We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bianca Slattery a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Bianca with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Here’s a revised version of your message:
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my father’s example. Growing up, he faced significant financial struggles, but rather than being defeated, he used those challenges as fuel to strive for something better. His determination to improve himself and succeed, no matter where life took him, always inspired me.
In the years that followed, my father achieved success, only to face a setback in 2008 during the financial crisis. He didn’t let that stop him—instead, he rebuilt by starting his own real estate business. As a young girl, I was right by his side, involved in every aspect of his work, from painting to selecting lighting fixtures. My passion for hard work grew alongside him, and I became determined to make him proud.
One thing my father always emphasized was the importance of being the best, staying independent, and outworking everyone around you. I took those lessons to heart. At work, I pushed myself harder than my colleagues, becoming the most knowledgeable in my field. This drive led to frequent promotions, and by the age of 24, I was named Director of Recruiting—making me the youngest person in the company to lead a multi-million dollar operation.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At 24, I was named Director of Recruiting, making me the youngest person in the company to lead a multi-million dollar operation. I thrived in that role for many years, but my life took a new direction when I became a mother. I became a real estate agent and co-owner of a custom home building business. The shift came when I was pregnant with my son—I wanted nothing more than to be a dedicated mother, but I wasn’t sure how to balance that with continued success.
My husband worked in construction, building luxury homes, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to pivot. Combining my background in customer service, sales, and results-driven work with his expertise in construction created an ideal path forward.
What excites me most now is that I get to have it all—a fulfilling career and a family I love. Many women spend their lives searching for that balance, but I can proudly say that it’s possible to achieve both. I am incredibly blessed to have a family and a career that I’m passionate about every single day.
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 believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, a strong work ethic, and continuous learning.
Resilience: Life and career aren’t always linear, and setbacks are inevitable. Whether it was my father overcoming financial challenges or facing personal obstacles along the way, resilience allowed me to keep moving forward. The ability to adapt, learn from mistakes, and stay focused on my goals was critical.
Work Ethic: I’ve always been committed to working harder than the next person. My father instilled this in me early on, and it has been the foundation of my success. Being willing to put in the time, go the extra mile, and remain disciplined even when it’s difficult is what sets high achievers apart.
Continuous Learning: From my father’s early mentorship to learning about real estate, customer service, and construction, being a lifelong learner has opened countless doors. No matter how much experience you have, there’s always room to grow, and embracing this mindset has kept me ahead in an ever-changing world.
Advice for those starting their journey:
Embrace challenges—don’t shy away from difficult situations. The lessons you learn in tough times will shape you more than any success.
Develop your work ethic early. Consistency and commitment will pay off in the long run.
Invest in learning. Stay curious, seek out mentors, and never stop acquiring new skills. You can’t know everything, but you can always learn something new.
These qualities, when cultivated, will help you navigate your career and personal life with confidence and clarity.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I rely on a few key strategies to regain balance and focus:
Pause and Breathe: The first step is to take a moment for myself. Stepping back and taking a few deep breaths helps to clear my mind and calm my nerves. It’s amazing how much a few moments of stillness can help reset your perspective.
Break It Down: I like to break large tasks or problems into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes things feel less daunting and gives me a clear path forward. Prioritizing tasks and tackling them one by one makes the workload feel less overwhelming.
Delegate: As much as I strive to do it all, I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help. Delegating tasks—whether at work or home—helps me manage my responsibilities more effectively. Trusting others and recognizing that I don’t have to do everything alone has been a game-changer.
Set Boundaries: I also make sure to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. When things get hectic, it’s easy to let work bleed into personal time. I’ve found that making time for self-care—whether that’s exercise, reading, or spending time with family—helps me recharge and stay productive.
Focus on the Big Picture: When it all feels like too much, I remind myself of my long-term goals and why I’m doing what I’m doing. Keeping the bigger picture in mind helps me stay grounded and motivated, especially during stressful moments.
Advice for others:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to not have everything under control all the time. Break things down, take a step back, and be kind to yourself. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to do it all alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/BeachCustomHomes
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bi_ancaslattery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bianca.marie.1426/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-guirguis/
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