I love our annual leadership issue, which takes a deep dive into our president, Erika Villegas, and introduces our new Board of Directors. Our volunteers dedicate an extraordinary amount of their time to ensure your success. Take a moment to get to know them—their guidance shapes the offerings that make your association experience even more rewarding. Be sure to read Erika’s story here and meet the Board here.
In this article, we spotlight resources designed to help REALTORS® stay sharp in an ever-evolving industry. Don’t miss these tools to maximize the value of your membership.
As many know, I’m an avid reader, and I’m often asked about my current book recommendations. Here are a few recent reads I highly recommend:
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara
I loved the out-of-the-box thinking and insights on creating memorable experiences for guests.
Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering by Malcolm Gladwell
A follow-up to Malcolm Gladwell’s “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference,” this book revisits and reframes some of the original ideas. Chapter 3 features the Chicago real estate industry, offering a poignant reminder of our past.
Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant
This book explores the power of imperfection and delegation in achieving big goals. It’s a must-read for anyone striving to accomplish more.
HBR’s 10 Must Reads 2024: The Definitive Management Ideas of the Year from Harvard Business Review
Perfect for quick reading on a flight or to kickstart your day, this edition features “Managing in the Age of Outrage” by Karthik Ramanna—a timely and thought-provoking piece.
As you begin 2025, I hope you explore the many opportunities we have to learn, network, connect and learn from one another. Hope to see you soon!
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out — I’d love to hear from you.
JESSICA KERN, RCE
Chief Communications Officer