Empowering Women in Real Estate® - The Podcast with Karen Cooper

In this episode, I'm sharing my 2026 goals — and more importantly, how I plan to achieve them. I'm walking you through the five goals I've set for the year, why I approached goal-setting differently this time, and how my 2026 word of the year — surrender — is shaping both my life and my business. We'll talk about:   Letting go of control and perfection in goal setting Why personal and business goals can't (and shouldn't) be separated What it looks like to focus on embodiment instead of constant tracking Creating consistent, meaningful impact through generosity And my core business goal for 2026: creating opportunities for women in real estate that wouldn't exist otherwise I'm also breaking down the specific action steps behind each goal — because vision without a plan doesn't get you very far. If you're heading into this year craving clarity, simplicity, and a way forward that actually feels sustainable, this episode is for you.  Listen now and then come share your goals with us inside the Empowering Women in Real Estate® Facebook community. The resource mentioned in the show is the PowerSheets Goal Planner from Cultivate What Matters. You can review all of their products here: http://cultivatewhatmatters.com/EMPOWERINGWOMENINRE And when you use code EMPOWERINGWOMENINRE you will save 10%!     Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Real estate can feel like a 24/7 industry — and when you add multiple businesses, a team, family, sports schedules, and real life on top of it, it's no wonder so many women feel like they're constantly behind. In this episode, I'm walking you through my exact time and task management system — the rhythms, routines, and tools I use to keep multiple businesses, a team, a podcast, a community, and family life running without burning out.   We'll talk about: Why having start and stop times (most days) actually makes you more productive. How I use boundaries and theme days to stay focused. The difference between time blocking and rhythms — and why rhythms work better for my real estate life. My weekly planning session + brain dump, how I use my paper planner alongside digital calendars, and why I subscribe to sports and event calendars instead of entering everything manually. How I manage daily tasks so my list is realistic, not a guilt trip — plus the "big project list" I keep visible when there's a lot happening.   If you've been craving more ease, structure, and peace in your days — without pretending real estate is a 9–5 — this behind-the-scenes episode will give you practical ideas you can start using right away.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Your 2026 Business Plan: The Only 3 Things You Actually Need to Focus On Feeling like your business plan is a 47-tab spreadsheet and a whole lot of pressure? Let's simplify that. In this episode, I'm breaking your 2026 business plan down to the only three things that truly matter in your real estate business:   Your database – the "acres of diamonds" you already have but may not be fully nurturing. Your pillars – the 3–5 core sources of business that deserve your time, attention, and marketing dollars. Your Daily Business Builders™ – simple, sustainable prospecting habits you can actually stick with, even on your worst weeks. If you've been feeling distracted by the noise, the shiny objects, and all the "do it my way" advice online, this episode will help you refocus on what really moves the needle. Dial these three areas in, stay consistent, and your business at the end of 2026 will look very different from 2025 — in the best way.     Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

A new year always brings fresh energy, possibility, and—if we're honest—a little fear. Especially in real estate, where every January 1st our numbers reset to zero and we feel like we're starting all over again.   In this episode, Karen shares her 2026 Word of the Year … and why her original word choice just wasn't enough.   Listen in as she talks about: • How choosing a Word of the Year has guided her life and business for over a decade • Why open felt safe—but not fully transformative • What surrender really means (and what it doesn't) • Releasing the illusion of control, timelines, and other people's expectations • Letting go of old ways of working, people-pleasing, and carrying everything for everyone • Journaling prompts to help you choose your own word for the year ahead   If you've been feeling a nudge toward something deeper, different, or more aligned in this next season, this episode will give you language, courage, and a gentle push forward.   Listen now to episode 386 of Empowering Women in Real Estate® – The Podcast on your favorite podcast app or by clicking the link below.     Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

If you're listening on the day this episode airs… it's Christmas Eve. And if you're anything like most women in real estate, you're moving through the day with a full heart and an even fuller to-do list. In this short, heartfelt Christmas Eve episode, Karen shares gentle words of wisdom for the woman who is juggling clients, caring for family, holding emotions for everyone around her — and still trying to find a moment to breathe. Inside, you'll hear:  Acknowledgment of the many roles you carry  Encouragement for the woman who feels like she fell short this year  Reassurance for the woman who had an incredible year (and is quietly scared about repeating it)  A grounding practice to bring you back to the present moment  A Christmas blessing to carry into tomorrow — and into the new year This is your permission to pause, breathe, and remember: You are enough. You've done enough. And you are worthy of joy, rest, and gentleness this season. Merry Christmas, friends.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

The end of the year can feel like a blur of client care, goal setting, school events, and holiday obligations—and as a woman in real estate, you're often the one holding it all together. In this episode, Karen shares practical ways to find calm in the year-end chaos so you can finish strong without burning yourself out in the process. She'll walk you through choosing a few key non-negotiables, creating a simple end-of-year plan, protecting your energy before your calendar, and building in real rest—especially in the week between Christmas and New Year's. You'll also hear how consistent prospecting can give you the confidence to say no to poor-fit clients and yes to what matters most at home. If you've been running from thing to thing with your hair on fire, this conversation will help you exhale, reset, and actually enjoy the season you've worked so hard to create.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

What would I tell my younger self about building a real estate business that actually supports your life — not consumes it? This episode was inspired by a recent Instagram post that received a huge response, because so many women in real estate feel the pressure to hustle, grind, and "push through" for far too many years before finally learning what truly creates long-term success. Today I'm sharing the 10 lessons I wish I had known at 32, instead of learning them the hard way over 23 years in this business. Inside the episode, you'll hear:   Why hustling isn't a business strategy How consistency (not intensity) built the foundation of my career Why your database is your retirement plan The power of protecting your peace — and why it's non-negotiable How your business can evolve as your life evolves Why community matters more than you think The truth about brokerage alignment The shift from chasing numbers → designing a life Why systems matter more than willpower And why midlife isn't the end — it's the upgrade Whether you're 32, 52, or anywhere in between, this episode will help you build a business that feels sustainable, meaningful, and true to who you are becoming.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

After three years at Real Brokerage, I can finally see the compound effect in action. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what this move has really meant for my business, my life, and our all-female Platinum Group Real Estate Team. From navigating a major brokerage transition with 30+ pending transactions and 30+ team members, to expanding into 19+ states, to building revenue share and new income streams that support our long-term goals—nothing about this has been surface level. I'm sharing why we left a brokerage we loved, what drew us to a cloud-based model we originally said a hard "no" to, and how the Real platform has allowed us to grow nationally without me getting licensed in multiple states. You'll hear how we've created leadership and income opportunities for our team, how revenue share has brought in over $150,000 this year, and how access to top agents nationwide has elevated the way we serve clients. If you've ever wondered what a move like this actually looks like behind the scenes—or you're feeling that nudge that you might need a change—this one's for you.   In this episode, I talk about: Why we knew we'd hit a ceiling at our previous brokerage How we expanded into 19+ states without new licenses The impact of revenue share and stock awards on my family and team The unexpected emotional journey of changing brokerages What I wish I'd done sooner—and advice if you're considering a move   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

In this heartfelt annual gratitude episode, Karen reflects on what has been a transformative year—after several that were incredibly hard. She opens up about the seasons of loss, burnout, and rebuilding that defined her 40s, and how this year, through faith, boundaries, and slowing down, she finally found herself again. From choosing Worthy as her word of the year to embracing joy, morning rituals, and authenticity, Karen shares how gratitude became the anchor that helped her rediscover peace, purpose, and happiness in both life and business. If you've ever walked through a season of struggle and wondered when you'll feel like you again, this episode will remind you that healing, joy, and gratitude are always within reach.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 40,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

In this week's episode, Karen shares her presentation from the 5th Annual Empowering Women in Real Estate® Conference, titled The Intangibles. While most training in real estate focuses on the tangible — contracts, marketing, scripts, negotiations — the truth is that what often separates good agents from great ones are the intangibles. In this episode, Karen reveals the 10 subtle, often-overlooked qualities that define top-producing agents. These are the habits, perspectives, and small-but-powerful actions that can completely transform your business. If you've ever wondered what truly makes the difference between agents who simply survive and those who thrive, this episode will show you exactly that.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 39,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Drowning in emails? In this episode, Karen walks through the exact email management system she uses to keep multiple inboxes under control—while running businesses, leading a team, raising kids and supporting a 40k+ community. You'll learn how to: Combine accounts into one working inbox (and when to use a separate "bills-only" address). Use color-coded flags tied to themed days (sales, team, EWRE, personal) so nothing gets lost. Decide fast: delete, do, delegate, or defer—and what "Inbox Zero-ish" really looks like. Unsubscribe ruthlessly, block repeat spammers, and stop obsessive checking. Handle time off with a "To Do After Vacation" folder so you return to sanity, not chaos. A simple, sustainable system to reclaim time—and your peace.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 39,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

In this special replay episode, Karen shares her recent conversation with Renee Ruth, host of The Platinum Agent Podcast. Together, they dive deep into what it truly takes to build a flourishing real estate business — one that's both profitable and sustainable. With over 23 years in the industry, Karen opens up about how she's grown a thriving team, created balance while raising a family, and built Empowering Women in Real Estate® into a community of over 39,000 members. You'll hear practical strategies and mindset shifts that have stood the test of time — from her favorite prospecting habits to how she's stayed consistent and inspired through every market cycle. If you're ready to elevate your real estate career without burning out, this episode is for you.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 39,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

The most profitable system you'll ever build is the one that protects your energy and your peace. In the Systems Series finale, Karen shares a practical framework to guard your time, attention, and emotional bandwidth—so you can lead, serve, and grow without burning out. You'll learn: How to set communication boundaries (and the rare exceptions) Choosing appointment windows that match your season Designing a daily peace practice you'll actually keep A simple plan to refill your cup and say authentic yes/no A 15-minute install to put the whole system in motion today Missed earlier parts? Start with 372 (why systems create freedom), then 373 (Prospecting), 374 (Nurture), 375 (Follow-Up), and 376 (Visibility). Listen now on your favorite podcast app.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 39,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Being "visible" isn't about being on every platform—it's about showing up with intention where it matters most. In Part 4 of the Systems Series, Karen shares a practical visibility system you can run in under an hour a day: Choose focused platforms and show your face regularly Log into your CRM daily to nurture the relationships that pay you Plug into community (local or niche) to deepen connection Create appointments when none exist to generate momentum Protect a weekly content block so you're not creating in a panic Turn visibility into a repeatable habit that supports your pillars and keeps you top of mind—without burning out.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 39,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Prospecting and nurture bring business in. Follow-up keeps it. In Part 3 of the Systems Series, Karen shares her simple weekly update system—the cadence, scripting, and expectations that reduce client anxiety, cut down inbound "status" calls, and build trust through every phase of a transaction. You'll learn: Two ways to schedule weekly updates (single-day batch vs. rolling client day) Exactly what to include in seller and buyer updates (active + under contract) How to set expectations at the consult and stick to them Why proactive five-minute updates save hours later Run this for one week and feel the difference in your pipeline—and your peace of mind.  Listen now to episode 375 of Empowering Women in Real Estate® – The Podcast    Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 39,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Your prospecting system gets you new leads, but it's your nurture system that keeps your business thriving year after year. In this episode of the Systems Series, I'm breaking down how to create a simple, sustainable nurture system that ensures you stay top of mind with clients, your sphere, and your referral network. I'll share my real-life approach to monthly, quarterly, and annual nurture activities—including email newsletters, postcards, pop-bys, and client appreciation drawings—and how they all work together to generate consistent business. If you've ever overcomplicated your systems (like I have!) or struggled to keep up, this episode will show you how to simplify, automate, and create a nurture system that actually works.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 39,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Prospecting. It's the system most real estate agents love to hate — but it's also the one your business can't survive without. In this first episode of my Systems Series, I'm breaking down what prospecting really looks like today, why it doesn't have to mean cold calls and door knocking, and how to create a system that works for YOU. I'll share my own "Daily Business Builders" — the prospecting system that has helped me consistently generate business for more than 20 years. These small, repeatable actions have kept my pipeline full through every season of my career. If you've ever struggled with consistency in your lead generation, this episode will change the way you think about prospecting.  Listen now to episode 373 of Empowering Women in Real Estate® - The Podcast on your favorite podcast app or by clicking the link below.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 39,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Here's the truth: systems don't box you in—they set you free.  In this episode, I'm giving you an overview of the five essential systems every real estate business needs … and setting the stage for a special October systems series where we'll go deeper into each one. Think of this as the "behind-the-scenes business" that makes everything else flow with more ease, consistency, and peace of mind. Listen now to episode 372 of Empowering Women in Real Estate® - The Podcast on your favorite podcast app or by clicking the link below.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 39,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

A business that comes to you might sound too good to be true … but it's not.  For 23 years, I've built my real estate career on referrals—not cold calls, not door knocking, not chasing leads. And the best part? It's sustainable, consistent, and actually joyful. In this episode, I'm breaking down how a referral-first mindset really works, why it's not "passive" at all, and the systems I use to keep the referrals flowing year after year. Listen in now to episode 371 of Empowering Women in Real Estate® - The Podcast for a fresh perspective on building a business that lasts.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 39,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/

Why would a seasoned solo agent with decades of experience choose to join a team?  In this episode, I'm sharing a replay from my friend (and now Founding Agent Partner on our team in Florida!) Michele Bellisari. Michele opens up about the real reasons she made the move—not for leads, not because she didn't know how to generate business—but for strategy, sustainability, and long-term opportunity. This conversation is eye-opening, especially if you've ever wondered whether joining a team could actually benefit an experienced agent.   Click subscribe to be notified every Wednesday when our latest episode is released, and be sure to check out our group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomeninrealestate We are 39,000 members strong and we want you to join us! And if you want to follow me on Instagram, that's where I'm having the most fun right now. https://www.instagram.com/karen.w.cooper/