On the first episode of The REAL Podcast, we invited Dana Whittaker of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty to come share some her knowledge and wisdom. Dana has been involved in the real estate industry for the past twenty years. After extensive training, studying and being a leader in the industry she is now the Sales Manager at Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty for the greater San Diego Areas of Carlsbad and San Marcos. Dana is dynamic real estate industry specialist who is also is a wife, mom and community leader. She is known for her passion, charisma and professionalism. She somehow manages to find balance with her work and family life, and has been a business & life coach since 2008.

Dana graduated from San Diego State with an English Degree with the hopes of attending Law School. It was during a university lecture where Dana had her “ah ha” moment helping her realize that law was not what she truly wanted to do. After graduating from San Diego State, Dana moved to Las Vegas with a roommate who was at the time, studying to get her real estate license. After speaking with her roommate about real estate, it became clear to Dana that real estate was the right fit for her. Dana’s love for people and her passion for sales really help solidify her decision to start a career in real estate.

From day one of starting her real estate career in Las Vegas, Dana was determined to succeed.  She sought help from management and mentors in order to make sure she was making all the right moves. Dana mentioned that her broker told her she may want to appear older by showing up to listing appointments wearing glasses and a wedding ring. Having a “winner’s mentality,” she followed the advice of those she trusted and respected, which lead her to her next venture.

After working for some time and consistently learning and consulting with her mentors, she realized that the experience and knowledge she acquire was valuable and something she could pass on to others.  This prompted her to start attending coaching classes in hopes to coach others to a similar level of success. Thus began her journey into being a coach. Being a coach means having a variety of skills; marketing being one of them. Dana believes that, “an audience is one of the most valuable things you can have.” This is why she is always looking for opportunities to network and speak in front of an audience.

In addition, she believes that by being in leadership roles, you can fine tune skills necessary to carry out effective marketing. According to Dana’s husband, Dana lights up the brightest when she’s helping mentor and coach another person. Knowing her and being around her for quite some time now, I can attest to that too.