Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Trachele Shields. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Trachele, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
In the early days of my coaching career, I constantly questioned whether I was qualified enough to guide others. Doubts clouded my mind, and I worried that my knowledge and experience might not be sufficient to make a meaningful impact on my mentee’s lives. This self-doubt was disheartening, especially because I knew I had the expertise and the genuine desire to help others succeed.
One particular incident stands out vividly in my memory. I had accepted a role as a Director of Productivity in training, basically the Director of the coaching department. I was being positioned to take over the role and then a series of self doubt and personal issues including family death and illness began to plague me. The stress of my personal issues magnified my self doubt and then I began to question my abilities as a coach. The longer I stayed in the role, my anxiety intensified. I kept thinking, “What if they realize I’m not as knowledgeable as they think I am? What if I can’t answer their questions?” ” What if I’m not an effective coach?”
I let fear and my personal issues get the best of me. I ended up resigning from the Director of Productivity role and taking a sabatical from real estate for a few months. During my time away from the industry, I reminded myself that I had invested years in honing my expertise and that I had successfully navigated numerous challenges in my own real estate career. I had a wealth of knowledge and practical experience that could genuinely benefit others. It was time for me to confront the imposter syndrome head-on.
To help me through this period, I sought support from my best friends and significant other. I opened up about my feelings of inadequacy. I embraced their advice and after doing some deep reflection, I began to focus on the positive feedback I received from past customers. I started collecting testimonials and success stories, which acted as a tangible reminder of the value I brought to their lives. This practice helped me shift my perspective from dwelling on my perceived shortcomings to recognizing the positive impact I had made.
Moreover, I delved deeper into my own continuous education. I attended industry conferences, read books, and sought out mentors to expand my knowledge and expertise further. The more I learned, the more confident I became in my abilities. This thirst for knowledge not only bolstered my skills, but also reinforced my belief that I was on the right path as a coach.
As time passed, I noticed a shift in my mindset. Instead of seeing myself as an imposter, I embraced the role of a facilitator, guiding my clients on their unique journeys. I learned to acknowledge that it’s okay not to have all the answers, and I became more comfortable saying, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” This honesty fostered trust with my clients, who appreciated my willingness to support them genuinely.
Overcoming imposter syndrome was a gradual process, but it ultimately made me a more compassionate and effective coach. My experiences with self-doubt allowed me to empathize better with my customers, who often faced their own moments of uncertainty. By sharing my struggles and how I navigated them, I created a safe and supportive space for my clients to open up about their fears and insecurities.
Today, imposter syndrome no longer paralyzes my ability to perform as a real estate and business coach. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the continuous growth and learning that comes with this profession. I have come to appreciate that embracing vulnerability and self-improvement is not a weakness, but a strength that enables me to better connect with my customers and help them unlock their true potential.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I grew up in a military family. In my family, I learned the values of dedication, discipline, and service at an early age. I was inspired by watching my parents navigate the dynamic world of real estate in California. At a young age, I found my calling in the realm of property transactions. I was intrigued by my parents’ real estate agent, I absorbed knowledge about not just selling real estate but also investing in it. My first steps in the industry were as a runner for the agent, leaving monthly calendars and magnets on doorsteps – an experience that laid the foundation for my future career.
I am driven by an insatiable appetite for learning and personal growth. I embarked on what seems like a neverending pursuit of excellence and personal development. After many years as a sales agent, I ahieved my Broker’s license and multiple industry designations and certifications. I have crafted a reputation for my unparalleled negotiation skills and keen eye for profitable investments. As a testament to my expertise, I have authored books on real estate, business and credit, and have empowered agents and aspiring entrepeneurs to take charge of their careers.
My current focus is on my work as a Realtor®, educator, speaker and entrepreneur. I have a true passion for empowering others to achieve their dreams. I have taken what I’ve learned in real estate, the corporate world and as a content creator and created an online academy. Create Real Estate Wealth Academy is for real estate agents and real estate entrepreneurs who want to essentially recession proof their business. I like to think of the academy as a Plan B or an agent retirement plan.
The skills that I teach in the academy will help agents set themselves up for success and consistent income in the event that they no longer wish to sell. Currently the academy offers one signature course with additional courses in development and scheduled to be released prior to the end of the year. My passion for empowering others extends to my sales and public speaking business. I take great pride in providing valuable information so that my audience and customers can make informed decisions.
The most exciting and special thing about my work is the connections that I make and the relationships that I cultivate. I truly have a heart for service and that is how I approach every ascpect of my career. It’s never been just about real estate, and it’s definitely not about selling. It’s about the impact that get to leave on my community and the people in it.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back at my journey as a real estate professional and entrepreneur, I believe that communication, interpersonal skills, and problem solving skills were most impactful in my journey. Effective communication is the backbone of any successful real estate career. Being able to listen to customer’s needs, understand their preferences, and articulate complex real estate concepts in a simple manner has been crucial in gaining their trust. Moreover, strong interpersonal skills have allowed me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and build strong networks within the real estate community. Real estate is a business filled with problems. You are essentially being hired to solved property problems. Knowing how to solve them will ensure you are successful in this business.
For those starting their journey, focus on honing your communication and interpersonal skills. Engage in active listening, attend workshops or seminars on effective communication, and practice relating to different personalities. The ability to communicate clearly and build meaningful connections will set you apart in this competitive industry.
Real estate transactions often involve negotiations and challenges that require creative problem-solving. As a Realtor, the ability to negotiate favorable terms for clients and navigate through obstacles in the buying or selling process has been instrumental in closing successful deals.
Invest time in learning negotiation techniques and problem-solving strategies. Take part in negotiation workshops or courses and learn from experienced negotiators. Additionally, draw from mentors or seasoned Realtors who can provide valuable insights from their own experiences. The more you practice negotiation and problem-solving, the more adept you will become in handling various situations that arise in real estate deals.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, the most significant area of growth for me has been my ability to ask for help and recognize the importance of taking breaks when needed. I’ve also come to realize that my previous efforts were merely scratching the surface, and that to reach new heights, I needed to increase my level of commitment and dedication. Additionally, I’ve addressed my issues with distraction and lack of focus, leading to substantial improvements in my productivity and overall performance.
Learning to ask for help was a transformative experience for me. Previously, I had the tendency to try and handle everything on my own, thinking it showcased independence and strength. However, I soon understood that seeking assistance from others, whether it be colleagues, mentors, or friends, is not a sign of weakness but a display of humility and a desire to grow. Collaborating with others has allowed me to tap into diverse perspectives, gain new insights, and discover innovative solutions to challenges that I might not have come up with on my own.
Another crucial lesson I’ve learned is the importance of taking breaks and stepping away when necessary. Burnout was becoming a common occurrence due to my constant pursuit of goals without giving myself time to recharge. Now, I actively incorporate breaks into my daily routine, allowing myself to disconnect and recharge my mind. This practice has not only boosted my creativity and problem-solving abilities, but also enhanced my overall well-being and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: For real estate purchase, lease and sales: https://tracheleshields.jpar.com/ For more on Create Real Estate Wealth (C.R.E.W learnwithcrew.com
- Instagram: @thatgirlchele and @learnwithcrew
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/trachele.shields
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/trachele-s-6b2b7a78
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thatgirlchele4637
- Other: Threads: www.threads.net/@thatgirlchele TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatgirlchele
Image Credits
Sania Dimitrovski
