We recently connected with Darwin Stephens and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Darwin, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Success, to me, incorporates resilience, vision, and adaptability along with the ability to listen and learn at each level along the way. I learned early on in life not to rely on assumptions, I attribute this to the diversity in my life which allowed me to identify ignorance at all levels. My thinking process, developed at a young age, embodied me knowing I wanted to make the correct decisions in life. To be correct using assumptions meant I would have to be perfect, which no one is, which meant I would have to ask questions to form a sound decision. Even if I’m highly skilled in an area I’m never “too smart” to think new discoveries can’t occur ie… learn. I’ve always been able to make my own decisions with the opinions of others, never afraid to deter from groupthink to come to the correct decision. Unfortunately, not everyone can handle every role they are put in and it shows in their decision-making at each level. I believe being balanced, smart and open is why I’m not only successful but, a successful leader in many settings.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey started in hotel management as a green [new] salaried manager, approx. 19 years old. Although a huge accomplishment, one could imagine at this point there were a lot of firsts for me in life. My first panel interview, my first salaried position, my first true management position as a department manager and the first time I managed people much older than me. Shortly after this role another first occurred, a 6 figure yearly income in the sales industry. Corporate management is where I learned how to navigate fast-paced environments and lead teams with purpose. That foundation helped me transition into leadership roles with highly sought after volunteer organizations; appointed to titles that consisted of Vice President and Chairman for multiple years. It wasn’t just about “holding” a title, to me though. Success in these roles came from understanding how to serve people and give back to the community while managing high expectations. I assume I’ve been doing something right being appointed in each of these roles, along with the other cool sub-roles with other groups/communities that came with it over the years.
Now, as a licensed Real Estate Agent in Texas, I’m known as “Selling Dallas,” but what’s behind that title is a deep understanding of the market, a relentless work ethic, and an unwavering belief in client success. I don’t just sell homes; I help corporations/companies achieve portfolio success through efficient listing of their properties along with helping people make their dreams come to reality with a maximization of their investment. Call me the nest egg maximizer, which is the most rewarding part of this career. Whether I’m negotiating a multi-million dollar deal or mentoring future leaders, success has always been about building relationships, being genuine, and never settling for less than excellence. In a world that changes rapidly, being able to pivot and push through challenges, staying grounded in your values, surrounding yourself with people who think differently and staying informed (ask questions) is what truly makes a person successful. At this point, I’m even able to give back to communities by being a favored real estate panelist for credible organizations and cities. Of course, with success comes responsibility and I’ll always find a way to give back.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2020, I took the leap to open my own retail business. This meant me electively leaving a successful 13-year career ie… security blanket. It was terrifying and exciting at the same time. I had an amazing, detailed business plan and I had been “doing the role” at an upper-tier performance rate in life so this was a no-brainer, next step for me. Not to mention I had the capital to do so, It was my time! January 2020 came and I did it, unfortunately, a terrible thing occurred just a few months later – COVID hit! Suddenly, everything I’d meticulously planned came to a halt. The uncertainty was overwhelming—how could I pivot when the world itself seemed paused? Being a preparer and planner mixed with some spontaneity all of my life, I accomplished my real estate license a year before I departed from corporate America in 2019. Real estate was a part of my life, but now I had to commit to it full-time in a way I hadn’t anticipated, during a pandemic lockdown. The concerns were real—financial stability, market unpredictability, and a future uncertainty for everyone! That quick pivot, within months, reaffirmed my resilience and how to thrive in unexpected situations. Sometimes, success means embracing uncertainty and finding new opportunities amid chaos.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I’d have to say the most effective strategy for growing my clientele is remaining knowledgeable, authentic, resourceful and creative. Of course, this means nothing if no one knows about you so I market my skills and abilities to clients directly, and most importantly I get results ie… walk my talk. All of this allows me to successfully execute on my client’s needs and wants. .
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sellingdallas4all.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellingdallas4all/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SellingDallas4all
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darwin-stephens/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Selling_Dallas
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sellingdallas
Image Credits
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