We recently connected with Megan Sullivan and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, thanks for joining us today. When you were first starting out, did you join a firm or start your own?

When I started in real estate, I chose not to join a team. I knew myself—I prefer to work independently, even though it meant a much steeper learning curve. Those early years were tough. I had to learn not only real estate, but also marketing, taxes, technology, and sales. As an introvert, the thought of cold calls and networking made me sick to my stomach. I pushed myself to try one new thing each day, even if it meant walking into a networking event and turning right back around and going home. It was a step.

I took every class I could find, read everything I could, and slowly built my business. The turning point came when I helped a friend through her divorce. Her questions opened my eyes to a huge gap—divorcing clients needed more than an attorney, they needed a guide and connector. That’s how The Divorce Collab was born.

Megan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Chicago-based Realtor® with Compass and founder of The Divorce Collab. My career in real estate grew directly out of my own divorce. After 10 years as a stay-at-home mom, I suddenly needed to rebuild my life, both personally and professionally. Real estate had always interested me, so I took the leap—but those early years were not easy. I had to learn everything at once: contracts, marketing, technology, and sales. As an introvert, even walking into networking events was daunting, but I pushed myself with small steps every day.

What changed the course of my career was helping a friend navigate her housing decisions during divorce. I saw firsthand how overwhelming it was to figure out if she could afford to keep the house, whether selling was smarter, and how that tied into finances, custody, and long-term planning. I realized there was a gap—divorcing clients didn’t just need an attorney, they needed a guide and connector to the right professionals.

That’s why I built The Divorce Collab. It’s more than real estate—it’s a collaborative hub where I bring together attorneys, CDFAs, CDLPs, divorce coaches, and therapists to support clients holistically. My role is part educator, part advocate, part Realtor. I make sure no one faces these decisions alone or without clear guidance.

I’m proud to combine empathy with expertise. With designations like RCS-D™, HFR, and soon CDS®, I bring both training and lived experience to the table. Divorce can feel like the end, but I see it as a new beginning. My mission is to help clients move forward with clarity, confidence, and support.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Networking. Connecting with other people, no matter what industry, is the key to success. Both personally and professionally.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Books:
Story Brand 2.0
Presence
The Go-Giver
The Gift of Fear
Atomic Habits
The subtle art of not giving a F*ck

Contact Info:

• Website: https://megansullivanrealestate.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedivorcecollab/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSullivanRealtor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganksullivan4532/

Image Credits

Headshot: https://www.spidermeka.com/