Keller Williams Vice President of Industry Development Cary Sylvester doles out advice for the real estate industry and women with their eyes on an executive-level position: take chances, get comfortable with failing and build a support network.

Keller Williams’ Vice President of Industry Development Cary Sylvester doles out advice for the real estate industry and women with their eyes on an executive-level position:

1. Take chances

“I did a lot of things that maybe other people wouldn’t do, that gave me the opportunity to work alongside people with a lot of experience. I got to volunteer for a lot of things that weren’t part of my natural skill set,” Sylvester says.

2. Be comfortable with failing

“You’re going to fail miserably at some point, and that’s not a bad thing. Rebuild yourself; you’re going to learn more from it.”

3. Use networking over mentorship

Sylvester found that a network of people was more beneficial as she climbed the ladder.

“We helped each other; we could collaborate together; we celebrated successes; we competed against each other. But that network is really what helped propel me through the ranks, and it’s a support network I have today.”

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