Reimagining Future Leadership

Doug Tomson, NJ Realtors® CEO

In real estate, leadership doesn’t always come with a title.

It often starts with something small: asking a question at a meeting, showing up to an event, or getting involved in a conversation about where our industry is heading. And sometimes, it starts when someone sees potential in you and gives you what we’ve long called “a tap on the shoulder.”

For decades, that’s how many Realtors® got involved with their local, state, or national associations. Someone invited them in. Someone said, “You should be part of this.”

That model has served us well. But our industry—and our members—are evolving.

Today, many of the next generation of Realtors® aren’t waiting for a tap. They’re asking tough questions. They want to know: How does getting involved help me grow? How will it benefit the business? How will it connect them to something bigger?

And those are exactly the right questions to ask.

Because here’s the truth: involvement in organized real estate leads to better business, stronger networks, and deeper knowledge.

When you’re engaged, you learn what’s coming before it arrives—market shifts, legal updates, local and national advocacy efforts. You gain insight you can’t find on a search engine or social media scroll. That knowledge helps you serve your clients with more confidence and stay ahead of the curve.

You also build real relationships. Not just with colleagues, but with people who challenge you and help you become even better at what you do. Those connections can be game- changers.

So if you’ve never raised your hand before, consider this your invitation. Get involved. Be curious. Say yes to one thing. It doesn’t have to be big to make a difference.

Because what you’ll find is that giving your time to this profession gives something back: insight, opportunity, and a sense that you’re not just in real estate—you’re part of shaping where it goes next.