

Empire Building
Keller Podcast Network
It’s no secret that business owners face a unique set of challenges, often juggling marriage, parenthood, and career aspirations. Empire Building brings together five influential women who are unapologetic in their goals to build big businesses and live big lives. Another common goal? Helping others do the same.Tune in for authentic, unfiltered conversations with Wendy Papasan, Seychelle Van Poole, Sarah Reynolds, Kymber Lovett-Menkiti, and Tiffany Fykes, as they invite you to be a part of their journey.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 24, 2025 • 30min
299. The Moment You Know: When to Hire a Personal Assistant
Ever find yourself running from one task to another---dropping off packages, managing carpools, juggling emails---and wondering, "When did I become my own assistant?" In this episode, Wendy Papasan and Kymber Lovett-Menkiti dive deep into the exact moment you know it's time to hire a personal assistant and how doing so can transform your business…and your life.We explore what "buying back your time" really means, how to calculate your hourly rate so you can focus on the work that truly matters, and why hiring help isn't a luxury---it's leverage. You'll learn how to identify your signs of burnout, what qualities to look for in the right assistant (from ownership mindset to tech confidence), and practical ways to set them up for success---from defining 90 days to success to creating daily check-ins and clear rhythms of communication.If you've ever struggled to let go of control or wondered if you can really afford help, this conversation will help you see that you can't afford not to. Empire builders don't do everything---they design systems and surround themselves with people who make it all possible.Resources:Check out Her Best LifeLearn more about Empire CircleConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Nov 17, 2025 • 27min
298. Let's Talk About the F Word: Let Failure Be Your Fuel
Does the fear of failing quietly run your business plan? In this episode, Kymber Lovett-Menkiti and Tiffany Fykes open up about perfectionism, risk, and the stories we tell ourselves when something doesn’t go as planned—and how to turn all of it into fuel. As we head into business planning season, we talk about the very real questions that keep many women playing small: What if the launch flops? What if the hire doesn’t work out? What if I invest…and lose?We walk through powerful data on how women actually approach risk (spoiler: we’re not risk-averse, we’re risk-aware) and why female-led companies dramatically outperform the tiny slice of capital they receive. Then we give you a four-step framework to move through failure instead of getting stuck in it: normalize it as part of stretching, reflect quickly on what the experience is teaching you, share the story so others can learn too, and anchor everything back to your bigger vision and why. We also talk about failure as “tuition,” building circles like Her Best Life and Empire Circle where you can process the messy middle, and the simple question that can unlock your next move: What would you do if you weren’t afraid? If you’re ready to let failure be your fuel for a bigger business and an even bigger life, this conversation is for you.Resources:Check out Her Best LifeLearn more about Empire CircleConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Nov 10, 2025 • 22min
297. Happily Ever After Goals
What if your “happily ever after” had less to do with fairy tales and more to do with alignment? In this episode, Wendy Papasan and Seychelle Van Poole open up about one of the most powerful practices in their marriages and businesses—setting goals together. Whether you’re planning with your spouse, a life partner, or a business partner, this is your playbook for creating a shared vision that actually works. Wendy shares how she and Jay Papasan began their first goal-setting retreat about two decades ago when life felt chaotic, and how it became a ritual that’s shaped their marriage, family, and businesses ever since. You’ll learn why getting out of your daily environment is key, how to invite (not demand) buy-in from your partner, and the exact questions that spark deep, meaningful conversations. We’ll walk you through the full retreat framework—how to structure the weekend, when to relax versus reflect, and how to turn shared dreams into annual plans. Plus, hear how a simple five-year “bucket plan” for travel and life goals can keep your relationship connected and future-focused. Resources:The ONE Thing Couples Goal Setting Retreat QuestionsRead Die With Zero by Bill PerkinsLearn more about Her Best LifeConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Nov 3, 2025 • 30min
296. How to Work With 250+ Buyers a Year and Still Be Home for Dinner with Kari Wyrsch
Ever wonder how you could serve 250+ buyers in a year and still make it home for dinner? We sit down with top buyer’s agent and sales leader Kari Wyrsch to unpack exactly how she does it. Kari shares the team-within-a-team model that skyrocketed production after merging with the Adam Graddy Real Estate Team, the simple tracking that tells you whether to fix a skill or a system, and the “be where your feet are” calendar discipline that keeps family first.You’ll learn how to design roles (showing partners, split TC lanes) for speed and quality, why your day should start the day before, and how to protect your 20% so negotiations and client outcomes don’t slip. We also talk about real home leverage—nannies, cleaners, grocery runs—and the mindset tools that help you turn off work and turn on presence (hot yoga, breathwork, and gratitude). If you’re scaling fast and want a life you love, this playbook shows what’s possible.Resources:Read Breathing for WarriorsHer Best LifeMAPS CoachingFollow Kari Wyrsch on Instagram: @kariwyrschConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Oct 27, 2025 • 29min
295. The Power of the P.A.U.S.E: Crafting Your Burnout Blueprint
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the power of the P.A.U.S.E — a five-step blueprint designed to help leaders recharge before burnout takes over. From pausing with purpose to assessing and aligning your priorities, unplugging to reboot, streamlining your commitments, and re-engaging with energy, we’ll share practical strategies to create rhythms of rest that strengthen both your leadership and your life. If you’ve ever found yourself running on fumes as the year closes in, this conversation will help you reset with intention.Resources:The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Full-Engagement-Managing-Performance/dp/0743226755Connect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVA—This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Oct 20, 2025 • 24min
294. Social Fuel, Events & Calls That Convert: The 36-Touch Plan (Part 2)
In this week’s episode of Empire Building, we’re diving into Part 2 of the 36 Touch Plan—focusing on social media, events, and calls that truly convert. From authentic storytelling on social platforms to hosting low-cost, high-impact client events, and mastering the power of a simple quarterly call, we’re breaking down exactly how to deepen relationships with your database. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, these strategies will help you build a bigger business by staying connected to the people who know, like, and trust you.Resources:The Millionaire Real Estate Agent BookConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

6 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 30min
293. Build the Database That Feeds Your Business: The 36-Touch Plan (Part 1)
Picture this: you’ve got an incredible database of people who know, like, and trust you—but you’re not tapping into it the way you should. That’s where the 36 Touch Plan comes in. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the foundation of building a business that thrives year after year: consistently nurturing your database.We’ll share how implementing this simple (but not always easy!) system completely transformed our businesses—from 75 transactions a year to crossing into million-dollar revenue territory. You’ll learn why organizing your database is the first non-negotiable step, how to identify your “Mets,” and what it looks like to tier your contacts so you can focus on your top referrers.Your homework? Get your database in one place and ready to go. Because next week, we’re unpacking part two: the messaging that actually converts.Resources:The Millionaire Real Estate Agent Book – where the original 36 Touch concept was introducedConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.WARNING! You must comply with the TCPA and any other federal, state or local laws, including for B2B calls and texts. Never call or text a number on any Do Not Call list, and do not use an autodialer or artificial voice or prerecorded messages without proper consent. Contact your attorney to ensure your compliance.

25 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 38min
292. 20+ Ways to Make, Save & Grow Money (in 30 Minutes or Less)
Discover over 20 quick tactics to boost your finances in just 30 minutes! Learn how to cancel hidden subscriptions, find unclaimed cash, and maximize your bank accounts. Uncover practical tips like refinancing loans, negotiating insurance rates, and using browser tools for discounts. Plus, strategies for protecting wealth with disability insurance and managing credit smartly. By making simple shifts today, you can start building a stronger financial future without breaking a sweat!

15 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 30min
291. 6 Things Stopping You From Building Wealth
This discussion dives into the uncomfortable world of money and wealth-building. It reveals six key obstacles that hinder financial growth, like ignoring debt, failing to track spending, and letting fear stall progress. Emotional attachments to investments are also explored, highlighting their impact on decision-making. The hosts emphasize that wealth accumulation is a result of consistent small actions rather than flashy moves. Community accountability is presented as a powerful tool to drive financial change.

Sep 22, 2025 • 23min
290. Permission Granted: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
Permission is a loaded word—especially for high-achieving women. In this conversation, we get honest about the invisible expectations we carry at home and at work, and how guilt and shame show up when we try to do it all. We talk about naming those expectations (“Who said you have to do it—and that way?”), asking for help without apology, and defining success by season. Sometimes winning is crushing it at work with leverage at home; sometimes it’s rearranging hours to be present with your people. Either way, we get to choose what success looks like and model that choice for our families.We also share practical shifts that created joy: letting kids own age-appropriate tasks, reframing “shoulds” like school drop-offs into connection time, and building a circle of support to remind us what we can say “no” to. If this resonates, share it with a woman who needs permission to redefine success on her own terms—and if you’re craving that kind of community and coaching, we’d love to connect about Empire Circle.Resources:Check out Her Best LifeLearn more about Empire CircleConnect on Instagram:Seychelle Van Poole: @seychellevpSarah Reynolds: @sarahreynoldsojiWendy Papasan: @wendypapasanKymber Lovett-Menkiti: @kymbermenkitiTiffany Fykes: @tiffanyfykesProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.


