EP10: Built by Grit, Saved by a Miracle: Rebecca Linenger on Entrepreneurship, Family, and Empowering Others

Episode Summary: 

In this episode, Nicole sits down with Rebecca Linenger, a dear friend and powerhouse entrepreneur, to explore her inspiring journey as a community-based business leader. They discuss her path from her career start in marketing to co-founding The Boulevard Company, Charleston's premier real estate firm. Rebecca shares her insights on building a business with integrity, balancing work and family, and the life-altering health crisis that changed her perspective on receiving help and leaning on others. 

Key Quotes & Takeaways: 

1. On Building a Business Rooted in Integrity: 

• "Respect is the foundation of our partnership and company culture. We put our agents and clients first, creating an environment where people feel empowered to succeed on their own terms." – Rebecca 
• Takeaway: Strong partnerships thrive on mutual respect and complementary skills. Rebecca’s story shows how building a supportive culture can foster resilience and high performance. 

1. Navigating Health Challenges and Accepting Help: 

• "No one else cares about your life as much as you do. I had to learn to advocate for myself, to ask for what I needed—even when that meant receiving help, which wasn’t natural for me." – Rebecca 
• Takeaway: Advocate for your own health and well-being, especially when facing life’s uncertainties. This experience taught Rebecca to value vulnerability and community in new, profound ways. 

1. On Self-Awareness and Parenting: 

• "My goal as a mother is to provide a foundation, to be in my kids’ corner no matter what choices they make. That’s my North Star." – Rebecca 
• Takeaway: Rebecca’s commitment to being a supportive, present mother while building a thriving business showcases the importance of self-awareness and intentionality in every area of life. 

1. Balancing Work and Family with Grace: 

• "Every yes is a no to something else. I don’t try to do everything at a high capacity at once—I create margin where I can, which keeps me grounded and lets me lean in or out as needed." – Rebecca 
• Takeaway: Balancing a busy career and family requires flexibility and setting boundaries. Rebecca emphasizes the need to lean in or out, based on life’s demands, to stay both present and effective. 

1. Creating a Space for Individuality in Business: 

• "We encourage agents to operate in a way that’s true to them. It’s not cookie-cutter. People can thrive when they have the freedom to bring their own voice into their work." – Rebecca 
• Takeaway: Rebecca’s approach to real estate is a masterclass in authentic leadership. By allowing individuality to flourish, her company nurtures innovation and fulfillment. 

Episode Highlights: 

• Business Origins: Rebecca’s journey from marketing to founding The Boulevard Company and how her partnership with John Liberatos flourished due to mutual respect and clear roles. 
• Personal Health Crisis: Rebecca’s raw account of her life-threatening health challenge and the lessons it taught her about advocacy and the importance of self-care. 
• Parenting with Purpose: Rebecca’s unique approach to motherhood, balancing structure and spontaneity, and empowering her children to pursue their passions. 
• Living with Intention: The power of creating margin, understanding that every “yes” is a “no” to something else, and building a life that prioritizes family and well-being. 

These titles and show notes capture the essence of Rebecca’s inspiring story, blending leadership insights with her profound personal journe