We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sonja Bush a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sonja, 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?
This is a great question! People often ask why I work so much, and my answer is simple: it’s not work if you love what you do.
That said, I’ve been a hard worker for as long as I can remember—whether it was finishing my chores early, completing homework ahead of time, or tackling work assignments without being asked. I credit my work ethic to both of my parents, who led by example in different ways.
My dad joined the Army right out of high school and was stationed in Germany, where he met and married my mom. When he returned to the U.S., he worked his way up from the oilfields to an entry-level lineman position at the telephone company, eventually becoming an Engineering Manager. He even went back to college as an adult and conquered his fear of public speaking through Toastmasters.
My mom, a stay-at-home mom, never sat still. She was always doing something—whether it was making our house a home, cooking, volunteering in our classrooms, or even sewing clothes for us. She showed me that being productive isn’t just about a job; it’s about showing up fully in everything you do.
Their example shaped my approach to life and work—when you commit to something, you give it your all.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I spent 28 years in the telecom industry, working for two different startup cellular companies—14 years with each. I started in sales, back when “cellular” was still a biology term, and the first phones were mounted in cars, costing $1 per minute to use! It was an exciting time, and top sales reps were often brought back to corporate headquarters for a couple of years.
After a successful start, my husband and I relocated from California to Atlanta, Georgia, at just 25 years old—a major move at the time. The company covered all costs with a full relocation package, and it was our first real experience being completely on our own. I thrived in the fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, where we were encouraged to treat our departments as if we owned them.
After two years in Atlanta, I returned to California as a sales manager and eventually transitioned to another startup, where I helped launch operations in my area. Over nearly three decades, I experienced multiple mergers, leadership roles, and industry shifts. Eventually, I volunteered for a severance package, thinking I’d retire. That lasted exactly three months.
Realizing I wanted more flexibility—but without the responsibility of managing employees—I decided to pivot. At 47, I earned my California Broker’s Real Estate license, and at 57, I founded my own company, Destination Real Estate in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
Today, we are a thriving team of eight full-time agents, supported by a part-time Virtual Assistant and a Digital Marketing Manager. We specialize in helping clients find their dream homes in Mammoth Lakes and surrounding areas, with a focus on top-tier service, market expertise, and a seamless client experience.
Looking ahead, we continue to grow, and I remain passionate about leading a team that not only excels professionally but truly enjoys what we do.
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?
1. Courage to Take Action
I don’t love the phrase “fake it ’til you make it,” but I do believe in taking bold action, even when you’re unsure. Too many people hold themselves back because they fear failure. The reality? The worst-case scenario is that you fail and learn from it. The best-case scenario? You succeed. Either way, simply trying something new already sets you apart from most people.
2. Self-Belief and a “Why Not?” Mentality
Confidence isn’t about never feeling nervous—it’s about believing you can figure things out. My dad always told me, “There’s no such thing as ‘try.’ You either do it or you don’t.” When I was 10, he drove the lesson home with a simple exercise. He held out a pencil and said, “Try to take this.” I reached for it, and he stopped me. “You either take it, or you don’t. There’s no ‘try.’” That moment stuck with me. Instead of asking “Why?” when faced with an opportunity, I ask “Why not?”
3. Perspective: We Are Replaceable
This might sound harsh, but it’s freeing: none of us are truly irreplaceable. Early in my career, I came home frustrated about work, and my dad—always a man of few words—gave me a visual lesson. He had me fill a bucket with water, place my hand in it, and then remove it. After a minute, he asked, “Can you even tell your hand was in there?” His point? Life moves on. The things that stress us today will likely be forgotten in a month—or even a week. That perspective has kept me grounded, allowing me to appreciate my successes without letting failures define me.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Two men have played an instrumental role in my life since my dad tragically passed away in a car accident when I was 18. He was only 41, and his loss left a huge hole in my life—as well as in my mom’s and sister’s.
The first was my Uncle Jim. He and my dad were best friends, and in many ways, he stepped in to fill the gap. Like my dad, he was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you listened. He had a way of cutting through the noise, putting things into perspective, and calling me out when I got in my own way. That never changed—right up until he passed in 2018.
The other is my husband and best friend, John. We got married at just 19, when we were still kids ourselves. Through every challenge, John has been my rock—the calm, steady presence when I’ve lost my way. He believes in me wholeheartedly and always reminds me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. Having someone who truly sees you, supports you, and loves you unconditionally makes all the difference.
That belief has been critical throughout my life, but especially during one of my biggest challenges: recovering from a devastating accident at 20 years old. I’ve had eight surgeries on my leg and, twice, was told I would lose it. I’ve been told repeatedly that I would never walk normally again. But with unwavering support, a positive mindset, and my faith in God, I’ve defied the odds—keeping my leg and staying active despite the setbacks.
Life throws challenges at all of us. But the people who stand by you, lift you up, and believe in you can make all the difference in how you face them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://destinationmammoth.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonjamammothrealestate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SonjaBushRealEstateBroker/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonjabushrealestatebroker/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DestinationMammoth
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/prEe5hAW1JeDW3p80_b5OQ
Image Credits
The Sierra Light Gallery, Nolan Nitschke
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