O
n this week's episode of "Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered," hosts James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson sit down with Sherry Chris, executive adviser at Anywhere Brands and former CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. The conversation delves into Chris' background and offers insights on leadership, innovation, relationships, and the future of real estate.

    Chris shares her early career in Canada, where she established herself as an agent before becoming a broker. She later moved to the US with Realogy, where she spent 20 years building her expertise. When asked about her approach to new leadership roles, Chris emphasizes the importance of surrounding herself with people who are smarter and more humble than herself.

    The conversation also touches on balancing consensus-building with making solo decisions as an executive leader. Chris stresses that trust within an organization is key, and she makes sure to keep her team informed when making major decisions. She values their opinions but ultimately recognizes that there's one final decision-maker.

    Chris reflects on her tenure as CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, where she faced significant challenges during the 2008 financial crisis. Despite these obstacles, the brand grew to achieve a 90% consumer awareness rating, which still persists today. Chris attributes her success to her positive outlook and willingness to take calculated risks.

    Dwiggins also asks about Chris' experiences as a woman executive in a male-dominated industry. She notes that while she faced challenges early on, she's heartened to see more women in leadership positions at Anywhere Real Estate. Chris emphasizes the importance of empowering underrepresented individuals and creating a sense of belonging.

    The conversation concludes with advice for new leaders in real estate, navigating change in the industry, and Chris' vision for its future. She advises new CEOs to focus on building trust within the Realtor community by demonstrating efforts to improve rather than making promises. Chris also encourages industry professionals to embrace change and move forward, rather than resisting it due to a lack of education.