We recently had the chance to connect with Caroline Rander and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Caroline , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I would be remiss if I didn’t share I have been dancing almost daily for the last 2 years and it has absolutely changed my life. I schedule my days around my classes as much as I can – it’s that important for my mental and physical health! I also love hiking regularly and discovering new trails all over San Diego County. Being near the ocean for quick grounding moments is a must as well (even better with a coffee in hand!). These have all allowed me to develop the best version of myself so I can show up fully for the people in my life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
What distinguishes my real estate brand (which really is my name) is the way I treat each client as if they are my only ones. They get the boutique, custom experience with all the care and expertise that I bring after having been in the business 10 years.
I have a unique blend of analytical intelligence as a former engineer and a lot of emotional intelligence which I think is a must in this people oriented business! As a result, I know how to work with all parties involved toward a successful outcome.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was landing a job in Europe during my college finals in Canada, packing all my things a week after graduating at the age of 22 and moving to Europe to start my career. I spent 4 years there before eventually ending up in San Diego where I have been since 2014.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I didn’t talk about the story of my childhood for a very long time, well into adulthood. I grew up in Beirut which was so beautiful and once known as the Europe of the Middle East. It was war torn at a time when my parents decided to leave amidst falling bombs in 1989. It was a traumatic event where I internalized the pain of being suddenly uprooted and living the consequences of the strain it put on my parents and our family dynamics. Eventually I decided to embrace it and all the beautiful lessons it taught me. The people who know my story seem to find it inspiring to hear how gratitude is a way of life for me, engrained in all I do. I don’t take a single day alive for granted, because I know how easily things can be taken away. I have so much appreciation for hard work, life, people and the little things.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is 80% the real version of me. I am very warm and connect easily with people on a deeper level, however I do have a very introverted side where I need time in nature or with myself to recharge. My social battery does get depleted after a full day of talking to people or showing homes, for example. I very much love spending time with friends and loved ones but I rarely love loud and very crowded settings – only once in a while!
I guess the other part of the 20% people don’t see are the times I’m tired especially when I’m juggling motherhood and all the time investment it represents, all while managing my career and all the other things! People often think I’m superwoman, but I’m very human and do crave warmth and love in my life.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That they were somehow positively impacted by my presence. I try to adopt a mindset rooted in love, light, joy, kindness and I hope somewhere along the way people will have felt that. I hope my daughters remember and apply the things I modeled that resonated with them, and that it will help them lead a fulfilling life where they are able to distill what truly matters and not be afraid to seek happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yoursandiegorealty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinerander_sandiegorealtor/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinearander/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caroline.abkarRealEstate/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0PlFFo4nNPp3ijK7pF58nQ
