Meet Maria Korpacheva

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maria Korpacheva. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Maria, 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.

Overcoming imposter syndrome hasn’t been easy, but my story has been about facing the things that seemed impossible head-on. When I was 15, I made the choice to learn English. Every morning, I’d wake up at 5 a.m., take a long commute, and go to classes where I barely understood a word. I didn’t just want to pass—I wanted to excel, to build a life I could be proud of. I knew it would be tough, but I also knew that it would open doors. Eventually I ended up graduating with honors from the Linguistic University.

Years later, I immigrated to America, and although I felt like an outsider, I took another leap by creating a short movie. I had no budget, no connections, and just a few people to help. I learned everything on the fly, pulling together the little resources I had to bring a vision to life. And while the film was small, the experience taught me something big: I could make something out of nothing.

One of my boldest steps was traveling on my own to Tanzania and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. I had almost no hiking experience, let alone climbing, but I felt this call to do something that felt way beyond my comfort zone. Step by step, in the thin air, I reminded myself of my determination and the belief that, even though I didn’t feel ready, I could do hard things if I just kept going. Reaching that summit showed me how strong I really am and that I can always rely on myself.

Starting my real estate business was yet another leap into the unknown. I started building it from the ground up, with no network, no referrals—just a passion to help people find the homes they love. And as the business grew, I felt growing with it, facing the doubts that whispered I wasn’t ready, or not experienced enough, and proving them wrong every single day.

Each of these milestones has been a victory over imposter syndrome, proving to myself that my dreams are worth the struggle. I now look back on these moments as proof that I am more capable than my doubts and stronger than my fears.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My journey has been one of transformation—a path shaped by challenges, dreams, and a deep determination to build a life that feels true to me. Growing up in a modest home, I didn’t even have a room of my own, as my family couldn’t afford a larger house. But I held big dreams and an unwavering commitment to create something meaningful. I saw education as the bridge to that future, so I poured myself into my studies. Each day, I’d rise at dawn and travel long hours to classes, often feeling overwhelmed but driven by the belief that this hard work would open doors to a new world.

When I moved to Los Angeles in 2007, I was going through a difficult emotional time, but studying Spiritual Psychology at the University of Santa Monica (USM) helped me open my heart, find strength, and embrace who I truly am. As part of that journey, I took on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania as my second-year project at USM, a profound experience that pushed me to new heights, both physically and spiritually. It taught me how important it is to show up for myself, and in doing so, I realized my passion—being of service to others. Holding space for people, being present with them, and helping them make the best decisions is what truly makes me happy.

Resilience, openness to challenges and change—are the heartbeat of my real estate business. I founded it from zero, with no ready-made network, no shortcuts, and only a vision of what it could become. I wanted my work to be more than buying and selling houses. I wanted to help people find homes with soul, places where they could feel safe, seen, and at peace. To me, a home is so much more than a structure; it’s a sanctuary where dreams are nurtured, where growth happens, and where families create memories that last a lifetime.

In my business, I’ve come to see mindfulness and awareness as essential parts of every transaction. Real estate isn’t just about finding the right layout or number of bedrooms; it’s about tuning in to what truly matters to my clients. My job is to listen deeply, to understand their hopes, their vision, and their fears. When someone finds a home that resonates, you can see it—their shoulders relax, their eyes light up, and there’s this sense of peace that settles over them. My role is to facilitate that journey, making it as seamless and soulful as possible.

What excites me most is helping clients discover that a home is not just a place to live; it’s a space that reflects who they are. Every person’s journey is unique, and I’m grateful to be part of such a personal milestone. My brand is built on authenticity, care, and the intention to serve others in a way that honors their unique path. I’m here not just as a real estate agent but as someone who truly cares about finding the right home for each person, understanding that a home isn’t just walls and windows—it’s a mirror of who they are and who they’re becoming.

For me, every closing is a beginning, a story, and a small piece of the legacy I hope to leave behind.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities on my journey have been resilience, empathy, and a willingness to keep learning. These aren’t just skills—they’re ways of being that have shaped everything I’ve done, from starting over in a new country to building my real estate business with heart.

Resilience has been essential. There were so many moments where giving up might have seemed easier, but resilience taught me that even the hardest challenges can be transformative. I learned that resilience isn’t about forcing through—it’s about knowing you can rise again, no matter how many times you stumble. For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. It’s often in the hardest times that we discover how strong we truly are.

Empathy has also been a guide for me, especially in real estate, where my clients are often navigating significant life changes. Learning to listen deeply and connect with people’s needs on a human level has made my work so much more meaningful. For those starting out, remember that people will feel your genuine care. Take time to really understand others, to listen with your whole heart. The impact you can make when you lead with empathy is immeasurable.

Lastly, a willingness to keep learning has kept me grounded and open. Each step of my journey has brought something new—often things I never anticipated. When I first moved to America, I knew very little about the culture, the industry, or even the nuances of language. But by staying open to learning from each experience, and by seeking out mentors and knowledge wherever I could, I found my way. For anyone beginning their journey, my advice is to stay curious and humble. Every experience has something to teach you if you’re willing to learn.

These qualities have guided me, and if I could offer one message to others, it’s this: trust in your journey, embrace every lesson, and remember that you are capable of so much more than you can imagine. The road may not always be easy, but every step forward brings you closer to the person you are becoming.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle has been a profound influence on my life and journey. This book teaches a way of living that is grounded in presence, and it’s helped me transform how I approach challenges, relationships, and even my work.

One of the most impactful insights is Tolle’s message about the importance of living in the present moment. It’s so easy to get swept up in regrets about the past or worries about the future, but Tolle emphasizes that peace and true happiness are only accessible in the now. This idea has helped me let go of anxieties about what’s ahead and find strength in each moment as it comes. It’s a practice I bring into my daily life, especially in my work, where staying present helps me connect more meaningfully with clients and understand their unique needs.

Another transformative lesson from the book is the concept of observing the mind without becoming attached to it. Tolle talks about the mind’s constant chatter—the stories, judgments, and anxieties it creates—and teaches that we are not our thoughts. Instead, we can step back and observe them, creating space between who we are and the emotions or fears we feel. This has been so empowering because it’s taught me that I don’t have to believe every thought or emotion that arises. I can witness them, accept them, and let them pass without letting them define me.

Finally, Tolle speaks about acceptance as the key to inner peace. He explains that we suffer when we resist reality or wish things were different, but when we accept the present as it is, we create space for growth, change, and peace. This approach has helped me navigate difficult times with grace, understanding that even the hardest moments are part of my path.

“The Power of Now” has given me a toolkit for mindful, conscious living. It’s a book I return to whenever I need grounding, a reminder to let go, or a renewed sense of peace in the present.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Where does your self-discipline come from?

One of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. We asked some

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
Working hard in 2025: Keeping Work Ethic Alive

While the media might often make it seem like hard work is dead and that