to help set boundaries if needed Key Takeaways: Boundaries are a Necessity, Not a Luxury. Recognizing your entitlement and responsibility to set boundaries is the first step. Ignoring this can lead to burnout, resentment, and even serious health consequences. ...
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Kim Johnson: Rediscovering Purpose Through Intentional Living
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Kim Johnson discuss: Intentional living and meaningful connection The Darling Day concept and Darling Dinners The 54321 capsule wardrobe method Authenticity and personal style Balancing personal and professional life Key Takeaways: Cultivating a "Darling Day" where intention meets beauty can transform daily life, and by being present and creating meaningful moments, women can rediscover their purpose and confidence, empowering them to show up authentically and make a greater impact. Kim's 54321 method provides a practical framework...
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Jessie Van Wagoner: Mortgage Mindset: Prioritizing Authenticity, Communication, and Growth
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Jessie Van Wagoner discuss: Importance of education and continuous learning Building genuine relationships and providing exceptional service Methodical process and pre-approval to ensure client success Balancing work and personal life by setting boundaries Communicating effectively with lending partners Key Takeaways: Education is the foundation for success in the mortgage industry, enabling professionals to refine their skills, stay informed, and ultimately provide a superior experience for clients. Trust grows through clear...
info_outlineIn this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Melissa Cruz discuss:
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Vision casting with 10–5–3–1 year planning
-
Aligning daily time blocks with long-term goals
-
Using color-coded “buckets” to organize calendar time
-
Prioritizing revenue-producing activities over admin tasks
-
Protecting me-time and family time to avoid burnout
Key Takeaways:
-
Long-term vision (10, 5, 3, and 1 years out) should drive what you do today, not the other way around.
-
Time blocking works best when you categorize your life into clear “buckets” like lead generation, customer retention, admin, personal development, me time, and family time.
-
Revenue-producing activities must be scheduled first, not squeezed in around busywork, and many entrepreneurs feel exhausted because they’re living in admin mode while believing they’re building a business.
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Trying to do everything yourself keeps you stuck as the intern of your business instead of growing into the CEO role.
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Me time is not optional; it’s the foundation that keeps your business and family life sustainable, and when you move your body, eat well, and nourish your mind, you show up with the energy and clarity needed to serve others at a higher level.
“Time is the only currency that we spend without ever knowing the balance. So choose wisely, spend it wisely, and make every single minute count.”
- Melissa Cruz
About the guest, Melissa Cruz:
Melissa Cruz is a business coach dedicated to helping ambitious women build businesses and lives that align with their values—without sacrificing what matters most. As a mom, she understands the constant balancing act of family, business, and personal goals, which is why her coaching focuses on overcoming limiting beliefs, building with intention, and releasing the guilt that often comes with wanting it all. Melissa helps her clients create clarity, confidence, and momentum while staying grounded in who they are.
A natural problem-solver, Melissa guides women in turning challenges into opportunities for growth, whether that means improving time management, increasing productivity, or navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. In addition to coaching, she creates practical, experience-driven courses for real estate professionals, offering actionable strategies that lead to real results. Melissa believes success doesn’t require compromise—when businesses are built on authenticity and aligned values, sustainable growth and fulfillment follow.
Connect with Melissa Cruz:
Email: iris.bloom.cruz@gmail.com
Phone: 904-679-2340
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irisbloomcoaching/
CONNECT WITH CHERYL:
Website: www.cherylknows.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/
Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez
Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.