Welcome to TEN, CORE Founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.
From the Americas to the Alps and back again, Karin Dauch is no stranger to adventure. With music a thing of the past, Karin is happily embracing her new adventure in the real estate market. Here’s a glimpse into Karin’s life in TEN questions.
1. Tell me something about your home.
I like to think that I live on holy ground. I live in a loft overlooking Grace Church, which happens to be my landlord. I feel blessed every morning as I gaze out the living room window over the 170 year-old French gothic revival basilica with its stunning marble steeple. (This photo was taken just before a BrazilFoundation gala, where I’m a board member. I usually don’t take my coffee wearing a gown.)
2. What did you do before you found this career?
I moved to New York City from Brazil to attend the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University. I rode the internet wave working at Razorfish and ran my own web design company for five years. I never stopped freelancing as a foreign correspondent for Brazilian radio, magazines and newspapers, focusing on New York City culture, art and architecture. This work helped me get to know the city, which I find very useful in my newfound career as a real estate agent.
3. What has been the highlight of your career?
Fortunately, my highlight is a common occurrence. It happens whenever I’m truly in tune with my client’s needs. It’s that instant of a visceral reaction when I’m showing a property and I recognize the “this is my home” sparkle in their eyes. The synchronicity I feel then gives me the energy to strive to live that moment over and over again. It’s magical.
4. What is your greatest daily challenge?
Maintaining the sharp focus, discipline, entrepreneurial mindset and strict routine required to start a real estate career from scratch.
5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
After a decade of real estate, I see myself fulfilled in having found hundreds of ideal homes and investment properties for my clients. I’ll be happy to have bought my own home and invested in properties in the U.S. and Brazil. I’ll be full of energy and excited about taking on the next decade!
6. Where do you find inspiration?
I draw inspiration from the people that have helped me in my life – my parents, friends, and mentors. I also gain great strength from my spirituality. Meditation is an important part of my life; it keeps me grounded without taking away from my ability to dream big.
7. What’s your favorite restaurant?
Since I can’t have the duck at Eleven Madison Park every week (too fattening), or indulge in Carlo’s tasting menu at Blanca’s (too much of a time commitment) – I’ll happily dine on sushi on East 9th Street, or grab a bite at the bar in my neighborhood restaurants such as Momofuku Ssam, Cherche Midi or Estela.
8. What’s your favorite movie or book?
I’m into gory, psychological, complex thrillers. I’m a sucker for Scandinavian crime fiction. I enjoy devouring bloody, suspenseful novels by Henning Mankell, Anne Holt, Jo Nesbo, Karin Fossum, Stieg Larsson (of course) and the Nordic’s noir genre pioneers Per Wahloo and Maj Sjowall. I like to read them in German, which is closer to the original and the first language I learned at home before I picked up Portuguese at school in Sao Paulo.
9. What do you do in your free time?
Travel is my passion. I love skiing the Rockies and the Alps, exploring the beaches of South America, windsurfing in the Caribbean. I’m always eager to immerse myself in different cultures and cuisines.
10. Name one thing we might not know about you?
I used to be a VJ (video jockey) in Brazil just as MTV started to air there. I got to interview a lot of the big rock bands and musicians who were touring in Sao Paulo.