Powerful Combo: Caring + Discipline
Sara Werner Costa, 29, studied psychology in college and even volunteered at a suicide and crisis hotline to gain listening and care-taking skills. But a chance meeting with a real estate broker led to a career that she says perfectly melds her education with her love of teaching and working in the community. In addition to selling real estate, she is on the Real Estate Leadership Council for EARN, which empowers low-income families to create prosperity. Her motto: “Givers Gain.” Werner Costa was a Division I basketball player in college and later played professionally in Germany so—no surprise—she’s aggressive and disciplined in her approach to networking. She cofounded a business networking group in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood. Online, her posts are 95 percent personal and 5 percent business. “Let people see who you are because that allows them to trust you,” she says. “Keep it real and have fun.”
Tip: “Positive things happen to positive people: Be genuine, kind, generous, and always smile—and good things will come your way!”