Chasing Wisdom: The 4.5-Hour Drive That Reminded Me What Growth Really Takes

Last month, I achieved something I’ve been working toward for a long time: I officially became Master Faculty with Keller Williams. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly, and one that comes after years of teaching across the country.

Now, for most people, after teaching the same class as many times as I have, they might say, “I’ve got this. I’m a pro.” But here’s the thing about me: I never believe I’ve arrived.

That mindset comes from one of the greatest influences in my career — Gene Rivers, the GOAT of real estate (and who we lovingly call our “real estate dad”). Since 2014, Gene has spent every Monday morning with us. Week after week. Year after year. His wisdom has shaped not only our business trajectory but also our family’s trajectory. Without him, we would not be where we are today.

So when I asked Gene recently where he was teaching Business Planning Clinic, and he shared his dates, I made a decision: I drove 4.5 hours to Florida just to sit in the room and watch him teach.

Here’s the thing that struck me: Gene had about 50 people in the room. Fifty people who had no idea they were in the presence of one of the greatest minds in our industry. If Gene were at a major Keller Williams event, he would draw thousands. But you know what they say: you can’t be a prophet in your own land.

For me, Gene is a prophet. He is my mentor. He changed everything for us — our business, our family, our future. And because of that, I’ll never stop showing up to learn.

That’s the point I want to leave with you: we never arrive. No matter how successful, how experienced, or how many accolades we’ve earned, there is always more to learn. The greatest leaders are not the ones who stand on a stage; they are the ones who keep a seat in the classroom.

We’re called to make a difference in the lives of others, and my greatest hope is to leave the kind of impact Gene has left on me. - Lesley Peters