As Chief Marketing Officer for Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, Erika Medina plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s brand direction, marketing strategy, and agent success services. Partnering closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Erika ensures the company maintains its position as a premier force in luxury real estate. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Erika was raised on the core values of authenticity, hard work, and respect. Her family’s move to Mission Viejo during her teenage years introduced her to the dynamic Southern California lifestyle—something she quickly embraced. A competitive basketball player in high school, Erika attributes much of her professional ethos to the discipline and teamwork that the sport instilled in her. Erika earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from California State University, Fullerton. She launched her career in sales and customer service at The Home Depot, one of the world’s leading retailers. Over the course of 11 years, Erika developed a deep understanding of consumer behavior, operations, and brand loyalty—insights that would later fuel her success in real estate marketing. After joining Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, Erika quickly recognized the immense value and global prestige the Sotheby’s International Realty brand brought to the local market. In 2019, she was promoted to Director of Brand Awareness and Company Promotion—leading one of the firm’s largest departments. She built a talented team of design and marketing professionals dedicated to supporting over 400 Vista Sotheby’s International Realty agents across all facets of marketing and brand development. Today, as CMO, Erika continues to elevate the company’s marketing innovation and agent support. Her work ensures that the Vista Sotheby’s International Realty brand reflects not only global excellence but also the unmatched expertise and care that agents bring to their clients. Outside of her professional life, Erika has been happily married for 14 years and is the proud mother of a 9-year-old daughter. She treasures the time spent with her family and brings the same level of dedication and heart to both her home and career. “Our little blue sign represents the world’s most trusted global real estate brand—backed by local market knowledge and unwavering leadership support. No other real estate company even comes close.” Exceptional Brand. Exceptional Agents.

I am an international speaker who works with entrepreneurs and businesses to help them grow and improve. I use both creative storytelling and actual nuts-and-bolts content to ensure that my audiences truly enjoy the learning process. Focusing on the importance of leading with joy, marketing like a human, and growth in the midst of change. I am known for delivering encouragement and truth with my signature straightforward style and sense of humor. 

I have worked with major brands across the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia, and spent over 20 years inspiring, motivating, and educating sales and marketing professionals, helping them to challenge the traditional methods of marketing and find new ways to connect with their customers. 

Chelsea Peitz, a true powerhouse in the world of real estate, mortgage and title insurance social media marketing, video content creation & personal branding. With over two decades of experience, Chelsea's expertise is unrivaled. Named Inman's Most Influential Marketers in Residential Real Estate 2023 and Inman’s 2024 Marketing All-Stars. A influential keynote speaker, Chelsea is one of the foremost industry experts in the captivating "science of the screen-to-screen" connection. Her exceptional ability to convey the intricacies of neuroscience and its impact on building trust, affinity, and connections through social media videos is truly remarkable. Within just one session, she leaves a lasting impact, transforming mindsets and resonating with audiences. Her first book, "Talking in Pictures," revolutionizes the way we communicate through the powerful combination of cameras and real-time social media apps like Snapchat and Instagram Stories. It sheds light on how personal content and video have transformed online communities, making Chelsea an authority in this field. In addition, her second book, "What to Post: How to Create Engaging Social Media Content That Builds Your Brand and Gets Results (for Real Estate!)," has soared to become a bestseller across six Amazon categories. Chelsea's expertise shines through as she provides readers with clear step-by-step guidance, ensuring their success in the world of social media. As an award-nominated podcast creator and host, Chelsea shines in the audio realm as well. With her highly acclaimed show, the Chelsea Peitz Podcast, boasting hundreds of thought-provoking episodes, she continues to inspire and empower her audience. Chelsea Peitz is a true visionary, combining expertise, experience, and a genuine passion for empowering others to thrive. With her guidance, you too can harness the power of social media, build a compelling personal brand, and achieve outstanding results.

Lauren is a perennial leader in the Cambridge real estate market, offering her clients deep local knowledge and a broad network of personal and professional relationships throughout Cambridge and beyond.

As a graduate of Exeter and Dartmouth, an all-American squash player, and a four-time All-American lacrosse player and former member of the US Lacrosse Team, Lauren understands the value of teamwork, and she possesses a strong work ethic and dedication to doing her work with excellence and efficiency.

A resident of Cambridge for 25 years, Lauren is a mom to four kids, an avid paddle tennis player, hiker and skier; a lover of all things made by Apple; and she is always planning her next adventure. She is a current board member of the Cambridge Public Library Foundation and the Cambridge Center for Adult Education, and she is a past board member of the Cambridge Tennis Club. Her children attend Shady Hill School and Cambridge Rindge + Latin School. 

Meet David Gemme, a seasoned real estate expert with an impressive 25-year track record in Lake Tahoe. With over 20 years as a top-producing broker, David combines his extensive local knowledge with career expertise to master the intricacies of the vacation home market. He’s a licensed professional in both California and Nevada, making him your go-to resource for properties around the picturesque Lake Tahoe area.

Over the past two decades, David has immersed himself in in-depth research, exploring every aspect of the unique real estate landscape in these beautiful states. As a lifelong tech enthusiast and a born entrepreneur, he effortlessly steers the sales process with strategic finesse, offering his clients creative insights and guidance.

David’s true passion lies in visual imagery and media, enhancing the appeal of the homes he represents. He achieves his clients’ goals by collaborating with a seasoned team of real estate professionals, backed by a strong work ethic and a genuine love for the real estate industry.

Introducing the Gemme Group, pronounced “Gem.” David and his team are your trusted partners for buying or selling luxury properties in the Lake Tahoe region. They specialize in waterfront legacy estates, ski resort lodges, condominiums, and unique golf and acreage communities. The Gemme Group prides itself on delivering five-star service, with an unwavering commitment to achieving 100 percent customer satisfaction in every transaction.

Throughout his illustrious career, David has set sales records in various lakefront and surrounding neighborhoods. The Gemme Group excels in representing both individuals and complex estates, often working directly with estate attorneys and trustees to preserve legacies and settle affairs in alignment with their clients’ wishes.

David Gemme sums up his approach: “It’s my passion to differentiate our services with integrity, trust, and professionalism and offer the experience and branding to meet your desired outcome. We live Tahoe. We understand the life it offers to our families and the memories that are created. We look forward to helping you or someone you love.” Your Lake Tahoe real estate journey begins with David Gemme and the Gemme Group.

Unlock the Secrets of the Human Mind with Joel Pearson – a leading AI and Neuroscience Speaker.

Are you ready to push the boundaries of what's possible for your organisation? Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey into the depths of human intuition, imagination, and the psychological impacts of artificial intelligence. Joel is a rare breed-aneuroscientist, psychologist, and author who can translate cutting-edge research into practical, actionable strategies that will transform the way you think, create, and make decisions–optimising your life and workplace. Before pursuing his Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Joel studied Art and Filmmaking, allowing him to blend creativity with scientific rigour. 

With a captivating blend of expertise and entertainment, Joel takes audiences on a wildride through the innermost workings of the brain. His dynamic presentations are equal parts enlightening and exhilarating, shattering preconceived notions and igniting a new found appreciation for the limitless potential of the human mind.

As the world's foremost expert on harnessing human intuition and imagination in the age of AI, Joel is on a mission to improve as many lives as possible. He empowers audiences with invaluable tools to enhance creativity, optimize decision-making processes, and embrace the AI revolution with confidence and enthusiasm.

From mind-blowing insights into neuroscience to practical strategies for thriving in the uncertainty of an AI-driven world, Joel's keynotes and fireside chats will leave your team inspired, engaged, and equipped to conquer any challenge.

Don't just take our word for it–industry giants like Pixar, Google, KPMG, Macquarie Group, Lexus and Toyota have already experienced the transformative power of Joel's captivating presentations.

Joel hosted the popular ABC Sydney radio show "The Brain Box," blowing people's minds about their minds. He is the founder and director of the Future Minds Lab at the University of New South Wales and a Professor in the School of Psychology.

Joel's latest book, "The Intuition Toolkit: The New Science of Knowing What Without Knowing Why" has been hailed as a breakthrough, truly forging a new science and culture around intuition and its powerful applications. "Inspiring and deeply original"–Ed Catmull, Co-founder of Pixar and former president of Disney studios.

Ignite your organisation's potential with Joel–the ultimate guide to unlocking the boundless capabilities of the human mind in the era of artificial intelligence.

Mindaugas (Min) Maciulis is a business strategist and AI transformation leader who helps top real estate brokerages cut through the hype and turn AI into a competitive edge. He has partnered with leading firms such as Lillian Montalto Signature Properties International, eXp, Long & Foster, Charter One Realty, and Star Power to design and implement AI systems that save time, generate leads, and close more transactions. With 20+ years of executive leadership experience—spanning both startup innovation and Fortune 500 transformation—Min blends strategic clarity with hands-on implementation. His work focuses on making AI practical, profitable, and human-centered for real estate professionals. For agents and brokerage leaders, Min delivers: 

- AI Audits to identify where AI can immediately create efficiency and ROI - Automated Marketing Systems that save hours per week while attracting more clients 

- AI-Powered Lead Management & Follow-Up to nurture opportunities without dropping the ball 

- Decision-Support Dashboards that give brokers clarity on where to focus for growth Min’s mission is clear: help real estate leaders do more with less by aligning the right AI strategy with the right execution—faster, smarter, and with precision.

How can we improve our relationships, performance, and well being by harnessing our personal power and taking control of our own thoughts, feelings, and actions?

Dr. Amy Cuddy is a social psychologist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. Her writing, research, teaching, and speaking focus on presence and performance under stress, the causes and outcomes of feeling powerful vs. powerless, prejudice and stereotyping, nonverbal behavior, the delicate balance of projecting trustworthiness and strength, and most recently, the psychology of bullying, bystanding, and social bravery.

After earning her Ph.D. at Princeton University, she was a professor at Harvard Business School (2008-2017) and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management (2006-2008). Throughout her academic career, she’s been honored with some of the highest commendations for both her teaching and her research, including the Excellence in Teaching Award from Harvard University (2018) and the Scientific Impact Award from the Society for Experimental Social Psychology (2022) for her extensive research on intergroup conflict. She continues to teach as a guest lecturer in Executive Education at Harvard Business School and at UCLA-Anderson School of Management.

Her 2012 TED Talk, “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are,” is the second-most popular of all time, with more than 70 million views. Her NYT bestseller, Presence, described in the NYT Sunday Book Review as “...concrete and inspiring, simple but ambitious-above all, truly powerful,” has sold more than half a million copies and been published in 35 languages. In 2025, she will publish her next book, Bullies, Bystanders, & Bravehearts (HarperCollins), on the psychology of bullying among adults—and how wefind the courage and tools to stop it. She’s also an avid roller skater and skier, live-music lover (actually, a devoted Deadhead!), adventuring partner to her husband Paul, and hype mom to her son, Jonah, a guitarist, producer, songwriter, and student at Berklee College of Music. She lives in Venice, California.

When the world first met Emmy Award-winning multi-platinum artist, singer, songwriter, Rachel Platten, it came in the form of a proclamation of self. An anthem for those who needed it and those who didn’t even know they needed it alike, “Fight Song” became a global sensation, an inescapable battle cry that’s now been streamed more than a billion times and is as inextricable to modern culture as any one song could be.

But “Fight Song” was just one song, oneself, and Rachel Platten had so much more to say, and so many more selves to show. These days, if you dive head first into Rachel’s rich and growing catalogue, your odds are as strong to land on a thundering anthem like her biggest hit as they are to hit a soul-searching, scar-bearing, lyrically textured stunner about motherhood, guilt, mourning, expectations, rebirth, mental health, and the support systems we all need to guide us through life’s most earth-shaking curveballs.

You’ll find all that and so much more on Rachel Platten’s upcoming studio album I Am Rachel Platten, a body of work over five years in the making. I Am Rachel Platten is an artistic journey through life’s peaks and valleys. It’s a record about grief as much as it is using darkness to help better shape and contextualize the light. “For so long, I wasn’t dealing with what was underneath the surface,” Rachel says. “I wasn’t in touch with the darkness. I hadn’t gone to therapy. I’d achieved my dreams but inside, I was dealing with anxiety and depression that I didn't know or acknowledge was there."

With songs written during sharply defined periods of her life–including the pregnancy and ensuing postpartum depression following the birth of her first daughter, Violet; as ways of searching for answers, relief, and hope throughout a prolonged mental health struggle during the pandemic; in response to her partner’s own fight to stay afloat while she was pregnant with their second daughter, Sophie; and, finally, on the other side of all that turmoil, with some clarity and hindsight to help her pick up all her pieces–Rachel felt ready to follow up 2017’s Waves with an unflinching and honest album that told her story truthfully and transparently, no matter how frightening that felt in the process of making it. “I started therapy and I startedl ooking at myself and realizing how much I was spiritually bypassing,” she says. “The world has only seen this one side of me, this strength–empowering, positive, loving, warm, everything's okay,–and it wasn't fake by any means, but it was just only one part of me.”

Emotions like rage and exhaustion bubbled to the surface; old wounds and new alike rose up,catching Rachel’s breath in her throat, surprising her in their intensity and insistence on beingheard and turned into lyrics. “For a while I’d gotten so used to dimming my light for other people, but on this album, I got to heal by using music as my outlet,” she says. Some nights–her hardest nights–lyrics would hit her like a ton of bricks; she’d run to the piano in her home studio and seek relief in songwriting. The process yielded “Mercy,” one of the album’s rawest and emotion-baring moments, a song that “proved there’s a purpose for your pain,” Rachel 
says. “There is always a purpose for what you're going through. It showed me I can make meaning out of it.”

“When I first moved into this house," she adds, twirling her camera around the room, “I was laying out in the backyard looking up at these massive sycamore trees, and I was like, ‘ I wonder what I'm going to write next.’ And I heard this voice, which I took to be my higher self, say, ‘Oh,you're going to write the most powerful music of your life.’”

You’ll find special spiritual meaning made throughout I Am Rachel Platten. “Alot of this music was me developing my relationship with my creator and with God,” she says. Tracks like “ I Know” and “Mercy” and “Surrender” make up an “unintentional” holy trilogy of faith-seeking and healing songs, “a hero's journey of someone wrestling with their demons,” as she puts it. Her voice and pen became a conduit, Rachel says, a vessel for the lyrics and messages handed down to her from a higher place.

Early songs like “I Know” (written during the pandemic’s earliest and most uncertain moments as a message of peace to herself) and “I’ll Be Her” (a premonition of a stronger Rachel yet to come) broke the dam. With the songs beginning to flow through her––she knew she needed producing partners who could help her holistically complete the project from start to finish. One-off pairings wouldn’t work for this record, she says; it needed to be one vision, aligned with hers, who she could walk down the road with hand-in-hand. Thus,it was fate, she says,that after an impromptu set at the famed Los Angeles venue The Hotel Café in 2022, Rachel’s longtime friend and producer Jason Evigan joined her backstage with fellow producer Gian Stone; they asked her to produce “Mercy,” a song from I Am Rachel Platten which she’d debuted live as part of her set. 

“I countered with, 'No, but you can produce the whole album,’” she remembers with a grin. Though the pair turned down the offer, a month later, they called her with a pitch. “I remember they sounded so excited, and they told me they had the whole thing mapped out: a studio in Nashville, all these studio musicians they’d hand-selected–people who’d worked on albums like Kacey Musgraves’s Golden Hour–and a timeframe. They said they believed in me, they believed in the album, and they wanted to plunge into it headfirst with me.” 

Over the course of two separate marathon sessions in Nashville, Rachel and her producers and session players crafted a body of material as sonically rich, enveloping, and impactful as it is lyrically tender, personal, and intimate. I Am Rachel Platten could only exist in its mastery because “I know myself now,” she says,a fire glowing in her eyes. “I am a mother. I am 42. I am fully in touch with myself. I've integrated the dark and the light in me. Now I can hold space for all of what the fuck I’m feeling now. It was too much for me before–I was just a kid. But now I have the maturity and the wisdom and my own connection to now invite my listeners in to feel their own connection, whatever that looks like, not what I think it should look like. I call it God. You can call it whatever you want, whatever is you getting back to your identity. I feel why I'm on this earth is reconnecting people to their identity, their truth, to their purpose, to their power."

Simon is a spark that ignites passion and ideas. He envisions a world in whichthe vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safewherever they are, and end the day fullled by the work they do. As anunshakeable optimist, he believes in our ability to build this world together.A trained ethnographer, Simon is fascinated by the people and organizationsthat make the greatest and longest lasting impact. Over the years, he hasdiscovered some remarkable patterns about how they think, act, andcommunicate, and also the environments in which people operate at theirnatural best.Simon may be best known for his TED Talk on the concept of WHY, which hasbeen viewed over 60 million times, and his video on millennials in theworkplace—which reached 80 million views in its rst week and has gone on tobe seen hundreds of millions of times.He continues to share inspiration through his bestselling books, includingglobal bestseller Start with WHY and New York Times bestsellers Leaders EatLast and The Innite Game, as well as his podcast, A Bit of Optimism. Inaddition, Simon is the founder of The Optimism Company, a leadershiplearning and development company, and he publishes other inspiring thinkersand doers through his publishing partnership with Penguin Random Housecalled Optimism Press.His unconventional and innovative views on business and leadership haveattracted international attention, and he has met with a broad array of leadersand organizations in nearly every industry. He frequently works with dierentbranches of the US Armed Forces and agencies of the US government, and isan adjunct sta member with the RAND Corporation—one of the most highlyregarded think tanks in the world.Simon is also active in the arts and with not-for-prot work, or what he likes tocall the for-impact sector. In 2021, he founded The Curve: a diverse group offorward-thinking chiefs and sheris committed to reform modern policing fromthe inside-out. Their purpose is to build a profession dedicated to protectingthe vulnerable from harm while advancing a vision of a world in which allpeople feel justice is administered with dignity, equity, and fairness.

"What is right in the long term is right in the short term. Period." -Rick Edler

As Co-owner and Chief Executive Officer, Rick Edler is focused on Vista Sotheby's International Realty's vision of delivering a world-class brokerage experience built on the foundation of leadership, integrity, and service. With a wealth of experience in the industry and the resources of the global network of Sotheby's International Realty, Edler provides the framework and direction for his company's continued growth and success as a leader in the South Bay luxury real estate market.

Prior to his role as co-owner and CEO of Vista Sotheby's International Realty, Edler was ranked one of the United States' top Realtors. In a sales career that spanned nearly 25 years, Edler delivered over $1 billion in sales. His success comes from his honest approach, professionalism, and creativity. He is highly respected in the real estate community for his ability to build solid working relationships across the industry.

Edler believes in giving back to the industry that has afforded him such opportunity and is active in several professional organizations. He currently serves as a founder of the Sotheby's International Realty West Coast Alliance, where he brings together leaders in real estate to share best practices and promote networking opportunities. He is co-founder of AgentBridge, the world's largest network of elite agents, a member of the National Association of Realtors, and has served as President of the Palos Verdes Board of Realtors. Additionally, Edler sits on the Marymount California University Board of Trustees and Premier Business Bank Board of Advisors.

Ranked as the #1 Realtor in San Francisco and a Top 10 Team at Sotheby’s International Realty with over $2.5B in sales, Gregg Lynn and his dynamic team of 11 realtors & marketing professionals deliver gold-standard service and powerful results to their clients. 

Described as "equal parts seasoned professional, engaging raconteur, and savvy negotiator," for more than two decades Gregg has represented clients in over 1,000 transactions and enjoys a social media reach of 2+ million. With a deep, local expertise and the global reach of Sotheby’s International Realty, he provides bold strategic insight, unparalleled marketing exposure, and value at every price point–ensuring a white-glove experience with every transaction.

Gregg’s clients–including founders and executives of the world’s leading finance and technology companies–benefit from his unwavering optimism, 24/7accessibility, discretion, and meticulous attention to detail.

Thomas Wright serves as the CEO and Principal Broker of Summit Sotheby’s International Realty. Since being named the managing partner in 2008, the company has become the top brokerage in the prestigious Park City resort community and the leading residential real estate brokerage in the state of Utah.Thomas is also the President and Chief Operating Officer of Majestic Realty Collective. This prominent group of Sotheby’s International Realty brokerages represents one of the largest affiliates in the world by dollar volume and currently spans the western United States while continuing to grow its footprint. In 2024, the combined companies sold $13 billion in real estate in major metropolitan and resort markets such as Salt Lake City, Denver, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Boise, Sun Valley, Palm Springs,Vail, Telluride, St. George and Moab. His vision, work ethic, innovation and deep understanding of the real estate brokerage industry has helped Thomas achieve his successful market position and ranked 69th on the Swanepoel Power 200 list, which recognizes the most influential leaders in the residential real estate brokerage industry. Thomas is inspired by those he works with and credits the company’s success to his talented team of approximately 1,250 sales associates and administrative staff of over 225 dedicated individuals, all backed by the support of the renowned Sotheby’s International Realty brand. Despite his many responsibilities, Thomas makes a point to prioritize his loyal real estate clients and continues to be a top-performing sales agent in his market. He is fueled by his belief that luxury is not a price point but an exceptional customer experience. Thomas has extensive experience in many of the state’s most prestigious golf communities, such as St. Mary’s, and Salt Lake’s most prominent neighborhoods, including Holladay, Federal Heights and all luxury areas along the Wasatch Front.

Thomas’s remarkable success story garnered the admiration of the Sotheby’s International Realty network, and he is frequentlyasked to share his expertise and passion for the industry as anational speaker and advisor. His speaking engagements havetaken him all over the country to provide insight on pivotal subjects, including enhancing individual agents’ and brokerages’ profitability, effective brokerage management, strategies for recruiting and retaining sales associates, marketing for new developments, and optimizing property listing techniques. A civically-minded individual, Thomas is proud to have served in a number of different capacities with several key organizations: Utah State Board of Regents; Utah Tech University Board of Trustees; United Way of Salt Lake; Co-chair of the Utah Debate Commission; World Trade Center of Utah; Chairman of the Utah Republican Party; Ducks Unlimited; and Vice Chair of the Republican National Committee. He currently sits on the Board of Trustees of the Utah Symphony & Utah Opera and has become a vocal advocate for solving the affordable housing crisis in Utah and fights to preserve The Great Salt Lake as a member of the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust. Of all his commitments, Thomas considers the most important to be to his family. He currently resides in Salt Lake City with his wife, Caroline, and their four children. Thomas finds immense joy in supporting his children as they celebrate milestones like graduating college, traveling to new places, getting married, and achieving their career goals when time allows, Thomas also enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, and volunteering in his local community.

Beth Heard-Laffey brings 28 years of international real estate experience at Sotheby’s International Realty. She previously served for 18 years as Director, Auction Liaison, for Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC in New York, NY. In this role, she managed the relationship between Sotheby’s auction house and over 880 offices affiliated with the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand globally. Heard-Laffey led realty client service for preferred auction clients, managed real estate and fine art referrals, and produced co-marketing events in New York, London, and Hong Kong.

Before her real estate career, Heard-Laffey worked at Sotheby’s auction house in the Client Service department. She provided exceptional service to high-profile clients, ensuring their needs were met with professionalism and efficiency. Her role involved coordinating with various departments within the auction house to facilitate smooth transactions and enhance client satisfaction.

After contributing to the growth of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty as the Director of International Initiatives, she transitioned into the role of a Licensed Realtor. In this capacity, she leveraged her extensive knowledge and network to assist clients in buying and selling properties, providing personalized and strategic guidance throughout the process.

Since 2021, she has been serving as the Global Referral Manager. Heard-Laffey works closely with a network of global referral contacts. She also develops and implements programs and strategies to enhance the referral process, fostering strong relationships with agents, clients and referral contacts alike. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the markets enable her to provide valuable insights and guidance.

"What is right in the long term is right in the short term. Period." -Rick Edler

As Co-owner and Chief Executive Officer, Rick Edler is focused on Vista Sotheby's International Realty's vision of delivering a world-class brokerage experience built on the foundation of leadership, integrity, and service. With a wealth of experience in the industry and the resources of the global network of Sotheby's International Realty, Edler provides the framework and direction for his company's continued growth and success as a leader in the South Bay luxury real estate market.

Prior to his role as co-owner and CEO of Vista Sotheby's International Realty, Edler was ranked one of the United States' top Realtors. In a sales career that spanned nearly 25 years, Edler delivered over $1 billion in sales. His success comes from his honest approach, professionalism, and creativity. He is highly respected in the real estate community for his ability to build solid working relationships across the industry.

Edler believes in giving back to the industry that has afforded him such opportunity and is active in several professional organizations. He currently serves as a founder of the Sotheby's International Realty West Coast Alliance, where he brings together leaders in real estate to share best practices and promote networking opportunities. He is co-founder of AgentBridge, the world's largest network of elite agents, a member of the National Association of Realtors, and has served as President of the Palos Verdes Board of Realtors. Additionally, Edler sits on the Marymount California University Board of Trustees and Premier Business Bank Board of Advisors.

Mindaugas (Min) Maciulis is a business strategist and AI transformation leader who helps top real estate brokerages cut through the hype and turn AI into a competitive edge. He has partnered with leading firms such as Lillian Montalto Signature Properties International, eXp, Long & Foster, Charter One Realty, and Star Power to design and implement AI systems that save time, generate leads, and close more transactions. With 20+ years of executive leadership experience—spanning both startup innovation and Fortune 500 transformation—Min blends strategic clarity with hands-on implementation. His work focuses on making AI practical, profitable, and human-centered for real estate professionals. For agents and brokerage leaders, Min delivers: 

- AI Audits to identify where AI can immediately create efficiency and ROI - Automated Marketing Systems that save hours per week while attracting more clients 

- AI-Powered Lead Management & Follow-Up to nurture opportunities without dropping the ball 

- Decision-Support Dashboards that give brokers clarity on where to focus for growth Min’s mission is clear: help real estate leaders do more with less by aligning the right AI strategy with the right execution—faster, smarter, and with precision.

Ryan A. Secrist: A Real Estate Visionary

With nearly two decades of real estate expertise, Ryan A. Secrist has built an extraordinary career spanning major markets, including Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver, San Diego, the Bay Area, and now, Southern Utah. Over the past 20 years, he has orchestrated and overseen nearly $3.5 billion in global sales, representing elite private clients and professional athletes. Unlike most coaches and trainers, Ryan continues to actively sell, making him a relevant, in-the-trenches leader who truly understands the ever-evolving market.

Combining a background in high-level consulting with a degree in marketing and business management, Ryan approaches real estate with the precision of a trusted advisor. His cutting-edge marketing and technology expertise ensures maximum exposure and exceptional results. Known for his strategic, fast-paced mind he has developed a proven system that seamlessly guides clients to their next chapter—exceeding expectations every time.

Beyond his personal real estate success, Ryan is an internationally recognized trainer and coach. His exclusive coaching network includes the top 1%–5% of agents across the U.S. and Canada, and he is a sought-after advisor to leading brokerages. His three-dimensional coaching model prevents burnout, fuels peak performance, and drives record-breaking results. In 2024, when many agents struggled, his clients thrived—achieving their best year yet.

Proudly calling St. George, Utah home, Ryan embraces the adventurous spirit of the region. Outside of work, he is a dedicated family man who prioritizes health, exploration, and personal growth. Whether off-the-grid backpacking with his family and German Shorthair Pointer, Ryder, trail running, mountain biking, hitting the gym, or exploring National Parks, Ryan is always pushing the limits—both professionally and personally.

By every account, Nik Kulikov got into the real estate business at the worst possible time. The great recession had wiped out the optimism and security that homeownership had once seemingly guaranteed. But while many were rushing for the exit doors, Nik saw a chance to help people. Leveraging his background as a residential contractor, Nik began guiding clients toward renewed confidence and big dreams. Both buyers and sellers discovered an agent who was passionate about restoring a personalized, full-service approach to empowering people throughout the real estate process. Nik’s unwavering devotion, innovation, and guidance opened up life-changing possibilities and pathways for his clients.

After building my real estate career in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, I've enjoyed serving clients in fast paced markets.  My goal has always been to help them find more than just a house, but a true sense of home and community through a deep local knowledge and commitment to the area. 

I bring my background as an attorney, developer, and real estate investor to every transaction I work on. My clients trust me to be their greatest advocate, whether I'm keeping them safe from the fine print or aggressively negotiating on their behalf.

I love working closely with clients to create individualized strategies to achieve their goals. As busy professionals, my clients need an informed partner to help them through the process. My experience makes it possible to advise on a wide range of topics from landlord-tenant issues, to the possibilities and the potential of a home.

Since 2005, Kaedi Knepshield has been a trusted real estate advisor in Pittsburgh, PA, dedicated to helping her clients live extraordinary lives through an exceptional real estate experience. Known for her client-first philosophy, Kaedi measures her success by her ability to meet each client’s unique needs — a commitment reflected in the hundreds of families and individuals she has guided through major life transitions.

With nearly two decades of experience, Kaedi brings a deep well of knowledge to residential home sales, the luxury market and new construction. She also leverages a degree in media and professional communications from the University of Pittsburgh, along with a certificate in digital media, to create highly effective marketing strategies that drive results for her clients.

Beyond her real estate career, Kaedi is passionate about personal development and inspiring others to pursue lives filled with purpose and meaning. Her own journey, including her commitment to sobriety and personal growth, fuels her mission to help others navigate change, build resilience, and create extraordinary outcomes in their own lives. Whether advising clients or speaking to audiences, Kaedi leads with authenticity, responsibility, and encouragement.

Kaedi’s commitment to excellence is evident in her ongoing study of the latest marketing tools, negotiation techniques, local market trends, and industry best practices. She maintains the highest standards of professionalism and consistently delivers proven results, earning her a reputation built on trust, integrity, deep knowledge, and genuine care for her clients' success.

At home in Pittsburgh, Kaedi cherishes time with her husband, two young daughters, and their beloved dog, Martie. She has a passion for food, loves exploring new restaurants and creating home-cooked meals, and finds joy in traveling and discovering new places. Long walks — both around her neighborhood and on her travels — are her favorite way to reflect, recharge, and stay grounded. A lifelong learner, she also enjoys reading books on self-improvement and personal growth, always seeking new ways to expand her impact both personally and professionally.

Kathryn Winterton, both of Las Vegas and Summit Sotheby’s International Realty, is known for her energy, expertise, and approachable style. With a background spanning real estate, customer service, corporate training, and motivational speaking, Kathryn has consistently ranked in the top 1% of agents in the Las Vegas Valley, earning recognition from America’s Top Real Estate Agents, Las Vegas Life Magazine and Deluxe Version Magazine. She holds licenses in both Nevada and Utah and is a proud graduate of Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management. Kathryn is also a trainer and member of RYSE Platinum Partners, a nationwide network of elite agents committed to collaboration and excellence. She serves on the board of the Inspiring Children Foundation, helping to further its mission of empowering young people through mental health programs, mentorship, and education. Beyond real estate, Kathryn brings a unique background in public speaking, vocal performance, and musical theater, having recorded on four published albums. She is also a certified judge for the Miss America Organization. A passionate leader and mentor, Kathryn has coached high school cheer, founded two children’s performing groups, and traveled the country training audiences in the Color Code personality system and personal development. Based in Henderson, Nevada, Kathryn and her husband are the proud parents of four children. She is a lifelong learner and enthusiastic traveler who loves exploring new places and collecting meaningful quotes. 

Jennifer Schumacher is a highly accomplished real estate professional ranked among the Top 50 Realtors in Scottsdale and the Top 1% of agents in Arizona. With over 25 years of expertise in Sales & Marketing, she brings a strategic, results-driven approach to every transaction, ensuring a seamless, professional experience for clients and fellow agents alike.

Jennifer’s excellence has been recognized throughout her career. She has received six consecutive Lyon Elite awards, was named Rookie of the Year in 2016, and earned the title of Real Producers Magazine Rising Star in 2017. Known for her generosity, integrity, and attention to detail, she consistently creates win-win outcomes for all parties involved. Whether working with first-time buyers, experienced investors, or luxury sellers, Jennifer delivers exceptional serviceand outstanding results with every transaction.

As a dedicated referral partner, Jennifer values clear communication, professionalism, and efficiency. She understands that strong industry relationships are essential to success and is committed to working with like-minded agents who prioritize excellence and client satisfaction.

Jennifer’s strong work ethic was instilled early, growing up on a family farm in North Dakota. She attended UNC in Colorado, where her passion for fitness and wellness led to a successful 21-year career in the fitness industry—including personal training, consulting, and business ownership. This background strengthened her problem-solving skills, business acumen, and commitment to excellence.

When Jennifer moved to Arizona in 2015, she built her business from the ground up, closing 12 transactions in her first year despite knowing just one person locally. Her ability to build lasting relationships and deliver consistent results has made her a top-performing agent in Arizona.

Beyond real estate, Jennifer is passionate about fitness, travel, and adventure. At the heart of everything she does is her dedication to family and the values of hard work, perseverance, and service.

When you work with Jennifer, you’re working with one of the best. If you’re looking for a highly skilled, professional, and results-oriented agent to collaborate with, she is the trusted partner you want by your side.

Daniel Heider is Washington D.C.’s consummate real estate innovator; he and his team are widely regarded as the Capital Region’s authority on white-glove service and upper-bracket real estate sales.

His team has been ranked #1 in Sales Company-wide at TTR Sotheby’s for 5 consecutive years. 

His work is frequently highlighted in national news publications, and HEIDER was ranked the #1 Small Team by Sales Volume in the Capital Region by Real Trends and advertised in The Wall Street Journal. Recognized as a Washington Business Journal’s Broker of the Year (2023), Daniel is also the youngest Executive Vice President in his firm’s history.

As a fifth-generation Washingtonian and resident of Cleveland Park, Daniel is personally invested in the city he loves. In addition to serving on the board of the National Symphony Orchestra, he actively supports N Street Village, SMYAL, DC Central Kitchen, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and many other local and national causes.

The HEIDER Company is the #1 followed real estate practice group in the world across all social media platforms - with a growing audience of over 4.2 million followers. Daniel and his team of curated experts are leading the charge in modern real estate evolution by aiming to add unrivaled value and spearhead innovative marketing strategies for his clients.

"With over 20 years of experience, Kumara Wilcoxon is the face of Austin’s luxury real estate market, with unparalleled passion and commitment to the Austin Lifestyle. As the #1 agent in Austin, TX, the #1 agent worldwide for Sotheby’s International Realty 2024, and the 2024 winner of the Inman Golden i, Kumara has sold over $3 Billion throughout her career. Consistently honored among Austin’s select multi-million dollar producers, she has been ranked #1 by Austin Business Journal for Residential Real Estate Agents for the last five consecutive years and and is a distinguished member of both Austin’s Elite 25, Sotheby’s International Realty Market Leaders, Métier Maison, Sotheby’s International Realty’s Top 100, and Luxury League. Her connections to the top 1% of the industry affords her access to the most coveted properties, many of which are never listed in the highly competitive Austin luxury market. Prior to her real-estate career, Kumara graduated with honors from the University of Arizona with degrees in Communications and Media Arts, minoring in Spanish. She also works with her favorite charities, including The Contemporary, Dell Children’s Medical Center, West Austin Youth Association, and the Center for Child Protection where she competed in a dance-off to help raise over $750,000 for the abused children of Austin. In addition to dancing, you can find Kumara surfing at the beach in Malibu or skiing down the snow-covered peaks in Aspen. Kumara enjoys spending quality time with her sons Cruz (12) and Jet (8) who have inherited her deep love of Austin’s vibrant music scene."

A third-generation real estate professional, Ryan MacLaughlin is one of Maui?s most trusted andrespected agents, specializing in luxury homes,oceanfront estates,and investment properties. Since2003, Ryan has built a reputation for his deep market expertise, strong negotiation skills,andunwavering commitment to his clients.Born and raised on Maui, Ryan blends local knowledge with a global perspective,offering clients anunmatched understanding of the island?s premier real estate opportunities. His background in TravelIndustry Management from the University of Hawaii, combined with his extensive worldwide travels,gives him a unique ability to connect with buyers and sellers from all walks of life.Ryan?s expertise in Hawaii?s luxury market has earned him features in The Wall Street Journal, TheNew York Times, The Financial Times, Mansion Global,and Hawaii Business Magazine,among others.His insights are frequently sought after by leading real estate publications,and his properties havebeen showcased in prestigious media outlets, reinforcing his status as a leader in high-end realestate.His approach to real estate is guided by Kuleana, Pono, Aloha? a deep sense of responsibility,integrity,and genuine care for his clients. Whether working with longtime island residents or thosediscovering Maui for the first time, Ryan is known for creating a seamless, stress-free experience thatconsistently exceeds expectations.Beyond real estate, Ryan is actively involved in the community, serving as a director for the SeaburyHall Alumni Association and supporting organizations like the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber ofCommerce. When he?s not helping clients find their dream homes, you?ll find him in theocean? surfing,fishing,diving? or on the golf course,embracing the island lifestyle he loves.Whether you?re buying or selling in Hawaii, Ryan delivers exceptional service with a deep-rootedpassion for the islands,ensuring every client feels at home in paradise.

Joe Cilic, a licensed attorney and real estate broker, has sold, supervised or participated in over 4,000 residential real estate transactions totaling over 5 billion dollars in volume.

Chances are, if it is residential real estate related, Joe has seen it before and is able to provide his clients with valuable guidance based on actual deal experience. Clients leverage his knowledge so that they can make the best-informed business decision possible. His past clients include attorneys, commercial brokers, investment bankers, mortgage brokers, entertainment industry executives and celebrities. Their common trait is that they appreciate sophisticated advice whether they are first-time homebuyers or seasoned real estate insiders.

Joe has a true passion for real estate and has extensive personal experience buying, renovating and selling homes for a profit. His clients often leverage his keen eye for design whether it is to prepare their home for sale or envision the possibilities with a home that they are considering for a purchase.

Joe previously served as Senior Vice President and Branch Manager, having managed five different offices and over 400 agents during his tenure. Prior to joining Sotheby's International Realty, Joe worked as an attorney handling real estate-related litigation for a prominent Beverly Hills law firm. He is a Certified Negotiation Expert and has lectured on real estate for Fortune 500 companies, business groups, law school students and public agencies.

Active in the community, Joe has served on numerous homeowners’ associations and charitable boards, including Children Mending Hearts and KIPP Los Angeles where he has helped raise tens of millions of dollars in philanthropic donations.  Joe also currently serves on the UCLA School of Law Alumni Board of Directors.

When he isn't working or volunteering, Joe can be found spending time with his wife and two young children in Pacific Palisades. As a native of Los Angeles, he is knowledgeable about neighborhoods throughout the Westside. His favorites include Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Cheviot Hills, Culver City, West Hollywood, Westchester, Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Venice and Malibu.

Tennis fans recognize the Cilic name courtesy of Joe’s cousin Marin Cilic, a top ranked tennis professional. Joe holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Bachelor's degree from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, where he graduated summa cum laude. He is a member of the Beverly Hills/Greater Los Angeles Board of Realtors and the State Bar of California.

Marilyn Wright has been the top-producing individual agent in the Asheville region for the past three years. She was recognized as the No. 2 individual agent in North Carolina based on sales volume in North Carolina by Real Trends 2022, with four record-breaking sales in the western North Carolina region representing both buyers and sellers. Her current highest sale to date is $9,600,000 in March of 2023, continuing to break her own records. As an individual agent, her top production was $113,000,000 in 2021, a record not achieved in this region before.

Demonstrating expertise and understanding in the unique and unrivaled luxury home market, Marilyn has participated in every transaction of over $7,000,000 in Western North Carolina. Marilyn has earned the Million Dollar GUILD recognition as a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. This designation assures affluent buyers and sellers that she has the knowledge, experience and unique skills to meet their needs - reflected by her record-breaking sales. From being awarded her company's Rising Star award in her first six months as an agent, Marilyn has continued to set new sales benchmarks year over year.

Widely regarded as the region's preeminent authority, she has been highlighted in numerous national publications - Mansion Global, The Wall Street Journal, and named in Real Trends. Offering an unwavering commitment to deliver the most personal, efficient, and transparent real estate experiences, Marilyn has consistently earned most of her business by word of mouth. She is leading the way with innovative marketing strategies and unrivaled added value that her approach brings to her sellers.

Marilyn is a member of Sotheby's Market Leaders, an exclusive Sotheby's International Realty® group composed of the industry's most prolific agents across the world. Market Leaders provides industry intelligence through leadership and strategic introductions for its clients by leveraging insight, access and expertise on local, national and international platforms.

As a seventh-generation western North Carolina resident, Marilyn has a phenomenal understanding of the region and a clear perception of what a client may desire. She possesses a superior understanding of luxury home design and construction. Marilyn spent 15 years heading up one of western North Carolina's largest luxury homebuilding companies. She was involved in the process from the site selection, architect review process, design, and lead construction until the move-in date in the region's top communities: Biltmore Lake, The Ramble, and Biltmore Forest.

Outside of real estate, Marilyn loves to spend time with her family. She has a love for hiking, biking, camping, traveling, gardening, and spending time in national parks. Marilyn is a current board member for Friends of the Smokies, assisting the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

She is married to her husband, Tim and has three adult children plus two Labrador babies, Lady Magdalene and Caesar Gunnison - Maggie and Gunny.

Michael Dreyfus has had 30 years of repeated success in residential real estate. He currently ranks as one of the leading sales agents in the Silicon Valley/Peninsula area and has regular appearances on the Wall Street Journal/Real Trend’s list of America’s Top 250 Agents.

He is an owner and the top sales agent for Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty with 550 agents in 20 offices across the California Bay Area.

His recent sales have been often and varied, including some of the highest sales recorded in Palo Alto, Woodside, Portola Valley and Atherton. In addition, he has represented Sellers and Buyers in high-end transactions throughout California, most recently representing ranches and vineyards in Northern California and an estate in Montecito.

Michael is considered a thought leader in residential real estate and is often interviewed in local, regional and national press for his opinion on the residential market.

Michael is a licensed Real Estate Broker and Attorney-at-law.

John Cain, Founder and President of CAIN Group, is widely regarded as one of Coastal Orange County’s most accomplished luxury real estate professionals, possessing a dominant presence in Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Corona Del Mar.

With a proven track record representing some of Southern California’s most exceptional properties and discerning clientele, John employs a distinctively different strategy centered on a refined process, diligent communication, strong negotiation skills, and his proprietary 3P Approach™. This method consistently delivers superior results and sets new benchmarks for service throughout the industry.

Supported by a vertically integrated team of specialists, John and his group proudly boast more than $3.6 billion in career sales. Their business is driven primarily by referrals and repeat clients, earning consistent national recognition—including ranking by RealTrends and The Wall Street Journal as the #1 small real estate team in Orange County for six consecutive years. John is a respected thought leader and is frequently consulted by local and national media outlets for expert commentary on the real estate market.

Despite numerous accolades, John considers his most meaningful achievement to be the trust of his esteemed clients, which include professional athletes, celebrities, business executives, and other high-profile individuals. His deep appreciation for this trust drives his commitment to maintaining a small yet exceptionally capable organization—ensuring each client retains a strong connection to John as the steward of their most valuable asset.

John graduated magna cum laude from Pepperdine University with a degree in Economics and currently resides in Newport Beach with his wife, Tatum, and their three children. Active in the community, John and Tatum support several local and national non-profits, including Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, and National Charity League. In his free time, John enjoys spending time with his family, staying active, and engaging in outdoor activities such as golf, snowboarding, waterskiing, and competitive racing.

When the world first met Emmy Award-winning multi-platinum artist, singer, songwriter, Rachel Platten, it came in the form of a proclamation of self. An anthem for those who needed it and those who didn’t even know they needed it alike, “Fight Song” became a global sensation, an inescapable battle cry that’s now been streamed more than a billion times and is as inextricable to modern culture as any one song could be.

But “Fight Song” was just one song, oneself, and Rachel Platten had so much more to say, and so many more selves to show. These days, if you dive head first into Rachel’s rich and growing catalogue, your odds are as strong to land on a thundering anthem like her biggest hit as they are to hit a soul-searching, scar-bearing, lyrically textured stunner about motherhood, guilt, mourning, expectations, rebirth, mental health, and the support systems we all need to guide us through life’s most earth-shaking curveballs.

You’ll find all that and so much more on Rachel Platten’s upcoming studio album I Am Rachel Platten, a body of work over five years in the making. I Am Rachel Platten is an artistic journey through life’s peaks and valleys. It’s a record about grief as much as it is using darkness to help better shape and contextualize the light. “For so long, I wasn’t dealing with what was underneath the surface,” Rachel says. “I wasn’t in touch with the darkness. I hadn’t gone to therapy. I’d achieved my dreams but inside, I was dealing with anxiety and depression that I didn't know or acknowledge was there."

With songs written during sharply defined periods of her life–including the pregnancy and ensuing postpartum depression following the birth of her first daughter, Violet; as ways of searching for answers, relief, and hope throughout a prolonged mental health struggle during the pandemic; in response to her partner’s own fight to stay afloat while she was pregnant with their second daughter, Sophie; and, finally, on the other side of all that turmoil, with some clarity and hindsight to help her pick up all her pieces–Rachel felt ready to follow up 2017’s Waves with an unflinching and honest album that told her story truthfully and transparently, no matter how frightening that felt in the process of making it. “I started therapy and I startedl ooking at myself and realizing how much I was spiritually bypassing,” she says. “The world has only seen this one side of me, this strength–empowering, positive, loving, warm, everything's okay,–and it wasn't fake by any means, but it was just only one part of me.”

Emotions like rage and exhaustion bubbled to the surface; old wounds and new alike rose up,catching Rachel’s breath in her throat, surprising her in their intensity and insistence on beingheard and turned into lyrics. “For a while I’d gotten so used to dimming my light for other people, but on this album, I got to heal by using music as my outlet,” she says. Some nights–her hardest nights–lyrics would hit her like a ton of bricks; she’d run to the piano in her home studio and seek relief in songwriting. The process yielded “Mercy,” one of the album’s rawest and emotion-baring moments, a song that “proved there’s a purpose for your pain,” Rachel 
says. “There is always a purpose for what you're going through. It showed me I can make meaning out of it.”

“When I first moved into this house," she adds, twirling her camera around the room, “I was laying out in the backyard looking up at these massive sycamore trees, and I was like, ‘ I wonder what I'm going to write next.’ And I heard this voice, which I took to be my higher self, say, ‘Oh,you're going to write the most powerful music of your life.’”

You’ll find special spiritual meaning made throughout I Am Rachel Platten. “Alot of this music was me developing my relationship with my creator and with God,” she says. Tracks like “ I Know” and “Mercy” and “Surrender” make up an “unintentional” holy trilogy of faith-seeking and healing songs, “a hero's journey of someone wrestling with their demons,” as she puts it. Her voice and pen became a conduit, Rachel says, a vessel for the lyrics and messages handed down to her from a higher place.

Early songs like “I Know” (written during the pandemic’s earliest and most uncertain moments as a message of peace to herself) and “I’ll Be Her” (a premonition of a stronger Rachel yet to come) broke the dam. With the songs beginning to flow through her––she knew she needed producing partners who could help her holistically complete the project from start to finish. One-off pairings wouldn’t work for this record, she says; it needed to be one vision, aligned with hers, who she could walk down the road with hand-in-hand. Thus,it was fate, she says,that after an impromptu set at the famed Los Angeles venue The Hotel Café in 2022, Rachel’s longtime friend and producer Jason Evigan joined her backstage with fellow producer Gian Stone; they asked her to produce “Mercy,” a song from I Am Rachel Platten which she’d debuted live as part of her set. 

“I countered with, 'No, but you can produce the whole album,’” she remembers with a grin. Though the pair turned down the offer, a month later, they called her with a pitch. “I remember they sounded so excited, and they told me they had the whole thing mapped out: a studio in Nashville, all these studio musicians they’d hand-selected–people who’d worked on albums like Kacey Musgraves’s Golden Hour–and a timeframe. They said they believed in me, they believed in the album, and they wanted to plunge into it headfirst with me.” 

Over the course of two separate marathon sessions in Nashville, Rachel and her producers and session players crafted a body of material as sonically rich, enveloping, and impactful as it is lyrically tender, personal, and intimate. I Am Rachel Platten could only exist in its mastery because “I know myself now,” she says,a fire glowing in her eyes. “I am a mother. I am 42. I am fully in touch with myself. I've integrated the dark and the light in me. Now I can hold space for all of what the fuck I’m feeling now. It was too much for me before–I was just a kid. But now I have the maturity and the wisdom and my own connection to now invite my listeners in to feel their own connection, whatever that looks like, not what I think it should look like. I call it God. You can call it whatever you want, whatever is you getting back to your identity. I feel why I'm on this earth is reconnecting people to their identity, their truth, to their purpose, to their power."

Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of ten books, including his most recent, All it Takes is aGoal. 

Published in dozens of languages, his work is both critically acclaimed and adored by readers. When he's notwriting, Acuff can be found on a stage, as one of INC's Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He's spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges and companies around the world including FedEx, Range Rover, Microsoft, Chick-fil-A, and Comedy Central. Known for his insights wrapped in humor, Acuff shared the stage with an American Icon when he opened up for Dolly Parton at the Ryman Auditorium. 

Jon lives outside of Nashville, TN with his wife Jenny and two daughters.

One day, I was speaking to an audience about inner beliefs and personal drive. We discussed our self talk, our value and work, and our discipline and dreams. I shared stories of personal growth and ideas from successful people I know. Afterwards, people applauded and shook my hand. There were hugs and smiles. And then there was one moment that told me I was meant to be there that day: After everyone had left, a man walked over and whispered: "I almost didn't attend today. I was going to leave the business. I didn't want to do it anymore. But after your words, I'm committed to keep going. I'm going to make next year my best year ever!"

I looked into his eyes and believed him. And he gave me a hug. THAT is why I speak!

You might be surprised to learn...

I'm a two-time cancer survivor

I really do have a Degree in Philosophy and a Degree in Political Economics

I love to write, mostly mystery stories for fun

I typically travel 250,000+ miles a year

I speak three languages (and read Latin)

Some of my photographs have been auctioned for charity

I co-host a writer's retreat in Florence, Italy (I went to school in Bologna)

I've run a successful subscription newsletter on Substack- and have generated a few decent quotes

I'm the Dean of Innovation for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

I'm a co-author and Faculty of Anywhere's Ascend: Executive Leadership Experience

My career has taken me to over 30 countries

I have an amazing wife

I live in Las Vegas

I have three cats

I'm a Rotarian

I shoot Nikon

A trip down memory lane...

1991: Started First Sales Training/Marketing Consulting Firm

1994: Regional VP, RE Educators Association

1997: Rhode Island Educator of the Year

1999: Reached 49 States teaching Marketing/Sales/Tech

2001: Launched National Help Desk Service

2003: Launched New England-Based Telecom

2005: Launched The Learning Network, LLC leadership

2012: Co-Authored "Ascend" and "Maestro" Leadership Development Coures

2013: Relocated Firm to Las Vegas, NV

2016: Became Co-Owner: Art of Writing Retreat, Florence, Italy

2017: Launched Resident Philosopher Mentor Program

2018: Co-Faculty/Author, Training Magazine Program of the Year Award Recipient

2018: Became Resident Philosopher for firms including LeadingRE, Engel & Volkers, MoxiWorks and Gibson Sotheby's International Realty

"What is right in the long term is right in the short term. Period." -Rick Edler

As Co-owner and Chief Executive Officer, Rick Edler is focused on Vista Sotheby's International Realty's vision of delivering a world-class brokerage experience built on the foundation of leadership, integrity, and service. With a wealth of experience in the industry and the resources of the global network of Sotheby's International Realty, Edler provides the framework and direction for his company's continued growth and success as a leader in the South Bay luxury real estate market.

Prior to his role as co-owner and CEO of Vista Sotheby's International Realty, Edler was ranked one of the United States' top Realtors. In a sales career that spanned nearly 25 years, Edler delivered over $1 billion in sales. His success comes from his honest approach, professionalism, and creativity. He is highly respected in the real estate community for his ability to build solid working relationships across the industry.

Edler believes in giving back to the industry that has afforded him such opportunity and is active in several professional organizations. He currently serves as a founder of the Sotheby's International Realty West Coast Alliance, where he brings together leaders in real estate to share best practices and promote networking opportunities. He is co-founder of AgentBridge, the world's largest network of elite agents, a member of the National Association of Realtors, and has served as President of the Palos Verdes Board of Realtors. Additionally, Edler sits on the Marymount California University Board of Trustees and Premier Business Bank Board of Advisors.

A. Bradley Nelson serves as chief marketing officer at Sotheby's International Realty, where he supports the brand's affiliated agents and companies by developing and delivering industry-leading marketing, product and technology offerings. Nelson is also responsible for managing the relationship between Sotheby's International Realty and Sotheby's auction house, which provides sellers privileged access to the qualified clients of Sotheby's through a global marketing partnership. 

Previously, Nelson was senior vice president of marketing for the firm's company-owned brokerage for five years where he led an internal marketing agency comprised of 50 specialists supporting more than 2,000 agents in 12 U.S. markets.

Prior to that, Nelson was head of marketing for Sotheby's International Realty® affiliates in Washington, D.C., Miami, FL, and Naples, FL. He began his career with marketing roles in the real estate development industry at Baldwin Bark Development Co. and East West Partners.

Nelson attended the College of Business at James Msdison University, Harrisonburg, VA., where he concentrated in marketing and international business. 

Tammy Fahmi serves as senior vice president of global servicing and strategy at Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC, where she is responsible for all matters related to U.S. and International affiliate relationships and servicing. Fahmi has been working with the Sotheby's International Realty® brand since 2007. 

Prior to her current role, Fahmi served as vice president of global operations and servicing. Previously, Tammy served the general counsel for the Sotheby's International Realty brand's franchise operations, where she was responsible for all legal matters related to the operations of the Sotheby's International Realty network. She was responsible for the drafting and negotiation of all domestic and international franchise agreements, compliance with regulatory matters, advising senior leadership and sales teams, negotiation of third-party relationships, review of all marketing programs and materials and all other legal issues that arose out of operating the franchise network. Fahmi also was part of the award-winning ethics and compliance team at Realogy Holdings Corp., the parent company of Sotheby's International Realty, and held the role of general counsel for several other Realogy brands.

Before working with Sotheby's International Realty and Realogy, Fahmi was a partner at the law firm Porzio, Bromberg and Newman, where she led the real estate and construction litigation group, handling multi-million-dollar real estate projects and litigation. Fahmi also has published several articles and lectured on many topics facing the real estate industry. She was also the former director and secretary of the National Association of Women in Construction- New York/New Jersey Chapter.