Power Women: Egypt Sherrod of Egypt Sherrod Real Estate Group On How To Successfully Navigate Work, Love and Life As A Powerful Woman
An Interview With Candice Georgiadis
Balance: Accomplishing success and sustaining success are two different things. To SUSTAIN, you have to have pace and balance. We’ve heard of burnout, and I am here to tell you it is a real thing because I’ve experienced it. That is why I have adopted pacing and discipline that allows me to accomplish all of my life goals while still actually ENJOYING ALL THAT LIFE HAS TO OFFER!
How does a successful, strong, and powerful woman navigate work, employee relationships, love, and life in a world that still feels uncomfortable with strong women? In this interview series, called “Power Women” we are talking to accomplished women leaders who share their stories and experiences navigating work, love and life as a powerful woman.
As a part of this series I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing financial legacy builder Egypt Sherrod.
Television and radio host, author, real estate broker, designer, life coach and coveted speaker, Egypt is a POWERHOUSE! “Tough love with a hug,” is what HGTV & OWN fans and her personal clients have come to affectionately expect from Egypt Sherrod. She is best known as host and co-executive producer of “Married To Real Estate,” “Flipping Virgins,” “Property Virgins” and has been seen hosting OWN’s reunion specials for “Love & Marriage Huntsville,” “Put A Ring On It,” & “The Haves and The Have Nots.”
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?
I am the eldest of 4 children, but my parents split early on. I was raised by my stepfather, who was very present in my life, and I refer to him as my dad. My mother was a force of nature. She was a powerhouse in her own right as an advertising executive for Strawbrigdes and Woodward & Lothrop. She was the first woman to show me how to balance being a strong leader, a queen, and a wife. Because of her example, I learned how to empower other women to succeed. Today, I teach women how to be strong leaders but still be the quintessential woman.
My father was an ad executive as well, but he went on to commercial real estate, and now he is a general manager for Simon and Co. So, as you can see, advertising, marketing, media, and real estate is in my blood. But moreover, I learned from my parents the importance of building a financial legacy and empowering women and families to make sound financial choices. As a result, I was raised with an emphasis on financial literacy and strong business ethics, and today I share those principles with people worldwide.
Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?
I went to college for broadcasting, where I started to harness the power of my voice. I wanted people to not only hear me as much as they would listen to me. I landed my first job at 19 years old at WRTI Jazz FM in Philadelphia, where I hosted the Quiet Storm segment called Turn on the Quiet. At 21, I became a program assistant at a new Radio One station, where I quickly went up the ladder as the youngest music director in the country by age 22.
I was completely dedicated to my craft, and I spent countless hours at the station catching a nap on the radio station sofa. I worked at Philly 103.9 as the music director by day while going to school at night at Temple University.
After that, I moved on to 92Q in Baltimore as a full-time radio personality. I loved Baltimore, but unfortunately, two friends were murdered, and I needed to change, so I moved to New York City. I joined WBLS, which was a powerhouse station, and my show came on before radio legend Wendy Williams.
I had no idea that all these experiences would bring me to a place where I am helping women and families navigate pitfalls and learn how to provide a solid financial future. Every job opportunity helped me realize that I needed income that was not subject to the whims of sometimes fickle management — so I pulled on my family background and launched into real estate. Now I teach thousands how to maintain a lucrative side hustle and grow that business into a secure financial future for their families.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I was hitting my stride in New York City, and I started getting paid. NYC is also where I got bit by the real estate bug. I purchased a multi-unit home in Newark, NJ, and began flipping properties. I made well more than my radio salary in my first year. After that, I got my real estate license so that I could flip properties and list them as well.
My dream job at WBLS went up in smoke when they started downsizing. Soon I found myself on the unemployment line, and one day a cab rolled by with a billboard of me on it!
I learned that you need to have a strong plan B, and during that time, I decided I would never have to stand on the unemployment line again. If you’ve ever had your finances upended because your job downsizes or gives you a pink slip, then you know what I mean. Hunger is birthed during those periods, and this became one of my WHYs. It was a terrible time, but I was able to reach into my toolkit to pull out a solid plan to buy and sell real estate. I have a secure future, and I do not worry about being unemployed or whether the boss likes me or not. I stay focused on building a better future for my family, and it drives me to help other women do the same.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Tenacity. I fall down, but I never stay down. So many people feel that when they fall, it is the end of their story. Growing up, I lived in North Philly, and my sister and I ran home from school every day because kids wanted to beat us up. We were little Black girls, but we looked very different because we were fair-skinned with hair down to our butts, and we didn’t look like everyone in the neighborhood.
One day my mother caught us running home from school, and she said, “At some point, you have to stop running, and you have to stand up for something! No more backing down. No more laying down and No more playing victim.” So she made me fight every last one of those girls, and from that day, I learned that every time I fall, I have an opportunity to get up stronger.
Ability to Pivot: I forecast and work backward. I look at where I want to be in 5 -10 years. I work as if the goal has already occurred. I create a plan and benchmarks for where I can make certain moves; thats’ why I have successfully moved from radio to real estate. I believe anyone can do the same thing if they take the time to become financially literate. For me, the best way forward was being educated in the real estate industry.
Faith and Purpose: Being a faith-filled woman, I realize that every success is because of grace. I have been provided opportunities and prepared to take advantage of them. In everything I do, I inject my faith in God. We are all searching for a path and for motivation, and I believe my courage to speak my truth about God and my personal testimony has connected me to people of all races and backgrounds.
The premise of this series assumes that our society still feels uncomfortable with strong women. Why do you think this is so?
I don’t know if society’s or some people’s views of what a strong woman should be makes people uncomfortable. Some people are invigorated by strong women. My husband and my father are not intimidated by strong women. It’s fear that causes people to be leery of female leaders. It is a challenging position, but over the years, I learned how to lead with an open mind and a fierce focus.
There were once African queens who also were kings. Think about Queen Elizabeth; she ruled effectively. Women can rule without emotion, but ultimately we have a position of duality where there is a feminine and masculine balance. We can lead and have the ability to follow. Women want the option of surrendering.
In my courses, I show women how to be free and embrace self-love by overcoming issues with their image. Unfortunately, there is so much body and mommy shaming on social media. My goal is to help women live a healthy lifestyle that includes financial, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
Without saying any names, can you share a story from your own experience that illustrates this idea?
As a broker dealing with contractors — they will test you, but you have to show you know your stuff. At home, being married to an Alpha man has to be balanced, or it will never work. Both spouses should be honest about being happy, whole, and joyful. In truth, he wants to lead our family, and I want a husband who is not afraid to lead our family. It doesn’t mean I am a passive wife, but it does mean that I can put my armor down to be soft, to be a mom and the cuddle bug of the house. It allows me to put down the masculine side.
There are several types of strengths. Sometimes you can lead more effectively through humility than by being out front. I teach women to be flexible enough to move in both realms and be sensitive to timing. When you can sense or gauge the temperature in the room, you can decide which hat to wear. One moment you may be a wife; the next, you are the CEO, and before the day is through, you are a mother, but at every point, you are a QUEEN.
What should a powerful woman do in a context where she feels that people are uneasy around her?
During my town hall-style talks, this issue comes up a lot. Women, especially women of color, often have to walk a tightrope in society. This burden can be heavy, but I would take my queue from Queen Elizabeth. I am sure that men were uncomfortable with her power many times over her 75-year reign, but she continued to shine. She never wavered from her duty and purpose and did it with grace.
Being a powerful woman often means moving between strength and grace at a moment’s notice. My courses and talks show women leaders how to wield both with ease.
What do we need to do as a society to change the unease around powerful women?
I am not sure we can change this, although we are making strides with more women CEOs in Fortune 500 companies, technology, and even healthcare. The best thing to do is to unmask the fear of having a woman leader.
Often, women have to endure ridiculous or uncomfortable situations to achieve the success that men don’t have to take. Do you have a story like this from your own experience? Can you share it with us?
I started my career in radio when you didn’t see female personalities in the coveted morning or afternoon slots unless you were a sidekick. Early on, a mentor told me if I wanted to get ahead in the game as a woman, it is best to follow this golden rule: “Never have an intimate dating relationship with people you work with.”
I had made it to the #1 morning show, but the morning show host would turn my microphone off if he felt I was shining too much. He wanted me to be the “giggling woman” In fact, they often talked about my body on a regular basis and even went so far as to make a song about my body without my permission that ran on air for months.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by women leaders that aren’t typically faced by their male counterparts?
Women are often objectified even in today’s world. There are unwritten rules that the old boy’s club still runs. I shared the story about the shape of my body being used as morning fodder by my male colleagues. I had to swallow the insults, smile, and still perform at the top of my game to succeed in radio.
Was it difficult to fit your personal and family life into your business and career? For the benefit of our readers, can you articulate precisely what the struggle was?
First things first. My ministry and my family are my focus. I put my children and my marriage above anything else. This is required to achieve a harmonious and well-balanced life.
As for my work life, I knew there was an expiry date on my radio career. Men last well into their 60s, but women who got married and had children, you’re not the young, hot chick anymore. I was so glad to have a second career lined up. In real estate, my business depends on me, and I make the best schedule for my family. I’m literally on the beach in a bikini with my laptop on my lap.
What was a tipping point that helped you achieve a greater balance or greater equilibrium between your work life and personal life? What did you do to reach this equilibrium?
Becoming a mom changes your perspective and priorities. I needed flexibility and freedom, so I was glad I had Plan B. Real estate and flipping homes give me a manageable schedule for a harmonious work and family life.
In your role as a powerful woman and leader, how much of an emphasis do you place on your appearance? Do you see beauty as something that is superficial, or is it something that has inherent value for a leader in a public context? Can you explain what you mean?
I believe in bringing the full package, so I show up with beauty and brains. You are your brand. How you present yourself is half the battle. Truly, you get folks’ attention with your physical presentation and polish. However, the WORK and results are what solidify the brand.
I also think that inner beauty is the key. I am an advocate for daily devotions and spending time with God. I need this time to get centered so I can be the best version of myself for my husband, my kids, and my clients.
How is this similar or different for men?
It is the same for men. I train agents all over the country, and I tell them that presentation is key. In some regions, agents show up in flip-flops and t-shirts, whereas the less experienced agent who shows up in professional attire will get the business.
Based on your opinion and experience, what are the “Five Things You Need to Thrive and Succeed as a Powerful Woman?” (Please share a story or example for each)
Purpose: Having a reason for “WHY” for everything we do is vital. That is what gives our careers; our lives more profound significance and helps us stay laser focused. So I ask myself “why” before I do anything. What is your reason? What greater purpose will it serve? A purpose-driven woman is like a freight train coming at you at full speed.
Balance: Accomplishing success and sustaining success are two different things. To SUSTAIN, you have to have pace and balance. We’ve heard of burnout, and I am here to tell you it is a real thing because I’ve experienced it. That is why I have adopted pacing and discipline that allows me to accomplish all of my life goals while still actually ENJOYING ALL THAT LIFE HAS TO OFFER!
Village: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it certainly wasn’t built by one person. That holds the same for any business empire. We have to build community, duplicate our efforts and move in unison to make an impact. Look at those around you and figure out how you can build together. That way, when you get to the top, you won’t be alone. You’ll have an entire village to celebrate with you.
Humility: I remain a student in everything. Although some consider me an expert in my field, I view myself as a student and stay a sponge. The minute you think you know it all and can’t be touched is the minute you fall behind. So I remain humble and grateful, which allows me space to continue to grow.
Courage: Everything is scary the first time. But the more you take action in the face of fear and self-doubt, the more it will dissipate. Every single time I stretched myself, I experienced some level of self-doubt. Of course, no one wants to fail, so that is natural. But to hype myself up to act in the face of fear, I decided to change the definition of failure. When I say “failure,” I state my intent after it: “a practice run, a chance to learn, and another chance to grow.” When I look at it that way, failure is no longer a thing to fear. This logic allows me space to go for it!
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?
Michelle Obama is definitely at the top of my list. I would love to connect with her to ask how she effortlessly balances her roles and moves in her duality as mom, wife, attorney, and icon.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
Power Women: Egypt Sherrod of Egypt Sherrod Real Estate Group On How To Successfully Navigate Work… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.