Meet Marie Mangouta

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

Marie, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I would say my work ethic comes from a combination of both my upbringing and my personality. Growing up, my parents set an incredible example for me. My father from Congo holds a master’s degree in economics and my Russian mother has a master’s in both accounting and chemistry—education and hard work were core values in our household. They were both incredibly dedicated in their respective fields, and watching them balance ambition, discipline, and integrity left a lasting impression on me. At the same time, I’ve always had an inner drive and sense of responsibility that’s just part of who I am. I thrive on challenge, and I’ve always believed in putting in the effort to not just meet expectations, but to exceed them. So while my parents laid the foundation, I think my own personality helped shape that into the work ethic I have today.

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?

Nothing about my journey has been conventional—and that’s a big part of what fuels both who I am and what I do. I’m the co-founder of The Worth Group, proudly powered by Fortune Christie’s International Real Estate, and I specialize in luxury new construction sales across South Florida, particularly in Boca Raton, which I like to call the “Monaco of South Florida.” With nearly 20 years in real estate I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most iconic developments in the region. In 2023, I led The Worth Group in launching Fortune’s first-ever office in Boca Raton, Florida, a major step in expanding our presence across Palm Beach. But what truly sets my work apart is the personal connection I bring to every client experience. My approach is that of a concierge—I believe in anticipating needs, understanding lifestyles, and offering white-glove service from beginning to end. That commitment is deeply rooted not just in my career—but in my life story.
In 2019, I was diagnosed with stage 2 HER2-positive breast cancer. The diagnosis came just two months after a clear mammogram, during a self-exam. Navigating that chapter taught me my first real lesson in advocacy: if I wanted answers and care that truly served me, I had to demand it. After a six-and-a-half-hour nipple-sparing mastectomy, I reclaimed my strength through a bold, topless, body-painted Congolese warrior-themed photo shoot that symbolized survival and power. Despite the chemo, surgeries, and being a single mom of three, I kept going. My mother came from Russia to care for me and the kids, cooking her famous Russian dishes and encouraging me to stay strong. Later, my sister moved down from New York to help too. Their love and presence were everything. Then, in 2022, I was re-diagnosed. This time, it was more intense—I had to undergo chemotherapy again, as well as radiation with advanced proton therapy at Baptist Health in Kendall. It was another reminder of life’s unpredictability—and of my own resilience. And still, even amid treatment, I remained professionally driven. This year, I’m proud to have launched one of the most exciting new developments in Pompano Beach: Armani/Casa Residences—a remarkable project that’s already generating significant buzz. It’s a symbol of both personal and professional renewal for me.
I’m also laying the groundwork for a women’s health advocacy initiative through a non profit foundation (501c3) I created this year called Africa For Health. In too many parts of the world, women’s health is still an afterthought. I want to change that—by empowering women to speak up, ask questions, and take charge of their care.
At the end of the day, my story isn’t just about real estate—it’s about resilience, legacy, and leading with heart. Through every obstacle, I’ve learned how to turn pain into power and vision into action. And that’s what The Worth Group, and my life’s work, are all about.

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, I would say the three most impactful qualities that shaped my journey have been resilience, emotional intelligence, and vision with execution.

Resilience has been the foundation of everything. From navigating competitive real estate markets to enduring breast cancer treatments while raising three children and running a business, I’ve learned that success isn’t about having a smooth path, it’s about having the strength to keep going when the path gets rough. You have to find that inner strength and keep showing up, no matter what life throws your way.

Emotional intelligence has also played a crucial role. In luxury real estate, you’re dealing with people making life-changing decisions. It’s not just about beautiful properties—it’s about listening, understanding, and earning trust. That level of human connection is what builds long-term relationships and lasting success.

Vision gives you direction but execution is what actually brings it to life. I’ve always had big goals, whether it was launching The Worth Group, leading record-breaking sales, or building a women’s health advocacy platform for Congo. But none of that would’ve happened without consistency, discipline, and the willingness to follow through even when it’s not easy. You can dream all day, but without execution, vision stays stuck in your mind.

And I would add one more essential element: surrounding yourself with great people. I’ve been fortunate to build a strong partnership with Adam Elmer Jr., my business partner at The Worth Group. Adam shares the same work ethic, integrity, and forward-thinking mindset. Having someone you trust by your side—someone who challenges you, supports you, and brings their own strengths to the table—makes all the difference in how far and how fast you can go.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple: develop emotional intelligence, build your resilience, stay crystal clear on your vision—and then execute it with consistency. And never underestimate the power of the people you surround yourself with. The right team can elevate your mission and help you turn ideas into impact.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Yes, absolutely—my biggest challenge right now is balancing being a mom and an entrepreneur. It’s something I’m still figuring out every single day. I have three children, and being present for them while also running a fast-paced business in luxury real estate is a constant juggling act. There’s no perfect formula. Some days I feel like I’ve got it under control, and other days, I feel like I’m falling short in one area or the other. As a mother, you want to give your children everything—your time, your love, your energy. And as an entrepreneur, especially in a field as demanding as real estate, your work requires that same level of commitment and passion. It’s the biggest challenge because both roles mean so much to me. I’ve learned to give myself grace, to be more intentional with my time, and to accept that balance doesn’t always mean equal. It means being fully present wherever I am—in a client meeting, a launch event, or simply at home helping with homework or sitting down for dinner. I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I’m learning that it’s okay not to. What matters is showing up with love and purpose in both areas of my life.

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