Recently, I interviewed Brenda Di Bari, a real estate expert and life coach. This was a really interesting and informative conversation as she spoke with me about her newly acquired life coaching skills and how she is working with friends, family and clients in balancing their lives during these trying times. Having the opportunity to live and work abroad and come back to NY with that experience together with her real estate and lifestyle management skills and training, are only a few of the various reasons why this get-together gets her way!
OR: Can you provide a fast update on where you worked today?
BD: I’m happy to be back home with Halstead after working briefly with another broker. I’m a licensed real estate broker and life coach, providing a particular type of service I call lifestyle consulting. With almost twenty years in the real estate industry as an agent, I’ve learned by helping people through the various complex phases of their real estate goals, the thing that helps my clients the most is emotional and psychological support through whatever transitions it has brought them. for the sale or purchase of real estate in the first place. Through my personal growth journey, I discovered life coaching. First, as a client and then learn and coach yourself. I’m blessed to service my real estate and train clients in a distinctive way that’s invaluable to those lucky enough to work with me.
OR: Please provide some background on your training with Life Coaching?
BD: I’m a life coach trained through the iPEC organization. iPEC is a corporation accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and has some of the most stringent training standards in the industry. Founded by Bruce Schneider Ph.D. and is based on the principles of Core Energy Development. In his own words:
” iPEC is a world-class professional trainer training organization dedicated to facilitating, promoting and training others to become fully conscious beings. We are committed to helping those seeking answers and direction find their inner truth and remember who they’re. We empower others to create love, joy and prosperity in their lives and the lives of those they touch.” – Dr. Bruce Schneider – Founder of iPEC
OR: What precisely is Life Coaching?
BD: Life Coaching is a really different profession from consulting, mentoring, advising, therapy or counselling. The coaching process addresses specific personal projects, business successes, general conditions and transitions in the client’s own life, relationship or profession by examining what is currently going on, discovering what your obstacles or challenges may be and selecting actions to make your life into what it’s. You want.
OR: Do you see this as a new trend in the market, and will other real estate pros follow suit?
BD: I feel that for too long now, real estate agents have taken a bad rap as unnecessary leach on transactions where they do nothing but collect commissions. The truth is that a successful real estate transaction has many nuances and events that need to be handled with care and skill for the best outcome for all involved. Technology has developed and permeated all sectors including real estate; leaving some to question the need of a real estate agent at all. Nonetheless, when people live these events in their own lives (without agency), they quickly discover a desire to have someone on their side, someone to consult on matters as they arise. The services I provide leave no doubt in my clients’ minds of the usefulness of what I do. I believe that other agencies will certainly follow suit. I’m currently putting together a framework to guide other agencies to support the provision of this service to their clients.
OR: What have you been doing during the COVID-19 quarantine crisis?
BD: During this time of crisis, I continue to work with clients on their real estate transactions using virtual gigs and services. It’s astonishing how useful technology has been so far! I have worked intensively in coaching those around me, for my family, friends and clients in dealing with the unavoidable pressures of having our whole world as we know it has been turned upside down. I volunteer as a trainer for frontline emergency response, I offer free Zoom training sessions for those who cannot afford these services, and that I apply my self-care diligently to stay in place whole and centered.
OR: Do you think working from home will become the new norm for most businesses?
BD: I believe as this pandemic unfolds, and according to science and medical professionals, we will live differently with regards to social distancing for some time to come. Through this experience, a new reality will occur. Some will stay and a few will leave, but I do not think we’ll get out of this other side unchanged. We must push the boundaries to keep our business going, and lots of elements will prove helpful moving forward.
OR: Can you share tips on how individuals at home can deal with everyday stress?
BD: Taking a little time for yourself each day is essential, particularly during a really busy time like this. For me, that means being very diligent about doing the things I know I need to be at my best. I wake up an hour earlier than anyone else in my house so I can do my morning routine. The routine includes 5-10 minutes of yoga stretches, which I vary but generally consist of a series of sun salutations; I then spend 10-20 minutes meditating, followed by writing a full page in my journal. In that writing, I at all times list three things that I’m grateful for. Completing this routine puts me in a positive mindset that helps me grow. I highly recommend sticking to a set wake/sleep cycle. Wake up like you do on weekdays, brush your teeth and dress! It’s all too easy to miss this and end up spending day after day in your PJs, which can take a toll on our mental health.
OR: Do you think more people will suffer from mental health in some capacity?
BD: We will all experience different and foreign feelings in this time of global crisis. Many who already suffer from anxiety and/or depression will likely find it harder to try to manage them. Even those who do not generally consider their mental health will have moments of uncertainty. This new reality can lead to frustration, boredom, anger, confusion, depression, anxiety, decreased energy, loneliness, loneliness, lack of money, lack of food, lack of pharmaceuticals, not sleeping well, drinking too much alcohol, lots of things happening. to sabotage our mental wellbeing. I’m grateful to have the skills and tools available to me to help those around me and recommend everybody to be supportive like family, friends, therapists, coaches. Any source you feel snug with is ideal.
OR: What exercises do you follow to keep your mind and body healthy?
BD: I’m a big believer in the power of the mind-body-spirit connection. I respect these three and treat them with as much attention as possible. I know that when I serve them well, they will serve me well.
For my mind and soul, the time I spend meditating, visualizing my ideal life goal, doing breathing exercises, keeping a journal, reading, etc. keeping my focus and energy in the right place, elastic, and fluid. I’m blessed and grateful for all that I have and all that I have met. This can mean positive things in addition to challenges. They all serve to make me grow and develop. Please do not misunderstand me by saying that I’m a Zen master; I don’t! But what I’m is human, doing my best, forgiving my flaws, and learning to do better. For my body, I practice yoga, run, play tennis (when not locked up), ride horses, walk long distances, and eat healthy food.
OR: Have you had any members of your family practice these types of mental health practices?
BD: I spend appropriate energy and time advising and guiding those I love. However, in the end, we are all on our way and have our time. I do not force my ideas on them, but I do share and find them interested and come to things the way they feel. I lead by example and put nutritious food on the table. The rest is up to them.
OR: What do you envision in the coming months?
BD: I believe, based on what the experts are saying, that some degree of this new norm; being social distancing and restrictions on group events, workplaces, etc. will be a factor over the coming months. I know, however, that we humans are tough and do not lack ingenuity. I firmly believe that we’ll adapt and find ways that improve our lives from the previous level. We are astonishing and talented!
OR: How can people connect with you for your zoom service?
BD: People can contact me via e-mail at bdb@brendadibari.com. We’ll schedule a couple of minutes to talk on the phone to see if coaching can help you.
OR: Thanks for your time and we look forward to speaking with you again soon.
BD: It’s at all times fun!
