We recently connected with Steven Leung and have shared our conversation below.
Steven, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is not built overnight; it is the result of years of experience, challenges, and growth. As a real estate and loan broker with over 20 years of experience, my resilience comes from my journey, my community, and my unwavering commitment to serving others.
When I first entered the real estate industry, I faced common challenges such as building trust, establishing a client base, and navigating a competitive market. However, my ability to speak fluent Cantonese, Mandarin, and English allowed me to connect with a wide range of clients, particularly within the Chinese community in California. Over the years, I have become more than just a broker—I have become a problem solver, a trusted advisor, and a resourceful guide helping people navigate new environments.
My resilience comes from my clients. Many of them, like me, are immigrants who face unique challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliar legal systems. Helping them overcome these obstacles and find stability has been both a responsibility and a source of inspiration for me. When I help them close on their dream home or resolve a difficult issue, seeing their joy and relief reinforces my commitment to my work.
My journey has not been without setbacks. Economic downturns, market fluctuations, and personal challenges could have easily deterred me. Instead of giving up, I chose to adapt. I expanded my skill set, built a network of professionals to address my clients’ broader needs, and opened my own brokerage firm to provide tailored services. Each challenge became an opportunity to grow stronger, more knowledgeable, and more empathetic.
What truly drives my resilience is the sense of purpose I find in my work. Over the years, I have helped countless individuals and families buy and sell properties, secure loans, and even tackle legal and personal challenges. My role has gone beyond transactions—I have become a “jack-of-all-trades” for the Chinese community in California, their trusted go-to advisor. This trust and responsibility fuel my motivation, even on the toughest days.
Resilience is about showing up every day with a commitment to serve and improve. It involves listening to people’s stories, understanding their struggles, and finding creative solutions. For me, resilience is deeply rooted in the connections I have built over the years and the impact I continue to make in others’ lives. Their trust and gratitude give me the strength to persevere, no matter the challenges.
Ultimately, resilience is a combination of passion, adaptability, and purpose. My journey in the real estate and loan industry has taught me that challenges are inevitable, but how we respond to them defines our success. I am proud to serve my community, and I know that as long as I continue to learn and grow, my resilience will remain my greatest strength.
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?
Sharing My Story and Vision
As the founder of my own brokerage firm, I am focused on delivering not only exceptional real estate and loan services but also creating long-term value for my clients. What excites me the most is seeing clients achieve their dreams, whether it’s purchasing their first home, investing in a promising property, or finding solutions to complex challenges. I am deeply invested in the success of each individual and family I serve.
In addition to my real estate services, I am expanding my focus on providing educational resources and hosting community events to empower clients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Whether it’s a seminar on navigating the California real estate market or workshops for first-time homebuyers, my goal is to be a trusted resource in every step of their journey.
Looking ahead, I am also excited to launch new initiatives aimed at bridging cultural gaps and addressing the unique needs of immigrant communities in California. By combining my expertise in real estate with my passion for helping others, I aim to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve.
Resilience is about showing up every day with a commitment to serve and improve. It involves listening to people’s stories, understanding their struggles, and finding creative solutions. For me, resilience is deeply rooted in the connections I have built over the years and the impact I continue to make in others’ lives. Their trust and gratitude give me the strength to persevere, no matter the challenges.
Ultimately, resilience is a combination of passion, adaptability, and purpose. My journey in the real estate and loan industry has taught me that challenges are inevitable, but how we respond to them defines our success. I am proud to serve my community, and I know that as long as I continue to learn and grow, my resilience will remain my greatest strength.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities and skills have been the most impactful in my journey:
Adaptability:
The real estate market is constantly changing, and being able to pivot and adapt to new circumstances has been crucial. Whether it’s embracing new technology, understanding evolving market trends, or navigating unexpected challenges, adaptability has allowed me to stay relevant and successful. For those starting out, I recommend staying curious and open to learning. Embrace change as an opportunity rather than a setback.
Empathy and Communication:
Building trust with clients requires listening to their needs and understanding their concerns. Speaking multiple languages (Cantonese, Mandarin, and English) has been a tremendous asset, but truly connecting with clients goes beyond language. It’s about showing genuine care and tailoring solutions to their unique situations. For newcomers, focus on improving both verbal and non-verbal communication skills and always prioritize the client’s perspective.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Real estate transactions can be complex and unpredictable. Developing strong analytical skills and thinking creatively to resolve issues has been essential in my success. From addressing legal concerns to finding innovative financing solutions, being a resourceful problem-solver has set me apart. For those beginning their careers, invest time in understanding the intricacies of your field and seek mentorship to learn how experienced professionals tackle challenges.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
Invest in Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends, regulations, and tools to stay ahead of the curve.
Build a Network: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and experts who can offer guidance and support.
Stay Resilient: Challenges are inevitable, but how you respond to them will define your path. Treat every obstacle as a learning experience and keep moving forward.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Looking back, the most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling in me a strong sense of responsibility and work ethic. They led by example, showing me the importance of persistence, honesty, and always putting in my best effort. My parents taught me that no matter how difficult a situation might seem, determination and integrity would guide me through.
Their unwavering belief in my potential gave me the confidence to pursue my goals, even when the odds seemed stacked against me. They emphasized the value of education and lifelong learning, which has been instrumental in my professional growth. Most importantly, they showed me the importance of community and helping others—a lesson that continues to inspire my work every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oicompany.com
- Instagram: @stevenleung712
- Facebook: stevenleung712
- Other: wechat: Stevenleung007
Image Credits
This is my photo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.