For those unsure of which direction to take, Irving says to look inward and decide if a new opportunity is truly what you want. “And don’t be afraid to take the initiative and maximize the resources and people around you,” he said. “Find something you’re passionate about, pursue it and stay in that lane.” 

Irving was part of the Coldwell Banker Management Assessment Program (MAPS) that places candidates in a pipeline for the next upcoming management class. In a class of ten, he competed to get a top three spot in the program. After completing a series of assessments, social networking and role playing with executives, he was tested in categories for negotiations as well as, finding ways to show empathy and demonstrate emotional intelligence. 

“When reflecting on the trainings, I felt the experience was phenomenal,” he said. “Upon receiving my assessment results, I learned about my areas of improvement and where I stood as a leader within my group.”

Other learning and development opportunities Irving takes advantage of include participation in the Employee Resource Group for African American and Caribbean Employees (ACE). Within the group, people frequently discuss career development, professionalism, and tools needed to become a better professional. He also leans heavily on his mentors and enjoys the flat hierarchy within Coldwell Banker. This allows for an open channel of communication between other agents and higher-level executives.

M. Ryan Gorman, CEO of Coldwell Banker and President and CEO of Anywhere Advisors has been a source of inspiration for Irving, reminding him and the rest of his team that perfection is not the goal and modifications are okay and necessary for growth.  

In addition to his internal relationships, Irving frequently partners with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) as he manages his team.