Women have been the backbone of real estate for decades, yet the industry still treats female leadership as an emerging trend rather than the foundation it’s always been. Lori Muller, founder of Empower Coaching Consulting, has spent 30 years in the industry, moving from realtor to broker owner to franchise leader to national executive. But her proudest title isn’t tied to any of those roles. It’s “builder of people.”
That distinction matters because it captures what separates women who hold leadership positions from women who actually change the trajectory of the industry. The former focus on their own advancement. The latter focuses on creating paths for others to follow.
Women Have Always Led, Just Not Always Visibly
The first shift that needs to happen is recognition. “Women have long been the backbone of this industry, even when they weren’t given the titles or the spotlight,” Muller observes when reflecting on the women who came before her. “They did the hard work, they earned the trust, and they led quietly through service. The legacy they left is our foundation.”
It proves female leadership in real estate is established. The challenge now is making that leadership visible, intentional, and structurally supported rather than dependent on individual resilience.
Visibility Without Impact Is Just Optics
The second shift is moving from representation to real influence. Today, more women are stepping into titled leadership roles than ever before. Brokerage leaders, franchise executives, and industry association boards, female representation is increasing. But visibility alone doesn’t create change.
“True leadership isn’t just about visibility. It’s about impact,” Muller emphasizes when coaching women stepping into executive roles. “It’s mentoring other women. It’s creating an inclusive culture and pushing for innovation even when it’s uncomfortable.”
A woman can hold a leadership title and still operate within systems that suppress female advancement. Real impact requires actively mentoring junior women, advocating for policy changes that address systemic barriers, and pushing back on industry norms that disadvantage women, even when those conversations are uncomfortable.
Muller has seen this play out repeatedly. Women reach senior roles, then face pressure to assimilate rather than advocate. The industry celebrates their individual success while resisting the systemic changes that would allow more women to follow. Breaking that pattern requires leaders willing to use their positions to challenge norms, not just benefit from them.
Leadership Is About Passing Power On, Not Holding It
The third shift is redefining what leadership legacy means. In male-dominated industries, leadership is often framed as accumulation, building empires, amassing influence, and becoming indispensable. That model doesn’t serve women or the industry.
“Leadership is not about holding power. It’s about passing it on,” Muller says when working with seasoned brokers, thinking about succession and legacy. “Every time we advocate, empower, or invest in another woman, we extend the legacy. We turn our success into someone else’s start.”
Success stops being about personal achievement and becomes about structural impact. Did you create opportunities for women behind you? Did you advocate for policies that benefit the next generation? Did you mentor, sponsor, and champion other women even when it cost you political capital?
Those questions matter more than individual accolades because they determine whether progress compounds or stalls. One woman breaking through is an inspiring story. One woman building a pipeline for others is systemic change.
Your Legacy Starts With What You Do Next
The legacy of women in real estate leadership isn’t just history; it’s actively being written. Whether you’re a new agent, a seasoned broker, or an aspiring executive, your leadership matters. Not someday when you reach a certain title. Now.
Muller concludes with an important message to women, “Your voice matters, and your legacy starts now. Let’s lead boldly. Let’s lead together. And let’s leave this industry better for the women who come next.”
Leadership isn’t measured by the positions you hold. It’s measured by the doors you open for others. Connect with Lori Muller on LinkedIn for more insights.
