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Stacey St. John

Why Leadership Matters as a Real Estate Investor and Airbnb Host

Why Leadership Matters as a Real Estate Investor and Airbnb Host

Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s often overlooked but is absolutely critical to your success as a female Airbnb host and real estate investor: leadership. If you think leadership is just for CEOs or Fortune 500 bigwigs, think again! In fact, it’s the secret sauce that separates good investors from great ones, and decent hosts from outstanding superhosts. So, grab your favorite cup of coffee (or maybe a glass of wine—no judgment here!), and let’s talk about why leadership matters and how it can elevate your real estate journey.

Leadership Sets the Standard for Excellence

Leadership is about setting the standard—plain and simple. When I’m scaling my Airbnb portfolio, guiding my team, or hosting my guests, it all starts with a clear vision. What kind of experiences do I want my guests to have? How do I envision my properties serving not only my financial goals but also my broader purpose? As a female Airbnb host, my leadership sets the tone for how my business operates.

Leadership Sets the Standard for Excellence

As a leader in real estate, I always have a plan, but more importantly, I have a why. Having a solid vision helps me navigate challenges without losing sight of my ultimate goals. Whether I’m looking at financial freedom, generational wealth, or building a legacy for my family, leadership starts by defining that vision clearly and holding onto it—even when the market turns or my Airbnb guests are being, well, less than gracious.

Communication: The Core Skill of a Female Airbnb Host Leader

Have you ever heard that “communication is key”? Well, it’s the key to leadership, too—especially in real estate investing and Airbnb hosting. Good communication skills make me a better negotiator, and they’re absolutely critical for building rapport with guests, contractors, and even my neighbors.

I’ve learned that great leaders communicate their expectations clearly, which means setting guidelines for guests without sounding bossy, and talking to contractors without leaving anything up in the air. As a host, the tone of my messages sets the stage for how guests perceive their stay. Am I welcoming? Am I helpful? Am I quick to respond? All of these traits stem from great communication—an essential part of effective leadership.

Problem Solving: When Things Go Sideways

Now, let’s be real for a second. As much as I love smooth bookings and 5-star reviews, things will go wrong. A pipe might burst. A guest might lock themselves out at 2 a.m. on a Sunday. Leadership is all about how I handle these unexpected moments. When I’m leading my business, problem-solving becomes my superpower.

Great leaders tackle problems with confidence and empathy. For example, not too long ago, I was dealing with a disorganized storage unit in Myrtle Beach. One of my team members was frustrated because they couldn’t track inventory—like linens and towels—and it was causing a ripple effect across my operations. I empathized with her, recognized the issue, and took decisive action by inviting her to join me on-site to lead the organization process. This is what leadership looks like: seeing the problem, understanding my team, and jumping in to remove roadblocks.

Whether it’s resolving guest complaints or navigating market shifts, strong leadership ensures I stay calm, focused, and proactive. This problem-solving mindset not only keeps my business running smoothly but also positions me to seize growth opportunities others might miss.

Building Trust and Inspiring Others: Leadership as a Female Airbnb Host

My Airbnb properties aren’t just places for guests to sleep—they’re sources of inspiration. As a leader, my job is to create an environment where guests leave feeling like they had a memorable experience. Maybe it’s that personalized welcome note or the locally-sourced coffee I leave for them. Whatever it is, my actions and choices make an impression.

Leadership is also about fostering trust—not just with my guests, but with my team, partners, and contractors. For example, I’ve learned that empowering my team is crucial for their success. By listening to their concerns and creating an environment where they feel supported, I’ve built lasting trust. Trustworthy leaders inspire their teams to go above and beyond, and that energy comes right back in the form of happy guests and growing returns.

Emotional Intelligence: Understanding People

What is emotional intelligence? At its core, it is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions while also being aware of and influencing the emotions of others. It involves skills like self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication—all of which are essential for creating great guest experiences and leading a team.

How can you improve emotional intelligence? Start with self-awareness: take time to reflect on how you react in different situations, especially under stress. Practice active listening with your guests and team members, ensuring they feel heard and understood. Additionally, work on staying calm and composed during challenging moments—deep breaths and a moment to pause can make all the difference. Lastly, seek feedback from trusted individuals to better understand how your emotions and actions impact others. With consistent effort, you’ll find your emotional intelligence growing stronger, positively influencing your business and relationships.

Emotional intelligence lets you manage expectations—yours and theirs—in a way that leaves everyone satisfied. Being a good leader doesn’t mean never having issues; it means navigating those issues with grace, care, and a focus on the big picture.

Five Qualities of a Good Leader for Female Airbnb Hosts

Five Qualities of a Good Leader for Female Airbnb Hosts
Being a great leader isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with intention, inspiring others, and creating a vision worth following.
Here are five qualities I believe every impactful leader embodies:

  1. Visionary Thinking. A good leader knows where they’re going and inspires others to see the big picture. I’m not just managing tasks—I’m crafting a roadmap to something greater, motivating my team to dream big and work toward a shared goal.

  2. Empathy and Connection. Leadership isn’t just about strategy; it’s about heart. I genuinely care about my team, listen with intention, and create an environment where people feel valued and supported. Empathy builds trust, and trust builds unstoppable teams. 
  3. Decisiveness. Good leaders don’t shy away from tough decisions. I assess the options, trust my instincts, and move forward with confidence—even when the choice isn’t easy. Bold decisions inspire bold results. 
  4. Adaptability. Change is inevitable, and a good leader knows how to pivot when necessary. I embrace challenges as opportunities, adjust my strategy when the unexpected happens, and stay focused on the end goal while navigating the twists and turns.

  5. Integrity. At the core of every great leader is integrity. I lead by example, stay true to my values, and make decisions that align with my principles—even when no one’s watching. Integrity isn’t just what you do; it’s who you are.

The Ripple Effect: How Leadership Shapes Your Investment Journey

Here’s the thing, ladies: leadership is a skill that doesn’t just help me run my Airbnb business—it ripples through every single aspect of my real estate investing journey. When I lead with vision, clear communication, and empathy, I’m not only making my properties profitable—I’m building lasting relationships. Relationships with guests who keep coming back. Relationships with contractors who take extra care of my properties. And, ultimately, a relationship with myself that acknowledges my growth and celebrates every win along the way.

So, why does leadership matter as a female Airbnb host and real estate investor? Because it sets the tone for my entire business. It transforms me from just another investor or host into a true visionary—one who adds value, not only for myself but for every person who interacts with my properties.

Ready to Level Up?

The beauty of leadership is that it’s a skill you can learn and grow with. If you haven’t thought of yourself as a leader before, today’s the day to change that. Start small. Set your vision, and communicate it. Solve problems with empathy, and remember—every interaction is an opportunity to inspire someone, including yourself.

For more insights on leadership, check out articles like “The 5 Levels of Leadership” by John Maxwell or “What Makes a Great Leader” on Harvard Business Review. These resources offer actionable strategies and frameworks to deepen your leadership skills and broaden your impact.

And if you’re ready to take your business to the next level, join us for the STR Virtual Summit for Women on February 6-8, 2025, where we have an epic line-up of 40+ female leaders in the short-term rental space speaking. Learn the tools, strategies, and insider secrets to grow your STR business, boost revenue, and reclaim your time. Head over to strvirtualsummit.com to grab your ticket now.

So, ladies, go out there and lead with intention. Whether it’s for your investments, your guests, or your team, leadership is what will make your journey truly extraordinary. Until next time, stay bold, stay visionary, and keep building the dream!

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