Leadership often reveals itself most clearly during moments of change. For Jennette Toderick, leadership emerged through responsibility, resilience, and a deep commitment to the people she serves.
A third‑generation real estate leader and Broker/CEO of CENTURY 21 Coastal Properties in Southern California, Jennette stepped into ownership following the passing of her father—guiding her brokerage through a defining transition while continuing to grow the business, develop top‑performing agents, and strengthen the company’s presence in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country. Her steady, transparent, and people‑first leadership resulted in a remarkable 98% agent retention rate and a renewed sense of trust and momentum across the organization.
Recognized with the prestigious Art Bartlett 2100 Cup Award and serving as the 2025 President of the South Bay Association of REALTORS®, Jennette is known for blending accountability with empathy and competition with care. Her leadership has revitalized professional communities, strengthened mentorship pathways, and opened doors for the next generation of industry leaders.
Here’s a closer look at the values and experiences that shape how she leads.
Q: You stepped into leadership during a major transition for your brokerage. What did that experience teach you about leading with empathy while still providing clarity and confidence through change?
J: Stepping into leadership after my father passed was one of the most defining moments of my career. I didn’t have a blueprint, and overnight I went from being part of the team to being responsible for guiding it. What I learned quickly is that people look to leadership not just for answers, but for stability. Leading with empathy meant acknowledging that change is hard and that everyone processes it differently. But at the same time, my team needed clarity and confidence that we had a path forward. I realized leadership isn’t about pretending everything is easy — it’s about being honest, steady, and committed to moving forward together.
Q: What Moves Her is centered on connection, mentorship, and lifting women along the way. How has community shaped your own leadership journey, especially during pivotal moments?
J: Community played a huge role in my journey. When I stepped into leadership, I sought guidance from mentors, coaches, and colleagues who had navigated similar challenges. Interestingly, most of my mentors at the time were men simply because there were fewer women in leadership roles to turn to. That experience made me realize how important visibility and connection are for women stepping into leadership today. Community creates confidence — when you see others who have done it before you, the path feels possible. That’s why I believe so strongly in supporting and lifting other women in this industry.
Q: You’ve grown from agent to CEO and industry leader. What advice would you give to women who aspire to lead — but may hesitate to step into roles with greater visibility and responsibility?
J: My advice is simple: don’t wait until you feel completely ready. Leadership often finds you before you feel prepared for it. When I stepped into my role, I didn’t have every answer — but I had commitment, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility to my team. Confidence is built through action, not perfection. If you care about people, are willing to learn, and stay focused on the bigger picture, you’re already more prepared than you think.
Q: Your leadership style blends emotional intelligence with accountability. How did you learn to balance compassion with making difficult decisions when the stakes were high?
J: Real estate is a relationship business, but leadership also requires making decisions that aren’t always easy. Over time I learned that compassion and accountability aren’t opposites — they actually strengthen each other. Being empathetic means understanding how decisions impact people, but accountability ensures that the organization continues to grow and succeed. My responsibility as a leader is to protect the long-term health of the brokerage and the opportunities it creates for everyone involved.
Q: Looking back on your career so far, what moment made you realize that leadership isn’t about having all the answers — but about how you show up for others?
J: Taking over the brokerage after my father passed made that lesson very clear. I didn’t have every answer, and there were moments when the responsibility felt overwhelming. But what mattered most was showing up every day for my team with determination and consistency. Leadership isn’t about having perfect solutions — it’s about being present, making thoughtful decisions, and creating an environment where others can succeed.
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Jennette’s leadership is defined by steadiness in moments of uncertainty and courage in moments that demand growth. She leads with clarity while honoring emotion, holds high standards while creating space for people to thrive, and proves that strength and empathy can, and should, exist side by side.
Through mentorship, community leadership, and an unwavering commitment to developing others, Jennette is building more than a successful brokerage. She is building trust, leaders, and a legacy rooted in service and possibility.
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