We had the good fortune of connecting with Mia McLeod and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mia, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
From starting at the age of 22, single and without kids, work life balance has definitely changed over time. In the beginning of my career, it was pretty heavily weighted on work, and growing by purely hitting the numbers of closings. When I got married, it was balancing time with my spouse, traveling and working to grow the business. Now with two children, it’s the juggle of spending as much quality time with them, putting boundaries around work and protecting family time, while still working to grow the business with the help of my team at the office.

What I’ve learned truly, is that we’re always in a state of being “OFF” balance (juggling) and sometimes, one part of our life needs more attention at that moment in time, then juggling again and putting more attention to the next when it’s needed there. This is life, and sometimes all that’s needed is to pay attention on where we need to place more effort when needed.

What should our readers know about your business?
We are a real estate and mortgage company. We’ve been in business for close to two decades, having recently celebrated 17 years this past May 13. What sets us apart? We are firm believers in “The Heart Of Selling,” a company slogan which proudly affirms that selling is more than just the art of it, it’s the HEART behind it, where every client becomes a life long friend and family member to us. No one is ever just a transaction…each client is a part of our journey in life and we cherish that very much.

Our warmth is palpable because we believe is servant leadership. How did we get to where we are today? Consistency over time and never chasing a commission, instead forging relationships that are lasting. We are honored to be nationally recognized as a National Association of Realtors 30 under 30 honoree, having received that honor in 2008, during the great real estate crash.

Challenges will always come up, so working on personal development is key. It’s never the challenge in itself that is the downfall, it’s how we react to such challenges. Being solutions oriented is our secret sauce, along with real. Never sugar coat. This has served us well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
OOH, love this question. Since my bestie is visiting for a week, we’d first hang out at the house and catch up over some champagne and probably not sleep, talking story all night long. Next day, I’d take her to my vacation home in Lake Arrowhead, and go for a hike on one of the trails, have lunch at one of spots at the Village. I’d probably grill something back at the house for dinner and surprise her with one of the rooms I turned into a speakeasy, where she could pick from the numerous bottles of Scotch my husband has in hand to do some tastings from. If it’s during snow season, take a quick trek out to Big Bear, 30 minutes away and hang out for snow day, or on the way back, hit up Santa’s Village which few people know about and take a stroll as if we were kids again, hitting up some of the hot chocolate spots.

Another day would be a visit to the Temecula Wineries which is less than an hour away from me, and we’d go vineyard hopping, ensuring we visit Wiens Winery, which is famous for their bold reds, probably have lunch at Ponte, another favorite of mine and relax…a day out in the Temecula Wineries isn’t enough. If she’s up for some black jack fun, I’d take her to Pechanga resort on the way back for some casino time.

Since we’re half way to San Diego, that would be day 3 or 4 of the itinerary and I’d be sure to introduce her to some of my San Diego friends who love to hang out over some good convo and fine cocktails, which leaves me to Raised By Wolves, a great hidden gem, with some of the finest cocktails around. For dinner, gotta visit Mister A’s. Would stay over night at the Grand Hyatt Manchester.

Back to LA area, would love to take her to some good Filipino grubbing, and visit LASITA, owned by dear friends of mine in Downtown LA/Chinatown area. We’d learn about some great wine pairings by owner Chase and order whatever he recommends.

If there’s a game or concert going on, will take her on a visit to LA LIVE or Staples Center…the night is still young.

For the last 2 nights, will probably lay low and hang out as we used to when we were kids at my home, where we can just watch some movies, talk for hours, order in, and talk for hours to catch up.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so very many people to mention, but here are a few: 1. My Mom, who raised me and my sister as a single mother…she’s our wonder woman
2. My God, my faith has sustained me through so very many challenges in life and business, and continues to show up for me on the daily
3. My Team, who show up at work every single day and are the gate keepers of our company culture
4. My mentor Tony and coaches, Rick and Kamille, who pour into me, challenging my mindset and to think beyond what I see before me and instead think in the realm of possibilities
5. My Sister, who is my ride or die, been with me since the beginning of the business
6. My Husband, who truly is my number one cheerleader and fan; it’s great doing this business together

Website: www.themcldeodteam.com

Instagram: themcleodteam

Linkedin: Mia McLeod

Facebook: Mia McLeod, Mia McLeod & The McLeod Team

Yelp: McLeod & Associates

Youtube: McLeod & Associates

Image Credits
We own photo credits.