Leadership Lessons from a 10-Year-Old: What My Son Taught Me About Real Estate Success

By Rick Bosley, Operating Principle of Keller Williams Brevard County and Owner of The Bosley Team at Keller Williams

As a real estate professional, I spend my days helping people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives. But recently, I decided to flip the script and ask someone much wiser than me about leadership, decision-making, and what really matters in life. That person? My 10-year-old son, Bradley.

This is Part 1 of a 3-part series where I interview all three of my boys about leadership and life lessons through their eyes. What started as a fun father-son conversation turned into profound insights that apply directly to real estate, business, and life.

What Does Leadership Really Mean?

When I asked Bradley what leadership means to him, his answer was simple but powerful: “Being nice to people and helping them when they need help.”

In real estate, we often overcomplicate leadership. We think it’s about closing deals, hitting numbers, or managing teams. But Bradley reminded me that leadership starts with something much more fundamental—helping people and treating them with kindness.

Whether you’re working with first-time homebuyers in Oviedo, helping families relocate to the Space Coast, or mentoring new agents in your brokerage, leadership boils down to this: Are you helping people when they need it most?

Standing Up for What’s Right

Bradley shared a story about standing up to a bully on the playground. When I asked him what made him do it, he said, “Because it was the right thing to do, and I wanted to help my friend.”

This resonates deeply in real estate. Every day, we face situations where we must choose between what’s easy and what’s right. Do we tell clients what they want to hear, or do we give them the honest guidance they need? Do we chase every commission, or do we build relationships based on trust and integrity?

In markets like Greater Orlando and Brevard County, where competition is fierce and inventory is tight, your reputation is everything. Clients remember agents who stood up for them, who fought for their best interests, even when it was uncomfortable.

Time Management and Prioritization

When discussing his busy schedule of baseball, homework, and responsibilities, Bradley explained his system: “I do my homework first when I get home because if I wait until later, I might forget or run out of time.”

Sound familiar? As real estate professionals, time management can make or break our success. We juggle client showings, contract deadlines, marketing tasks, and personal commitments. Bradley’s approach is remarkably similar to what top producers do—tackle the most important tasks first, before distractions take over.

For agents in Central Florida serving clients from Winter Springs to Lake Mary, or for those covering the Brevard County market from Melbourne to Cocoa Beach, mastering your schedule means better service for your clients and less stress for yourself.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

As a baseball player, Bradley understands teamwork. When I asked him about working with his teammates, he said, “Even if someone makes a mistake, we encourage them and help them get better. We’re all on the same team.”

This is exactly the mentality that separates good real estate teams from great ones. In my work with Keller Williams Brevard County and The Bosley Team, I’ve seen firsthand how encouraging team members, celebrating their wins, and supporting them through challenges creates a culture of excellence.

Real estate isn’t a solo sport. From transaction coordinators to lenders to inspectors, every successful deal involves a team effort. When everyone supports each other, clients get better service, and everyone grows together.

Financial Wisdom Beyond His Years

One of my favorite moments in the interview was discussing money management. Bradley explained that he saves most of his money “for something important later, like college or something I really need.”

In real estate, we see financial decisions play out daily. First-time buyers weighing their down payment options, sellers deciding whether to upgrade or downsize, investors calculating returns. The principle Bradley articulated—thinking long-term and distinguishing between wants and needs—is foundational to financial success.

Whether you’re helping clients in the Greater Orlando market find their dream home or guiding investors through opportunities in the Space Coast, teaching financial wisdom is part of our role as trusted advisors.

Learning from Mistakes

When asked about making mistakes, Bradley said, “I learn from them so I don’t make the same mistake again. It helps me become a better person.”

The real estate market is constantly evolving. What worked last year might not work today. Markets shift, regulations change, and client expectations evolve. The agents who thrive are those who view mistakes as learning opportunities, who adapt quickly, and who aren’t afraid to try new approaches.

Applying These Lessons to Your Real Estate Business

So what can we learn from a 10-year-old about real estate success?

First, keep it simple. Leadership is about helping people. Whether you’re serving buyers and sellers in Central Florida or mentoring agents in Brevard County, focus on how you can genuinely help others succeed.

Second, do the right thing even when it’s hard. Your reputation is built one decision at a time. Clients and colleagues remember who stood up for them when it mattered.

Third, manage your time like a champion. Prioritize what matters most, do it first, and everything else will fall into place.

Fourth, build a team culture of encouragement and growth. Celebrate wins, support through challenges, and remember you’re all working toward the same goal.

Fifth, think long-term with every decision. Quick wins feel good, but sustainable success comes from playing the long game.

Finally, embrace mistakes as teachers. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.

Stay Tuned for Parts 2 and 3

This is just the beginning. In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing interviews with my 9-year-old and 7-year-old sons, each bringing their own unique perspectives on leadership, life, and what matters most.

If a 10-year-old can teach us this much about leadership and success, imagine what we can learn when we really listen to the wisdom around us—from our kids, our clients, and our communities.

Whether you’re a REALTOR looking to grow your business, a buyer or seller navigating the Greater Orlando or Space Coast markets, or simply someone who appreciates life lessons from unexpected sources, I hope Bradley’s insights resonated with you.

Let’s Connect

Blog: kwbosley.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bosleyrick
Facebook: facebook.com/RickBosleyRE
Podcast: rickbosley.buzzsprout.com

For The Bosley Team (Greater Orlando/Central Florida):

Website: thebosleyteam.com
Email: Rick@TheBosleyTeam.com

For KW Brevard (Brevard County/Space Coast):

Website: melbourne.kw.com
Email: RickBosley@kw.com

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