Teresa Stephenson, President at Platinum Forbes Global Properties, brings a remarkable professional background that includes a career as a professional actress and corporate facilitator. After five years in acting, with appearances in TV shows such as “Blindspot” and “Dietland” and in the film “Happy New Year,” which was nominated at the South by Southwest Film Festival, Stephenson also worked in theatre, including at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.
During her acting career, Stephenson also worked as a corporate facilitator at a drama-based training company. After half a decade in these fields, she decided in 2012 to join Platinum Forbes Global Properties – then known as Platinum Properties – as a licensed real estate salesperson.
From Acting to Real Estate
In August, Commercial Observer spoke with Stephenson about her career progression, her approach to leading brokers, and Platinum's rebranding. Regarding her transition from acting to real estate, Stephenson explained that while her acting days were fulfilling, she eventually felt it was no longer enough. She realised that commercially successful roles were often artistically unfulfilling.
She sought new opportunities that offered higher commercial success potential. Her side job as a corporate trainer and facilitator, primarily working with Goldman Sachs and prestigious law firms, proved to be valuable preparation. Stephenson stated that at the time, she hadn't expected to be able to apply these skills in coaching, development, and communication to the real estate business, yet it turned out to be a great advantage – initially in dealing with clients and later in her leadership role. She appreciated the potentially limitless opportunities and the necessity of hard work and entrepreneurial spirit required in the industry.
Leadership Approach and Rebranding
Stephenson attributes her rise from broker to executive to her broad experience. She has been involved in numerous transactions, from penthouses and Tribeca lofts to West Village studios and Brooklyn, as well as new-build projects and properties in Uptown. She considers this diversity one of her passions and an advantage in her current collaboration with brokers. The recent rebrand through the partnership with Forbes Global Properties Networks is a response to industry consolidation and the dominance of online portals and large brokerage firms.
Many brokers would be lost in this environment, and there are fewer and fewer boutique brokerage firms offering a home for those who want to be more than just a number. Platinum positions itself as a company that focuses on the individual broker and client. To ensure brokers don't get lost, Platinum maintains an unusually high staff-to-broker ratio: for 75 brokers, there are two sales managers, a Vice President of Business Development, two rental managers, and a broker development manager. This, along with a newly hired marketing director, underscores the focus on continuous improvement and broker support.
