Sometimes in business, you see a hole open up in the universe. Most people stand there and stare. But a few leaders—visionaries—walk right through.
That’s exactly what Glenn Sanford did.
Before he was the founder and CEO of eXp Realty, one of the fastest-growing real estate brokerages in the world, Glenn recognized something most others didn’t: the future of real estate wasn’t in strip malls or fancy offices—it was online. In 2009, that sounded crazy. But he didn’t flinch. He leaned in.
On this episode, Sanford shared how a moment of clarity led to a movement. His eXp Realty now has more than 85,000 agents, is publicly traded, and was named one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work. Not bad for a so-called “crazy idea.”
“People follow people with big ideas,” Sanford said. “If you think big, you’ll attract people who like people who think big.”
But his vision was never just about scale. It was about building something with purpose. “Nobody’s attracted to a company just to make money for someone else,” Sanford said. “Your vision has to be big enough to include other people.”
That idea—putting agents at the center of the business—is what made eXp’s success inevitable. And for Sanford, it all starts with three simple principles:
This is more than a business story—it’s a masterclass in what it looks like to trust your gut, take bold action, and build something that lasts
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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