Picture this: me, on holiday, basking in the sun (but don’t worry, lathered in SPF 50+ because being SunSmart is non-negotiable), cocktail in hand, and a book I’d heard everyone rave about Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given. I figured it would be a light read, something I could casually flick through between dips in the pool. Spoiler alert: it was anything but casual. This book grabbed me by the shoulders, looked me in the eye, and said, “Darling, we need to talk.” It was part self-help, part sermon, and part hilarious group chat with that brutally honest friend who tells you the truth even when you’re not ready to hear it. And trust me, by the end, I was ready.
Now, before you ask, what does a book about societal expectations and self-empowerment have to do with real estate?......stick with me. Whether you’re negotiating a deal, running an open home, or leading a team, the lessons I took from this book hit home in a way that felt tailor-made for our industry.
The "Aha!" Moments
Let’s start with the title: Women Don’t Owe You Pretty. Think of it as a metaphor for all the expectations we’re handed in real estate. We don’t owe anyone constant availability, perfect solutions at the drop of a hat, or round-the-clock smiles just to keep the peace. Midway through the book, I realised I’d been nodding so much I was in danger of giving myself a neck cramp. From calling out how we’re conditioned to say yes when we mean no, to boldly declaring that no is a complete sentence, Florence was saying all the things I didn’t know I needed to hear. One chapter hit me so hard that I had to put the book down and stare dramatically into the middle distance like I was in a Netflix series. It wasn’t just about what we owe other people; it was about what we owe ourselves. And honestly? I don’t owe anyone a perfectly curated version of me. Life’s too short for that kind of admin. It was like discovering a dress you’ve been wearing for years has pockets. Game. Changer.
Why It Matters in Real Estate
This book didn’t just give me food for thought; it gave me clarity about how we navigate relationships both personal and professional. In real estate, we deal with emotions daily. Homes are deeply personal, and managing expectations while staying true to your expertise can feel like walking a tightrope. But Florence’s words reminded me that boundaries don’t hurt relationships they strengthen them. When we show up authentically and confidently, we don’t just gain respect; we inspire trust. And let’s be real: the pressure to be everything to everyone in real estate is real. Florence’s message was a timely reminder that saying yes to everything is the fastest way to burn out. Instead, we need to focus on saying yes to the things that align with our values, our goals, and our time.
What I’m Taking Into 2025
Here’s how I’m bringing these lessons back to the office (and the open home):
Boundaries are non-negotiable. Boundaries protect your energy. Whether it’s managing difficult clients or choosing when to switch off, I’m committed to being intentional about where I invest my time.
No more “discounting” my value. Whether it’s our professional fees or the expertise we bring to the table, we’re worth it and we need to own it.
Authenticity wins every time. Clients don’t just want an agent; they want a human. Leading with authenticity isn’t just refreshing it’s powerful.
What Stood Out
This isn’t just a book about empowerment it’s a masterclass in showing up unapologetically in every area of life, including work. And honestly, the message couldn’t be more relevant to real estate. Whether you’re leading a team, securing listings, or navigating a tough conversation with a client, the biggest takeaway is this: you don’t have to do it all, and you certainly don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to do it in a way that feels true to you.
So, if you’re looking for a holiday read that’ll challenge you, empower you, and possibly help you rethink how you’re running your business, Women Don’t Owe You Pretty is it.
Let’s make 2025 the year we stop apologising for existing. So the next time you’re negotiating a tough deal, managing client expectations, or just owning your fabulous, messy real estate life, remember: you don’t owe anyone perfect. But you do owe yourself authenticity, confidence, and a whole lot of joy.
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