By Gino Blefari

This week, my travels find me at home, providing the perfect opportunity to reflect on leadership in its purest form. Throughout my real estate career, I have studied those I call “10xers”—individuals and companies that consistently outperform expectations and redefine excellence in their respective fields. Companies like Southwest Airlines and Apple, Inc., athletes like Michael Phelps, and visionary leaders such as Jack Welch, Bill Belichick, Bill Walsh, and John Wooden have all demonstrated what it takes to elevate teams and organizations to the next level. However, one leader who has always stood out to me is Tom Brady.

Read more: Thoughts on Leadership: Lessons from Tom Brady on Leading Teammates

Growing up and building my career in the San Francisco Bay Area—Brady’s backyard, so to speak— I’ve studied him for his entire career. His leadership extends far beyond his statistics, records, and Super Bowl rings. What truly sets him apart is his ability to inspire, challenge, and elevate those around him. Whether in sports, business, or life, the principles that guided his success are universal. Over the years, I’ve gleaned invaluable leadership lessons from observing his journey, and here are 25 leadership lessons I’ve observed from Tom Brady on leading teammates:

Team-First Mentality & Leadership Mindset

1. Put the team first, always—even in personal adversity. True leadership means prioritizing the success of the team, even when your own role or position is uncertain.
2. Great leaders don’t accomplish anything alone. The best teams thrive on collaboration, and every leader must recognize their dependence on others.
3. Winning is about the team, not personal stats. Leaders who obsess over individual accolades create a toxic environment that hinders team success.
4. Do you want to be a star, or do you want to be a champion? Leaders must decide whether they seek personal fame or collective greatness.
5. Success comes from making others better. The best leaders elevate their teammates, ensuring that everyone performs at their highest level.

Building a High-Performance Culture

6. Recognize and appreciate the unsung heroes. Acknowledge the contributions of those who don’t always get credit—whether in sports or business.
7. Set the standard for 100% effort. Leaders must push beyond perceived limits, inspiring teammates to give their absolute best.
8. Accountability starts with teammates—not just coaches or bosses. The most effective teams hold each other accountable without relying solely on authority figures.
9. Challenge teammates to push harder, but do it with trust. Criticism is easier to accept when it comes from someone invested in your success.
10. The best teams push one another beyond the minimum expectations. If you only do what’s required, you’ll never rise above average.

Understanding and Motivating People

11. Know what drives each teammate individually. People respond to different motivations—some need praise, some need tough love, and leaders must tailor their approach.
12. Some players need criticism to fuel them, while others need encouragement. Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about reading personalities and adapting.
13. 90% of leadership time is spent managing the 10% of challenging teammates. The difficult personalities often need the most guidance, and their impact can make or break a team.
14. A leader’s job is to keep challenging teammates from dragging down the rest of the group. Leadership is about ensuring that one bad attitude doesn’t spread.
15. Every leader should have a ‘teammate for life’ mentality. Strong relationships built on trust extend beyond the workplace or playing field.

Balancing Leadership Styles with Authority Figures

16. Complement the leadership style of the boss or coach. If a leader is tough and disciplined, balance that with warmth and emotional connection.
17. Great teams need diverse leadership styles. Some leaders inspire through intensity, others through relationships—both are necessary.
18. Encourage ownership among team members. When leaders empower individuals, they create a culture of self-driven excellence.
19. Recognize the external pressures teammates face. Leaders must help counteract the outside forces—like money, contracts, or promotions—that pull people away from the team-first mentality.
20. Understand that people have insecurities and emotional baggage. A great leader sees beyond performance and helps teammates overcome personal struggles.

Strengthening Relationships & Team Bonds

21. The best teams connect outside of work. Shared experiences—whether at offsites, retreats, or casual gatherings—build trust and chemistry.
22. A simple act of recognition can transform someone’s confidence. Even the smallest acknowledgment of effort can have an immense impact on motivation.
23. Leaders should continuously learn and evolve their style. Leadership at 22 is different than at 40—great leaders refine their approach over time.
24. Leadership can start at any level. You don’t need a title to be a leader—anyone who inspires others can lead from within.
25. The best teams are built on emotional investment. When teammates genuinely care about each other, they fight harder to succeed together.

So, what’s the message?

True leadership isn’t just about titles, strategies, or performance metrics—it’s about how you inspire, support, and elevate those around you. Tom Brady’s leadership teaches us that the greatest success isn’t measured in personal accolades but in the success of the team. Whether in business, sports, or any collaborative effort, leaders who prioritize team growth, recognize the value of every contributor, and continuously push for excellence will always come out ahead.

Great teams are built on trust, effort, and shared vision. The best leaders don’t stand above their team—they stand with them. That’s the key to sustainable success.

By Gino Blefari

This week, my travels find me at home, reflecting on an inspiring moment from Tuesday afternoon’s HomeServices of America Leadership Meeting. Among the many topics we covered, one of the most impactful was our discussion of best practices—strategies and initiatives that moved the needle in 2024, driving results and creating lasting change.

We had the privilege of hearing from some of our most outstanding leaders, individuals whose dedication and vision led to remarkable achievements in key areas of our business. Because of their extraordinary performance, they were invited to share their insights with our entire leadership team—offering not just numbers, but the strategies, mindsets, and decisions that propelled them forward.

Read more: Thoughts on Leadership: The Courage to Lead

As I listened to each leader, one word kept coming to mind: courage.

• It took courage for Martha Mosier, Keith Conlon, and Vince Leisey to focus on strategic growth, proving that smart, intentional moves can drive both financial success and team expansion.
• It took courage for Ann King to achieve unparalleled results, demonstrating the power of commitment in capturing market share.
• It took courage for Larry Flick V to lead the charge in optimizing opportunities in mortgage and insurance, embracing innovation and efficiency in a complex landscape.
• It took courage for Greg Mason to rethink space and operations, ensuring we remain agile and efficient in a changing market.
• It took courage for Diane Glass to refine expenses without sacrificing excellence, making strategic decisions to position her team for long-term success.
• It took courage for Gretchen Rosenberg to protect financial strength while balancing growth, demonstrating the importance of financial stewardship in leadership.
• It took courage for Dan Mlnarik to drive unit and volume growth, proving that bold leadership can yield extraordinary results even in uncertain times.

Each of these leaders faced unique challenges, yet their response was the same: they stepped forward with determination, clarity, and courage.

The ability to lead with courage is what separates great leaders from good ones. True courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about taking action despite fear. It’s about standing firm in your convictions when the easier choice might be to waver. And as I reflect on the essence of courageous leadership, a few key lessons stand out:

1. The Courage to Take Risks

Success never happens in the comfort zone. The leaders we celebrated this week understood that in order to achieve extraordinary results, they had to embrace risk. Whether it was pioneering new strategies, investing in people, or making tough business calls, they demonstrated the bravery to push beyond the status quo.

2. The Courage to Lead Through Uncertainty

If there’s one thing we can count on in business and life, it’s uncertainty. Markets fluctuate, consumer behavior shifts, and unforeseen challenges arise. But courageous leaders don’t let unpredictability paralyze them. Instead, they navigate uncertainty with calm confidence, knowing that adaptability and decisiveness are key to success.

3. The Courage to Uphold Values

Leadership isn’t just about hitting numbers; it’s about leading with integrity, authenticity, and a commitment to doing what’s right. In moments where ethical dilemmas arise or when decisions become difficult, courageous leaders stay true to their values—even when it’s not the easiest path.

4. The Courage to Inspire Others

Perhaps the most profound act of leadership is empowering and uplifting others. The leaders we honored this week didn’t just achieve personal success—they lifted their teams, encouraged innovation, and created cultures where others felt safe to take risks and grow.

So, What’s the Message?

Courage in leadership isn’t just about bold moves or fearless decisions—it’s about showing up every single day, even when things are tough, uncertain, or uncomfortable. It’s about staying true to your mission, embracing challenges as opportunities, and leading with a steady heart and a clear vision.

As we look ahead, I challenge each of us to reflect on our own leadership journeys. Where can we be more courageous? What bold steps are waiting to be taken? And most importantly—how can we inspire courage in those around us?

Because at the end of the day, success favors the bold—and in leadership, as in life, courage is the ultimate game-changer.

Credits:

• Martha Mosier, President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
• Keith Conlon, President & CEO, Allie Beth Allman & Associates
• Vince Leisey, CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate
• Ann King, President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty
• Larry Flick V, CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors
• Greg Mason, President & CEO, Edina Realty
• Diane Glass, CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
• Gretchen Rosenberg, President & CEO, Kentwood Real Estate
• Dan Mlnarik, President, Home Services of Nebraska

By Gino Blefari

This week, I had the honor of being the keynote speaker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty’s WIN ’25 Expo—an event dedicated to Worth, Innovation, and Network. The Expo brought together industry professionals for breakout sessions, agent panels, and impactful discussions on growth and leadership. I had the privilege of sharing insights on “The Morning Blueprint for Unstoppable Success” and leading a session on “18 Proven Strategies for Connecting and Creating Clients for Life.”

Earlier today, I spent two hours with the BHHS RW Towne Realty Leadership team, diving into a critical conversation on recruiting and retention—a topic at the heart of building and sustaining high-performing teams. Our discussion reinforced a fundamental truth: great leadership, whether in real estate or the military, is built on strategy, discipline, and adaptability. But beyond the content, what stood out most this week was the hospitality and strong culture of this extraordinary team.

A heartfelt shout-out to Barbara Wolcott, Chairman; Ron Foresta, Director of Operations; Rolston Audain, Director of Marketing & Luxury Collection; Regina Lewis, Digital & Social Media Specialist; Diane Gordon, Chief Operating Officer & President, New Homes Division; J. Van Rose, Jr., CEO; and many others who made this visit so meaningful.

My time with this group carried even greater significance when I learned about J. Van Rose, Jr.’s background. Before his distinguished career in real estate, he served as a Naval Flight Officer and Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. His journey—from serving our country to leading one of the industry’s most respected brokerages—is a testament to the discipline, adaptability, and commitment to excellence that define great leadership.

Virginia Beach, where the Expo took place, is a city deeply connected to the military. As I walked along the boardwalk near my hotel, two monuments caught my attention: the Naval Aviation Monument Park at 25th Street and Atlantic Avenue and the Navy SEAL Monument at 38th Street. It felt fitting that after reflecting on the SEAL leadership mindset last week, I found myself in a place that pays tribute to the courage, commitment, and excellence of those who serve.

Leadership—whether in the military or business—requires discipline, adaptability, teamwork, and resilience. These principles drive success in any organization. Here are three leadership lessons inspired by my time in Virginia Beach:

1. Discipline Breeds Excellence

Naval aviation is built on precision, preparation, and execution. Pilots and flight crews train relentlessly because there’s no room for error. In leadership, the same holds true. Success is never accidental—it’s the result of discipline, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. The best leaders set high personal standards and maintain the habits that drive excellence.

2. Adaptability: The Key to Overcoming Challenges

The Navy SEALs operate under the belief that “The only easy day was yesterday.” This mindset is about pushing limits, expecting challenges, and adapting to ever-changing conditions. In leadership, challenges will always arise—markets shift, teams evolve, and unexpected obstacles test our resolve. The best leaders don’t hesitate or dwell on setbacks; they pivot, problem-solve, and keep moving forward.

3. Teamwork is a Force Multiplier

Both of the monuments I visited honor not just individual heroism but the power of teamwork. In naval aviation and special operations, success depends on trust, communication, and collaboration. No mission is accomplished alone. The same applies in leadership—whether you’re leading a brokerage, running a business, or guiding a team, fostering a culture of teamwork amplifies results and drives long-term success.

So, what’s the message?

Last week’s lesson on Extreme Ownership emphasized the responsibility leaders must take for every aspect of their world. This week, in Virginia Beach, the military presence—and my time with BHHS RW Towne Realty—served as another reminder that great leadership is built on discipline, adaptability, and teamwork. Whether in business, aviation, or the battlefield, these qualities define the leaders who rise to the occasion, overcome challenges, and inspire those around them.