CASE STUDY
Turning Turbulence into Traction: How RAW Insight Helped a Brokerage Redefine Leadership in Crisis
The Challenge:
When a regional real estate brokerage faced the sudden departure of its long-time CEO, panic rippled across the org chart. Morale nosedived. Agents whispered. Staff stalled. Clients hesitated. Uncertainty wasn’t just in the air—it was in the inbox, the office, the market. The firm’s identity, stability, and future were in question.
Enter RAW Insight... been here before.
Our Role:
Called in at the eleventh hour, we weren’t there to slap on a bandage. We were there to triage, treat, and transform. This wasn’t just a change in leadership—it was a defining moment of reinvention. And it required clarity, courage, and strategic calibration.
What We Did:
- Stabilized the Narrative
- Crafted and deployed transparent internal and external messaging rooted in responsibility, humanity, and vision.
- Reframed the transition from a "loss of leadership" into a “pivot toward future-ready leadership.”
- Rewired the Culture
- Facilitated candid workshops with executives and staff on the psychology of change and the productivity of discomfort.
- Empowered key players to lean into vulnerability as a leadership strength—building trust, not bravado.
- Converted Fear Into Fuel
- Co-designed a roadmap that transformed “unknowns” into innovation sprints.
- Aligned business development with culture-forward storytelling to re-energize recruiting, retention, and revenue growth.
The Results:
- 95% of agents re-committed within 30 days of the announcement.
- The brokerage hit a 3-year high in new agent signings within 60 days.
- Internal satisfaction and retention scores jumped by 42% in the quarter following transition.
- They didn’t just survive a leadership crisis—they launched from it.
Bottom Line
Leadership transitions don’t have to be landmines. With the right strategy, they become launchpads. RAW Insight doesn’t manage change. We weaponize it—ethically, intentionally, and with eyes on what’s next.
As a consulting firm, if you're doing it right, you should always be available for new opportunities and clients to assist. You're not meant to be permanently embedded, endlessly extracting resources to fix a problem you’re no longer equipped to solve. We believe in impact, not dependency.
And here’s the truth: results are typical—if the client is genuinely open to exploring new ways to think about their obstacles. Change only works if you’re brave enough to meet it head-on.
CASE STUDY
Building the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance – A Movement for Equity and Belonging
Background
In 2020, amid a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ representation in real estate, Ryan Weyandt co-founded the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. This initiative emerged following concerns over governance issues within the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP), prompting the need for a more transparent and inclusive organization. With a background in mortgage lending and a passion for advocacy, Weyandt envisioned a platform that would not only support LGBTQ+ professionals but also champion fair housing for all.
Objectives
Establish a national organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ real estate professionals and allies.
Advocate for equitable housing policies and combat discrimination in the housing industry.
Foster a community that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Strategy & Execution
1. Organizational Foundation
Weyandt leveraged his experience in organizational leadership to structure the Alliance as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit. He assembled a diverse board of directors and initiated partnerships with major real estate firms, ensuring a broad base of support from the outset.
2. Community Engagement
Recognizing the importance of visibility and education, the Alliance launched initiatives like the “Stop Hate in Real Estate” campaign, encouraging industry professionals to pledge against discrimination. Additionally, the Alliance developed educational resources and hosted events to promote inclusive practices within the industry.
3. Advocacy and Policy Influence
The Alliance actively engaged in policy discussions, launching tools like the anti-LGBTQ+ bill tracker to monitor legislation affecting the community. By collaborating with policymakers and industry leaders, the Alliance positioned itself as a key advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in housing.
Outcomes
Membership Growth: The Alliance rapidly expanded, establishing over 50 chapters across North America and attracting thousands of members.
Industry Recognition: Weyandt's leadership earned him a spot on the Swanepoel Power 200 list, acknowledging his influence in the real estate sector.
Policy Impact: The Alliance's advocacy efforts contributed to heightened awareness and action against discriminatory housing practices.
Transition and Legacy
In December 2024, after five years at the helm, Weyandt announced his departure from the Alliance to focus on personal growth and new endeavors. Mary Mancera was appointed interim CEO, with the organization continuing its mission under new leadership. Weyandt's departure was marked by widespread appreciation for his foundational role and the lasting impact of his work.
Reflections
The establishment of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance under Weyandt's guidance represents a significant advancement in promoting inclusivity within the housing industry. By creating a platform that supports LGBTQ+ professionals and advocates for equitable housing, the Alliance has set a precedent for how industry organizations can lead with purpose and integrity.
*For more information on the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance and its ongoing initiatives, visit realestatealliance.org.*
Well, hello.
Hey thanks for being here, no really. If you clicked through to this site, feel free to add your name to the distribution list for the newsletter!
Thanks again, really.
Ryan