D
uring the Women’s Council of Realtors fireside chat on Nov. 15 at NAR NXT 2025, CEO Nykia Wright explained how she is steering the association through a pivotal era. She described the CEO role as “a very, very, very heavy lift,” noting that the burden is shared among the Leadership Team and staff, who routinely work 50 weeks a year, sometimes twice a week. Wright repeatedly redirected praise to the collective effort, emphasizing that progress is a team sport.

    Hansen, NAR’s First Vice President, illustrated the culture that makes this teamwork possible. In their meetings, hierarchy dissolves; the group collaborates, leans on one another, and relies on each member’s expertise. “Authority belongs to the position, not the person,” she said, underscoring mutual respect, confidentiality, and shared responsibility. Wright echoed this sentiment, stressing that authenticity is a fiduciary duty. “Hiding parts of yourself is exhausting and undermines your obligation to lead,” she warned. She urged leaders to trust themselves, be authentic, and push forward.

    The conversation also touched on culture during transition. Wright explained that culture is built one choice and one hire at a time. In a turnaround, turnover can be high, making cultural continuity both difficult and essential. The goal is not only to recruit talent but to embed NAR’s values in every new member.

    Wright’s own legacy is framed as leaving the Realtor community stronger than she found it. She likens herself to a tourist who has been handed the baton and will pass it on, hoping members feel she “came in every day, tried to move the boulders, and gave it her absolute best.” She reminds that such commitment is non‑negotiable for the profession.

    In sum, Wright’s message is clear: authenticity, shared leadership, and deliberate cultural stewardship are the pillars that will propel NAR onto a trajectory it has never seen before.