Obstacles to Opportunities

Ever wondered how to climb to the top in a field where the odds seem stacked against you? Ivy Zelman did just that, and she joins us, Ryan Smith and Heather Caine, to unravel the tapestry of her career — from overcoming a challenging upbringing to becoming the definitive voice in home building analysis on Wall Street. Our conversation peels back the layers of her journey, revealing how a blend of fear and unyielding determination propelled her through the tumultuous 90s financial landscape and into the annals of industry legends.
Navigating the real estate market can often feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. But with Ivy's expert guidance, we unpack the peculiar trends shaping today's landscape, such as the curious mix of low sales volume and rising home prices, and what that means for both buyers and sellers. Our discussion zooms in on the intricacies of regional markets, taking a closer look at Southwest Florida's luxury sector and how lifestyle choices reflect in market fluctuations. It's a treasure trove of insight for anyone intrigued by the pulse of the property world.
But it's not all about the numbers and trends; our ethos and how we conduct ourselves in the professional sphere can make or break careers. Ivy and I share candid stories that highlight the art of assertiveness, the necessity of a strong work ethic, and the generational shifts in workplace attitudes. We wrap up contemplating the industry's evolution post-NAR settlement, examining how these changes might carve out new opportunities for those ready to rise to the challenge. For the real estate professionals tuning in, this episode isn't just a conversation — it's a blueprint for the future.
Check her out here: https://www.zelmanassociates.com/about/our-team

As a candid, supportive, and insightful coach, Ronda draws from her personal experiences with trauma and navigating challenging life transitions to guide others. She empowers them to courageously tap into their strengths, gain clarity on their goals, and take the steps needed to move forward.

Ronda was the visionary founder and CEO of Zillner Marketing Communications in Kansas City, a trailblazer in the upscale senior living sector. During a time when it was uncommon, she fostered a culture where working parents, including herself, could balance hands-on parenting with thriving careers. After nearly 25 successful years, Ronda sold her company to a private equity firm and shifted her focus to coaching, mentoring, and pursuing other passions.

A member of the Kansas City Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business, Ronda has also served on the Advisory Board of Workplace Healing and as an advisor to the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA). She is the founder of The Crowded Table, a prototype supper club that demonstrates how sharing a meal with strangers can lead to non-judgmental insights, open hearts, and deeper connections.

Additionally, Ronda is a published writer, speaker, workshop facilitator, coach, and entrepreneur. Her extensive background in mentoring leaders and navigating life informs her work. She has written curricula and taught classes through Compassion Fix, a community founded by Ginger Rothhaas that helps people open their hearts to the pain of others and themselves, allowing for greater connection, love, peace, and joy.

An avid reader and podcast enthusiast, Ronda is a curious, adventurous spirit who loves learning from the fascinating people she encounters. She marvels at the diverse ways people interpret God's intentions for their lives and finds beauty in the fact that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Proud mother of two adult children who continue to inspire her, Ronda is passionate about personal growth—even, and especially, during times when it's difficult. She provides a confidential, safe space for clients to reflect, share, dream, and grow. Through her coaching, she helps others become positive agents of change in their own lives.

Join Jess Powell on "Obstacles to Opportunities" as she sits down with author Rachelle Tiringo Halterman for a candid conversation about Rachelle's life journey. Born in a small Ethiopian village with limited opportunities for girls, Rachelle shares her heartfelt story of overcoming challenges and finding empowerment. From her own experiences, Rachelle has discovered the importance of empowering young girls worldwide. Tune in as Jess and Rachelle discuss adoption, empowerment, and Rachelle's mission to inspire confidence in girls everywhere. This episode promises to open your eyes to the transformative power of empowerment and the boundless potential of girls around the world.

Be sure to get your copy of her book: “Girls Can Be Anything.”
https://amzn.to/4d3SHBf

Join us as Robyn Spoon, a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of the nonprofit Elevate, shares her deeply personal journey that began when her son was unexpectedly diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. This life-altering event propelled her into the world of pediatric cancer advocacy, unveiling the stark realities and urgent need for reform in research funding and treatment. Robin’s story is both a heartfelt reminder of the challenges families face and a call to action for improved awareness and resources in the fight against childhood cancer.
Pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children, yet it is disturbingly underfunded. The obstacles families encounter, from outdated treatments to the lack of comprehensive support, reveal a critical gap in our medical system. Our conversation with Robin underscores the importance of empowering families with the right tools and information, while emphasizing the community’s role in driving systemic change. We share personal experiences, highlighting the need for new perspectives and enhanced advocacy to transform pediatric cancer care.
My hope is to build a coalition with others with a similar desire to change the story for those who follow us...and to do it fast! And while we pursue this mission, we will arm patients and caregivers with the most current information possible so that their families are able to make critical decisions on behalf of their child.

She shares how the loss of her son to pediatric cancer has ignited a movement of others who want to change how pediatric cancer is treated. They're ready for change and they're getting a movement of others involved - this inspiring story will leave you ready to jump in and join the movement!

Check out: https://elevatechildhoodcancer.org/ to get involved!