Roxanna Ahlbach is a dynamic Realtor based in Berkeley, CA, with a robust background in international business development and integrated marketing. Having worked with notable brands such as Sephora and Pottery Barn Kids, Roxanna leverages her extensive marketing acumen to excel in the real estate market. She holds a BA in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco. Passionate about sustainability, Roxanna is excited by trends towards eco-friendly housing and incorporates these values into her work. She actively engages in her community, serving as a Trustee on the board of Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley and contributing to various local charities. Roxanna enjoys tennis, swimming, and exploring new cultural experiences, whether at museums, bookstores, or cafes. Her approach combines a deep commitment to her clients with a strong investment in community well-being.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I review my schedule over breakfast, prioritize my tasks, and I’m usually out the door for client meetings or property showings. I make my day productive by staying organized and setting clear goals for what I need to accomplish, which keeps me focused and efficient.
How do you bring ideas to life?
When I have a new marketing idea or a strategy for a listing, I discuss it with my team or peers. Getting different perspectives helps refine the idea and implement it more effectively. We use a lot of visual and digital tools to prototype our ideas, which brings them to life before final execution.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The trend towards more sustainable and eco-friendly housing solutions excites me tremendously. Seeing innovations in green building materials and smart home technologies being more commonly requested by clients reflects a shift in priorities that aligns with my own values about sustainability.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I am a big proponent of time-blocking. Allocating specific times for emails, meetings, and personal time helps me stay on track without feeling overwhelmed by a constantly buzzing phone or overflowing inbox.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to worry less about having a perfectly linear career path. Every experience has shaped me into who I am, and the diverse roles I’ve had were invaluable in building the breadth of skills I use today.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that every home can be staged to sell without significant financial investment. It’s more about decluttering, cleaning, and using simple, strategic touches rather than expensive furnishings and major renovations.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Network. Building and maintaining professional relationships has been crucial in my career. You never know when a casual connection might lead to a significant opportunity.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a walk with my dog, play tennis, or take a break at a local cafe. Changing my environment helps me reset and gain a new perspective on what’s causing my stress.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Being genuinely engaged with my community has been vital. Whether it’s participating in local events, contributing to charities, or simply being a friendly and familiar face, it has helped build trust and a strong client base.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I took on a high-profile marketing project that was not well-received. It was a blow to my confidence, but I reached out to mentors and took constructive criticism to heart. The key lesson was to always stay connected to the client’s needs and the market demands, rather than just pushing what I thought was innovative.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A virtual reality setup where clients can see potential home renovations and furniture placements when viewing properties. It could really enhance the buying experience and help clients make decisions more efficiently.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Basecamp is indispensable for organizing my tasks and collaborating with my team. We use it to track everything from daily duties to longer-term projects, which keeps everyone aligned and accountable.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey has been influential for me. Its principles on proactive leadership and personal efficiency resonate with how I approach both life and work. I’m also an avid listener of the “Pivot” podcast hosted by Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway. I enjoy their take on tech, politics, and culture and find it especially relevant living in the Bay Area.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Its sharp wit and jokes are just hilarious, and I love that it’s not a traditionally scripted TV show. Warning, you may hear me quote Larry David from time to time.
Key learnings
- Embrace Non-Linear Career Paths
- Importance of Community Engagement
- Prioritize Personal Well-being and Networking