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Silvia, Realtor / Investor / Advisor at EXP Realty / Golden Gate Investments: Advize Career Interview

This interview unveils a dynamic career journey showcasing how a background in finance can blossom into a multifaceted role as a Realtor, Investor, and Advisor.

Starting with an internship at The World Bank and finance roles at major corporations such as Disney, Fox, and Lucasfilm, the path led to entrepreneurship and real estate, sparked by a sister's success, ultimately culminating in venture capital focused on "activating women's wealth." A typical day involves evaluating startup pitches, conducting thorough due diligence using both financial analysis and AI, and empowering other women to invest.

The roles demand multitasking, people skills, patience, and the ability to handle rejection while maintaining a positive attitude.

The best parts are making clients happy by transforming homes and actively contributing to the future through direct investment in startups and people.

The biggest challenge is balancing multiple responsibilities and staying current with technology.

The biggest lesson is to invest in mentorship, coaching, and continuous self-improvement, and attending meetups to participate in the communities.

This professional's advice to students is to network, seek informational interviews, and above all, gain AI knowledge as it is crucial for future success.

This career path highlights how combining financial acumen with a passion for people and community impact can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Silvia Damen

Realtor / Investor / Advisor

EXP Realty / Golden Gate Investments

UC Berkeley

UCLA - MBA

Economics, Political Science, American Studies

Real Estate

Real Estate

Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, First Generation College Student

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path Of An Investor At Golden Gate Investments

After working various jobs since age 13, a college internship at the World Bank exposed an interest in international development, but also the realization that an advanced degree would be necessary; which led to business school and a brief stint on Wall Street, before landing in finance roles at Disney, Fox, and Lucasfilm. After feeling stifled creatively in the corporate world, a transition to entrepreneurship, then real estate during a boom, was sparked by seeing a sister's success and wanting to represent themselves; ultimately leading to a fulfilling role in venture capital focused on "activating women's wealth" and investing in underserved markets, showing a career path that prioritized both financial success and community impact.

Career Path Of An Investor At Golden Gate Investments

Main Responsibilities of a Realtor as a Self-Employed Professional

Silvia's main responsibilities currently encompass two roles, primarily as a realtor of 21 years, where "as a realtor, we represent on the buyer side." They also described being their "own boss" and loving it, which they mentioned before as well.

Main Responsibilities of a Realtor as a Self-Employed Professional

A Day In The Life Of A Venture Capital Investor

Silvia, as a limited partner in venture funds, spends time listening to startup pitches via Zoom, using the opportunity to ask questions and participate in due diligence. For direct investments via SPVs, Silvia conducts extensive research, including analyzing financials, competitive landscapes, founders' backgrounds, and even leveraging "open AI's deep research" while also making time to "encourage and inspire other women to activate their own wealth and invest in venture capital" through social media engagement and connections.

A Day In The Life Of A Venture Capital Investor

Most Important Skills For A Realtor At EXP Realty

In response to the question of essential skills for a Realtor, Investor, and Advisor, Silvia highlights the critical need for "the ability to multitask" and effectively manage numerous responsibilities concurrently, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and a positive attitude – "to do it... with a smile on your face and not getting overwhelmed" – while keeping all projects afloat.

Most Important Skills For A Realtor At EXP Realty

Favorite Parts Of Being A Realtor And Investor

Silvia enjoys making people happy through real estate by "sprinkling magic dust" to transform homes and exceeding client expectations, while also finding fulfillment in using personal funds to invest in startups and people that are actively building the future. Silvia feels that direct investment, unlike the stock market, actively contributes to research, development, and the creation of products and services wanted in the world, allowing Silvia to be more involved in building the future.

Favorite Parts Of Being A Realtor And Investor

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Realtor At EXP Realty

Silvia's biggest challenge is time management, particularly "keeping the 18 balls in the air" during busy real estate seasons, which is exacerbated by the need to create effective systems while "keeping up with technology" to better manage the multiple roles. The goal is also to ensure enough "me time" is carved out in the process.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Realtor At EXP Realty

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Real Estate Industry As A Realtor

Silvia most enjoys the "people aspect" of their industries, especially "making people happy" and guiding them through real estate transactions. In investments, Silvia leverages extensive San Francisco connections to link people, emphasizing that "it's all about who you know" for continued growth and success.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Real Estate Industry As A Realtor

What Type of Person Thrives in Real Estate, According to a Realtor at EXP Realty

Silvia believes that individuals who thrive as a Realtor/Investor/Advisor need "a lot of patience," excellent people skills, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, even suggesting that "highly functioning ADD people" can excel due to the constant need to shift gears and work well under pressure. Also of high importance is the ability to handle rejection and maintain a positive, forward-focused attitude in the face of repeated setbacks during offers.

What Type of Person Thrives in Real Estate, According to a Realtor at EXP Realty

What A Realtor At EXP Realty Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Real Estate Industry

Silvia wishes that before entering the real estate industry, they would have spent time working with a top producer to learn how they structured and organized their business, even if it meant taking a lower-paying internship, as there were "shortcuts" they could have learned that took years to figure out on their own without a mentor. Although Silvia made good money initially, having a top producer show them the ropes would have been invaluable in the long run.

What A Realtor At EXP Realty Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Real Estate Industry

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Realtors and Investors at EXP Realty

For students interested in real estate, Silvia suggests "shadow[ing] agents" through paid or unpaid internships to gain insight into the daily life of a realtor, while those keen on venture capital can explore "research assistant" roles that involve due diligence and deal sourcing, potentially very interesting to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Realtors and Investors at EXP Realty

Significant Career Lesson From A Realtor At EXP Realty

Silvia, a Realtor/Investor/Advisor, emphasizes the importance of mentorship, coaching, and continuous self-investment through training and community engagement, stating "investing in continuing to invest in yourself in training and coaching" is crucial, because Silvia wishes they had sought out mentors and coaches earlier in their career to expand opportunities and ideas. Silvia highlights the value of "participating in the communities" through real estate meetups or VC meetups and networking to see what others are doing in the field.

Significant Career Lesson From A Realtor At EXP Realty

College Experiences That Helped A Realtor At EXP Realty Succeed

To prepare for a successful career as a Realtor / Investor / Advisor, Silvia emphasized the importance of networking, citing their experience working at the World Bank and engaging in "informational interviews" to remain curious and "always learning" to be "open to... opportunities." By actively attending events and consistently seeking knowledge, Silvia built a strong foundation for their future success.

College Experiences That Helped A Realtor At EXP Realty Succeed

Real Estate Investor Shares AI Career Advice for Social Science Majors

In advising UC Berkeley social science students on finding their first job, Silvia emphasizes the critical importance of acquiring AI knowledge, stating "learn as much as you can about AI because that's the future." Given Silvia's experience as a Realtor, Investor, and Advisor, this suggests that even in traditionally human-centric fields, AI skills are becoming increasingly vital for career "survival" and success.

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