Leading Forward Blog

Simon Thomas Simon Thomas

The Lion's Mentality: Leading with Commitment, Growth, and Fearlessness

You know, I’ve always prided ourselves on being a strong team—prepared, driven, and backed by great leadership. But today, I felt something different. It’s a Monday, and not just any Monday, but the one right after the Super Bowl. The energy in the room was low, and I could feel it. It made me reflect on something we talk about often: how we let our lives dictate our business when it should be the other way around.

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Simon Thomas Simon Thomas

The Mindset of a $20 Million Producer

If you already believed you were a $20 million producer, how would you act differently? Would you walk into every room with confidence that can’t be ignored? Speak with conviction that leaves people inspired? Show up every single day with a plan so clear you could teach it to someone else? Here’s the thing: the results you want in life don’t start with what you do. They start with what you believe.

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Simon Thomas Simon Thomas

Embracing Opportunities in the New Year: A Look Ahead

The new year is here, and with it comes that shift—one moment we’re celebrating the end of the year, and the next, it’s go time. That light switch flips, and suddenly it’s all about what’s next. So how do we take that energy and turn it into something big? Let’s talk about it.

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Simon Thomas Simon Thomas

Day 11 of 12 Days of Christmas: Eleven Trends to Watch in 2025

As we head into 2025, the real estate industry is evolving faster than ever. From new technology to shifting buyer preferences, these changes bring both challenges and opportunities. Staying ahead of the curve is key, and these are the eleven trends I’m watching closely that will shape how we work, buy, and sell in the coming year.

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Simon Thomas Simon Thomas

Day 10 of 12 Days of Christmas: Ten Skills for Success

Success isn’t about luck or being in the right place at the right time—it’s about developing the skills that set you apart and allow you to keep growing. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or simply working on becoming the best version of yourself, these ten skills are the foundation for achieving meaningful, long-term success.

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Simon Thomas Simon Thomas

Gratitude: The CEO's Secret Weapon

When you think about what it takes to run a successful business, gratitude might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Strategy, hard work, leadership—sure. But gratitude? That’s something we talk about around Thanksgiving, not in boardrooms, right? Wrong.

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Simon Thomas Simon Thomas

3 Simple Habits of Successful Sales Leaders

Great sales leadership isn’t just about making numbers — it’s about setting an example and building momentum for your team. Successful leaders often have a few simple habits that help them stay sharp and inspire their teams. Here are three habits that make a difference:

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Simon Thomas Simon Thomas

Setting Up for a Strong 2025 at DOBI

The last couple of years have thrown a lot of challenges our way. Here at DOBI, though, things are feeling different — and honestly, better. This time of year is perfect for reflecting on the journey, and I’m seeing more energy and excitement from our agents than ever.

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Simon Thomas Simon Thomas

3 Steps to Master Time Management as a CEO

As a CEO, your time is one of your most valuable assets. With constant demands on your schedule, learning to manage it well isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. Here are three simple, but effective steps to help you take control of your time so you can focus on what really matters.

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Simon Thomas Simon Thomas

3 Questions Every Leader Should Ask

Good leadership goes beyond setting targets and tracking progress. It’s about connecting with your team, understanding what drives them, and creating a space where everyone feels valued. Here are three simple but powerful questions every leader should ask. Each one can bring out fresh ideas, reveal what your team needs, and help you guide them toward their goals.

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Simon Thomas Simon Thomas

Sales Success Starts with a Commitment to Constant Growth: Here’s How

Sales are at the core of what we do, and as I reflect on our journey and the growth we've seen, one thing is crystal clear: you can never get too comfortable in this business.

As our team has grown and our operations have expanded, I’ve had to evolve. Things like managing leaders, delegating tasks, and stepping out of my comfort zone have been critical for keeping pace with our growth.

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Simon Thomas Simon Thomas

Six Years at DOBI: Growth, Leadership, and Lessons Learned

It’s hard to believe that six years have passed since I started DOBI. There have been moments where time seemed to fly by and others where things moved slowly. But as I reflect on the journey, I’m amazed at how far we’ve come.

Seven years ago, I was still heavily involved in sales, doing around $20 to $25 million a year. Fast forward to today, and we’re hitting $400 million in sales. That’s a 16x growth. When I look back, I realize how much we’ve accomplished without a clear blueprint—just learning through trial and error, taking risks, and constantly evolving.

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