Meet Guènaël Oristel

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Guènaël Oristel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Guènaël below.

Hi Guènaël , thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

I love speaking about this because empathy is not something I learned later in life—it’s something I was shaped by. I was raised in Haiti by a single mother who carried the weight of two children on her own. From an early age, I learned to observe, to listen, and to respond to the needs of those around me—family, neighbors, friends. My mom also taught us to be grateful for whatever we had, even if it was something as small as rain. That sense of gratitude really stuck with me. As I grew older, empathy became more deliberate. I learned to slow down, really listen, and pay attention—not just to what people say, but to what they might actually need.

Often, people need space to reaclimate, to find their footing before taking the next step. That’s exactly how I show up in real estate. My clients aren’t simply buying or selling property; they are making consequential decisions that shape their lives and their families’ futures. A mentor once told me, “We all want the same things.” I’ve never forgotten that. My job is to be the bridge between where they are now and where they want to be, guiding them with care, honesty, and empathy every step of the way. And empathy doesn’t end when the transaction closes. I check in, make sure they’re settling in, and stay available.

Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” For me, that’s the heart of this work. It’s not just a transaction—it’s a relationship. People remember how you made them feel long after the paperwork is signed.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

When people ask me about my work, I always return to where it began. In Haiti, space was limited, but warmth was abundant. Homes were filled with laughter, conversation, and an unspoken commitment to togetherness. It was there that I learned home has very little to do with square footage and everything to do with how safe you feel—how seen you feel. In Creole, we say “Lakay se lakay.” There is truly no place like home. Regardless of size, home is where quiet conversations unfold, where dreams are spoken aloud, where love is nurtured, where tears are allowed, and where the next chapter is imagined. That understanding never left me.

Today, I am the Founder and CEO of Guènaël Collective. Recognized within the top 10% of my LinkedIn network, I represent clients across California—including Santa Barbara, Montecito, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Culver City, and Newport Beach—as well as New York City. My work is centered on helping people rediscover that feeling of home—or, in some cases, experience it for the very first time. Buying or selling a home is not simply a transaction; it is a deeply personal milestone. It often marks transition, growth, or reinvention. Walking alongside people during those moments is a responsibility I hold with care and intention.

What continues to inspire me is transformation. I have the privilege of sitting with people, bearing witness to their stories, understanding their histories, and aligning with their aspirations. I lead with discernment, transparency, and presence—listening carefully, acting ethically, and honoring pace. Many clients evolve into enduring relationships because they feel neither rushed nor reduced, but genuinely understood. I am deeply curious about people, and storytelling remains my most powerful means of connection—with myself, with my clients, and with the world around me.

Guènaël Collective is anchored in a singular philosophy: people first, always, without exception. Whether in California or New York City, my mission remains the same—to help people step into the next chapter of their lives with confidence, care, and the sense of belonging that turns a house into a home.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, my journey hasn’t been smooth. It’s felt more like a cycle—more setbacks than wins. But every challenge taught me something. The qualities that sustained me through it all were perseverance, persistence, and patience—disciplines cultivated over time, not instincts granted overnight. If I were to offer advice to someone at the beginning of their journey, it would be this: brace yourself. Struggle is part of the process. There are no shortcuts. Progress comes from showing up, even on the days when everything feels like it’s unraveling.

As Denzel Washington said, “When you finally succeed, the people who doubted you, who left you, they’ll be the ones clapping the loudest. But you won’t need their applause, because you’ll know the real reason for your success. You earned it. You fought for it.” That sentiment resonates deeply with me. It underscores a truth I’ve come to accept: every step I’ve taken, every challenge I’ve faced, has been mine—and mine alone.

So, work hard. Keep moving. And don’t depend on others for your strength—find it within yourself.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m very open to partnering and collaborating. I’m drawn to people who are curious, people-focused, and grounded in integrity—those who care deeply about how the work is done, not just the outcome. That includes fellow real estate professionals, creative collaborators, and individuals working on projects rooted in community and connection. I’m also eager to connect with real estate investors, homeowners, and buyers—both local and international—who are exploring opportunities in California or New York City. At the core, I want to work alongside people who value impact, trust, and doing the right thing—people who are excited to build opportunities that are meaningful and lasting. The easiest way to reach me is by text or on Instagram. I always respond.

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