51. The Soft Skills AI Can’t Touch: Career Success & Real Estate with Courtney Pelfrey

How do you pivot careers from higher ed to real estate while managing motherhood and a family business? Courtney Pelfrey (Miller Grant & Company) joins Ashley Billings on the B Student Podcast to reveal the reality of building a relationship-based business in Winter Park, FL.

In this episode, we go past the transaction to discuss the emotional side of home buying, the truth about career transitions, and the "secret" soft skill every professional needs: curiosity.

Watch the full conversation to learn:

The Pivot: How Courtney moved from 10 years in collegiate career services into the real estate industry.The "Baby" Metaphor: Why closing on a home is like bringing home a baby and why aftercare matters.Curiosity vs. AI: Why curiosity is the leadership skill technology can't replicate.Family Dynamics: The challenges and rewards of running a brokerage with your father and sister.Working Motherhood: Practical wisdom on staying present as a mom while building a recognizable local brand.Relationship Business: Why being "purpose-driven" wins over trends every time.

Whether you're a relauncher returning to the workforce, a new agent, or a business owner in a new season of life, Courtney’s journey offers a roadmap for staying aligned with your values.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating a new season in life or business.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Meet Courtney Pelfrey & Her Career Pivot Story02:12 – Why She Left Higher Education for Real Estate04:48 – Building a Family-Owned Real Estate Business05:31 – Why Closing on a Home is Like Bringing Home a Baby07:15 – Working With Family: Strengths, Roles & Dynamics09:42 – Creating a Relationship-Driven Real Estate Brand12:18 – The Emotional Side of Buying & Selling Homes14:36 – How Career Services Prepared Her for Real Estate17:08 – The Reality of Working Motherhood & Flexibility19:45 – Balancing Business, Kids & Boundaries at Home22:04 – Social Media, Branding & Standing Out in Real Estate24:26 – Advice for Young Realtors Starting Their Careers26:18 – Why Curiosity Is a Powerful Leadership Skill That AI Can’t Replace28:10 – Serving the Winter Park Community & What’s Next for Miller Grant

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Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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Connect with our Guest:
Website: https://millergrantandco.com/
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/courtneympelfrey/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneympelfrey/


Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/
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Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/