Meet De’Erika Watson

We recently connected with De’Erika Watson and have shared our conversation below.

De’Erika, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Early in my real estate career, I wasn’t the confident woman you see today. I was shy, reserved, and unsure of how to present myself in spaces where I wanted to belong. I would attend networking events, walk around with my real estate badge, and not say a single word—not even a small introduction. Looking back, I realize I was wrestling with a kind of social anxiety I didn’t even know I had.

That all changed at one particular networking event where I had a vendor table set up for my brand, The Real Estate Influencer—what I called myself in those early days. The room was filled with entrepreneurs, community leaders, and professionals, and at one point we were encouraged to join roundtable discussions. I remember walking up to a group and timidly asking an older woman, “Excuse me, do you mind if I sit at this table with you all?”

I’ll never forget what happened next. She leaned over, looked me in the eye, and said quietly but firmly, “Come here, baby. Don’t you ever ask if you can have a seat at the table. You grab your chair and pull it up. You can sit at any table you want.”

It was like a light switch flipped in my spirit. In that moment, I realized I didn’t have to shrink myself or wait for permission to belong. From then on, I showed up differently. I stepped into rooms as my full self, embraced my voice, and carried the confidence that I was worthy of every table I walked up to. That shift allowed me to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships—both professionally and personally—and it’s a lesson that still guides me today.

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?

I’m a Luxury Real Estate Broker Associate and Principal Agent of The DW Collective with Compass, serving the Greater Tampa Bay Area. At my core, I help people find more than just a house—I help them find a place to truly call home. What excites me most about what I do is the opportunity to be part of such a pivotal moment in people’s lives. Whether it’s a first-time buyer stepping into ownership, a growing family finding their forever home, or an investor building generational wealth, every transaction tells a unique story.

What makes my brand special is the way I combine professionalism with authenticity. I’ve lived in Tampa Bay for over 20 years, so I don’t just know the market—I understand the lifestyle, the neighborhoods, and the hidden gems that make this city such an incredible place to live. My clients know me for my transparency, integrity, and ability to educate them throughout the process so they feel empowered to make confident decisions.

Beyond real estate, I’m deeply passionate about building community. As the Regional Lead for BLK at Compass Tampa, I advocate for diversity and inclusion within the industry and create spaces for connection and growth among agents of color.

What’s new and exciting right now is that I’m launching fresh marketing initiatives to connect with clients in more innovative ways—think curated social events, educational workshops, and elevated digital content that highlights both properties and lifestyle. I want people to feel that when they work with me, they’re not just working with an agent—they’re partnering with a trusted advisor who’s committed to their success and experience.

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 in my journey have been resilience, authenticity, and adaptability.

Resilience was essential when I transitioned into real estate. Coming from finance, government contracting, and human resources, I was used to structure and stability—but real estate is full of unpredictability. Deals fall through, markets shift, and nothing is guaranteed. Resilience taught me to keep going, to see obstacles as redirection, and to stay focused on the bigger picture. For those starting out: don’t let temporary setbacks shake your long-term vision.

Authenticity has been my greatest connector. Early on, I felt the pressure to fit a certain image of what a real estate professional “should” be. Once I leaned into my true self—my voice, my perspective, and my story—I built stronger client relationships and lasting partnerships. My advice: don’t mute who you are to blend in. The right opportunities come when you show up as yourself.

Lastly, adaptability has been a driving force in my success. My background in finance sharpened my analytical skills, government contracting taught me discipline and attention to detail, and human resources gave me people skills and empathy. Blending those strengths allowed me to adapt quickly and serve clients with both strategy and care. For anyone just beginning: use the skills from your past experiences—they are transferable and can give you an edge. Be open to growth and ready to pivot when needed.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who values both the journey and the destination. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions a person can make, and I love working with clients who appreciate open communication, trust the process, and are willing to be guided by expertise.

What really makes someone an ideal client for me is a spirit of partnership. I see every transaction as a collaboration—my role is to bring market knowledge, strategy, and negotiation skills, while my client brings their vision of what “home” means to them. When we’re aligned in that way, we can accomplish amazing things together.

I also really enjoy working with clients who are curious and eager to learn. I’m passionate about educating buyers, sellers, and investors so they feel empowered to make confident decisions. Whether it’s a first-time buyer excited about starting their journey, a luxury client looking for a lifestyle upgrade, or an investor focused on building wealth, the common thread is someone who’s engaged, open, and committed to the process.

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