Ben Stern - Realtor & Author

10/10/2026

Beyond the Answers: What Really Prepares You for an Interview

One piece of advice I would give anyone preparing for a job interview: Don't try to memorize the answers you think an interviewer wants to hear. Experienced interviewers can often recognize rehearsed, generic responses. They want to understand how you actually think, communicate, and handle real situations.

You can practice common questions, research the company, and prepare examples from your experience. All of that matters. But what happens when you're asked something you never anticipated?

It's almost impossible to prepare for every question an interviewer might ask. So what if the better approach is to develop the skills and mindset that help you handle questions you never saw coming?

After more than three decades as an airline Captain, I've learned that how we think, communicate, manage ourselves under pressure, and make decisions matters just as much as what we know. Those lessons apply well beyond aviation.

Consider six qualities that can make a difference in an interview and throughout your career.

1. Self-awareness. Can you honestly discuss your strengths and weaknesses? Can you acknowledge a mistake without making excuses? Understanding yourself helps you answer difficult questions with greater honesty and confidence.

2. Attitude. How do you approach challenges? Are you willing to learn, accept feedback, and put in the work to improve? Your attitude influences how others see you and how you respond when things don't go as planned.

3. Emotional discipline. When an unexpected question catches you off guard, can you pause, collect your thoughts, and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally?

4. Communication. It's not just about knowing the answer. It's about listening carefully, organizing your thoughts, and explaining yourself clearly.

5. Perspective. When asked about a failure or disagreement, can you look beyond your initial reaction and explain what you learned? Your perspective influences how you interpret experiences and approach future challenges.

6. Accountability. When something goes wrong, can you take responsibility for your part, explain what you learned, and describe what you would do differently?

These aren't tricks you memorize the night before an interview. They're qualities you develop through experience, reflection, and a willingness to keep improving.

And that's where my book, Leadership in Flight, comes in.

Don't let the aviation theme fool you. This book is for anyone who wants to improve themselves, advance their career, and make better decisions in life.

If you're early in your flying career, the principles in this book can help you develop a stronger foundation for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

But you don't have to be a pilot to benefit.

Maybe you're trying to land your first job, earn a promotion, qualify for a higher position, become a better leader, increase your professional value, or improve your financial future. The way you think, communicate, manage your attitude, and respond to challenges can influence all of those goals.

You can't rehearse every interview question. But you can develop the mindset to think clearly, adapt to the situation, and give a thoughtful answer when the unexpected happens.

That's one of the things I want readers to take away from Leadership in Flight. The goal isn't just to help you prepare for one interview. It's to help you become better equipped for the opportunities that follow.

If you're serious about investing in yourself and becoming the kind of person who's ready to take advantage of those opportunities, I invite you to read my book.

📘 Get your copy of Leadership in Flight on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/04TL5Ldz

BenSternLeadership.com

10/10/2026

Here's a success principle I learned the hard way, and it's made a real difference in my life.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do is step back and look at a situation through a different lens.

I've seen this in both aviation and real estate. Two people can experience the exact same situation and come away with completely different interpretations of what happened. We all see things through our own lens, shaped by our experiences, beliefs, expectations, and attitudes.

I've caught myself getting frustrated with situations, replaying conversations in my head, and thinking about how things should have gone differently. Maybe you've done that, too. When we're convinced we're right, it's easy to overlook the possibility that we're not seeing the whole picture.

Sometimes a situation really is difficult, and sometimes things genuinely aren't fair. I'm not suggesting we ignore that. But I've learned that I can spend my energy being upset about what happened, or I can step back and consider what I can learn from the situation and how I want to respond.

I still have to remind myself to do this. It's not always easy, especially when emotions are running high. But taking a step back can help me see things more clearly and make better decisions.

In Leadership in Flight, I call this the Lens Effect. The way we see a situation influences how we react, the decisions we make, and how we treat other people. We may not be able to change what happened, but we can learn to look at it differently and choose how we move forward.

The next time something frustrates you or doesn't go the way you hoped, ask yourself:

Am I seeing the whole picture, or am I only seeing it through my own lens?

I've learned that asking myself that question can make a real difference. It's one of the principles I share in Leadership in Flight, because understanding ourselves is an important step toward making better decisions and building better relationships.

📖 Leadership in Flight
https://a.co/d/04TL5Ldz

BenSternLeadership.com

10/10/2026

Real Estate Is About More Than Selling Houses

Being a Realtor has taught me a lot about people. After 35 years in aviation, I thought I had learned quite a bit about communication, decision-making and working with different personalities. Real estate has given me a whole new perspective.

Buying or selling a home can bring out a lot of emotions. There's money involved, important decisions to make, and sometimes a lot of pressure. Buyers and sellers don't always agree, negotiations can get uncomfortable, and deals don't always go the way we expect.

As an agent, knowing your market and understanding the transaction are essential. But I've learned that how you listen, communicate, build trust and handle difficult situations can be just as important. The same is true if you're buying or selling a home yourself. How you approach a conversation or respond when things get tense can affect the decisions you make and the outcome you're working toward.

These skills matter well beyond real estate, too. We use them with our families, at work, in business and in everyday life. So much depends on our ability to understand other people, manage our own reactions and work through disagreements without making a difficult situation worse.

Those are lessons I've had to learn throughout my career, sometimes the hard way. They're also a big part of why I wrote Leadership in Flight.

The book draws on what I've learned through aviation, real estate and life. It explores communication, self-awareness, decision-making, handling conflict, managing pressure and building better relationships. My goal was to take lessons that have helped me over the years and share them in a way people can put to use in their own lives.

If you're a real estate agent, these ideas can help you serve clients better and build stronger relationships. If you're buying or selling a home, they can help you approach negotiations and important decisions with a clearer head. And if you're simply trying to communicate better or handle difficult people, you'll find that the same principles apply.

We can't control every situation or how other people behave, but we can keep improving how we respond. Sometimes that one change can make a bigger difference than we realize.

That's what Leadership in Flight is about: learning to lead yourself, work better with others and navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and confidence.

📖 Leadership in Flight
https://a.co/d/04TL5Ldz

BenSternLeadership.com

10/08/2026

What is keeping you up at 2 a.m.?

For most of us, it’s something we can’t control, like a decision someone else made, a problem at work, or something that might happen tomorrow.

I’ve done it too. The frustrating part is that worrying has never once changed the outcome. Believe me, I have tried.

As pilots, we learn that turbulence is part of flying. We can’t control the weather or every bump along the way, but we can control how we respond. Life is much the same.

When something is weighing on you, pause and ask yourself, “Can I do something about this?” If you can, take action. If you can’t, maybe it’s time to stop carrying something you were never able to control in the first place.

Sometimes we make things harder by continuing to force a solution that simply isn’t working. You can’t put a square peg into a round hole, and pushing harder usually doesn’t change that. Sometimes you have to step back and look at the situation through a different lens.

We all see life through a lens shaped by our experiences, expectations, and beliefs. I call this the Lens Effect in the book. The facts may not change, but changing the lens can help you see options that weren’t obvious before.

And if there’s something you’ve been avoiding, face it. You don’t have to solve everything today. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is take the next step.

That’s where the One-Degree Rule comes in. A small adjustment may not seem like much today, but over time it can completely change your destination.

If this helps even one person today, it has done its job. That’s the same reason I wrote Leadership in Flight in the first place. If you know someone who needs to hear this today, please share it with them.

Whatever you’re facing, keep going. Take the next step, make the next adjustment, and give yourself a chance to get through it. You may be closer than you think.

📖 Leadership in Flight
🌐 BenSternLeadership.com
Get the book: https://a.co/d/0865eTmo

10/03/2026

WOW! I am humbled. After receiving several dozen great reviews over the last several months for my book, Leadership In Flight, this one is particularly special. It's from a retired FEDEX pilot and longtime friend. Perhaps its slightly bias 😀 but coming from this amazing individual, I take it to heart. Thank you Ray and Juanita Walker Spangler

5 out of 5 stars

Verified Purchase
My review of "Leadership In Flight."
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2026
Format: Hardcover

My name is Ray Spangler, and my wife ordered this book for me through her Amazon account.

I met Ben in 1995 – over three decades now – when we worked together as pilots for a regional airline based out of Cincinnati. We quickly became good friends, and though our paths and lives have diverged – as it often does in the piloting profession – we have remained close friends and each of us knows each other’s background and history intimately, both personally as well as professionally. Since I first met Ben, I have witnessed him face, weather, and overcome, many of life’s inevitable challenges, adversities and hardships, with a constant, positive, can-do, attitude. His movement, one of forward and upward, always looking and striving to better himself as a person and as a professional and in the process, enriches and benefits the lives of everyone who has the pleasure and fortune to associate with him.

When I learned of his book, I was eager to read it and also felt that I could render an impartial, objective, yet accurate assessment of it’s content and value. To be honest, and not because of a lack in faith of Ben’s capabilities, but because it being his first and only book, and having experienced this before from other acquaintances and friends who were/are aspiring writers – some whose need to impart their wisdom was more driven by ego, self-gratification and self-enrichment – feel their experiences and knowledge warrant our attention and heed. As such, I was expecting mediocre pages filled with airline jargon, sage, humorous, and entertaining life quotes, bold, thrilling, heroic, tales, “war stories” and examples, and “do as I say, not as I do” advice. Man, was I wrong and blown away!!

First, the title of his book is deceiving and would lead one to expect it to be completely oriented towards the pilot/airline/aviation sector and profession, filled with stories and examples pertinent mostly, if not exclusively, to that industry. It is not till reading it that you see that he has skillfully used the profession – as many others before him – athletes, actors, politicians, businessmen/women, etc – as a platform, a path and vehicle to relate it to everyday life and people. This aspect of his book, in my opinion, was/is one of the most significant, relatable, and connecting features and lent huge credibility to it. The book is an easy, good, compelling and entertaining read. It is well written and edited and remarkably engaging for a first attempt at writing!

Throughout the book, Ben draws upon experiences, stories and examples from several different realms and refers, and gives due credit, to the many resources, people, and organizations he has sought out to shape his ideas and philosophies and then relate them to others. His book is filled with excellent techniques and guidelines on how to live and grow as a fuller, better, stronger, person both personally and professionally, when and how to follow while still being an integral contributor to the success of the team and mission, and when and how to effectively lead by example when called upon to do so, yet do it in a confident, humble, compassionate, and empowering manner while keeping the goal of helping others succeed and better themselves as well. His narratives and examples are delivered with humility, sincerity, and selflessness with the true, ultimate, goal of betterment of self and, even more importantly, others around him.

I could go on with praise and accolades about Ben and his book – I’ve probably gone on too long as it is – but, as I have read all his reviews online, I find myself unable to say anything that either is not already said, or not said better, more eloquently, and more spot on accurately by those who have put their reviews in before me. So, it is with this that I simply say that of all the excellent reviews I have read, there is not one that hasn’t reflected exactly my feelings and thoughts on his book and which said it as well as, if not better than I can.

Ben’s book is Five Star! Ben Stern, is Five Star! Well done, and an excellent job, My Friend!

To the prospective reader: You owe it to yourself to get and read this book and get to know – even if just a bit of - Ben Stern as I have come to. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you for your time.

10/01/2026

LEADERSHIP IN FLIGHT IS YOUR FLIGHT PLAN FOR SUCCESS.

It’s about having a plan, knowing where you want to go, making the adjustments along the way, and staying focused on what matters until you get there.

But there’s another part of the journey that matters just as much: helping the people around you along the way.

I love being around people who genuinely love what they do. It doesn’t really matter what it is. Work, a hobby, fitness, surfing, a cause they believe in, or something I know absolutely nothing about.

What gets my attention is the person behind it, but what’s really cool to see is their passion and the time, effort and energy they’re willing to put into something they care about.

I’ve always believed that when people really don’t want to do something, they’ll find an excuse. But when they’re passionate about something, they’ll find a way. They’ll make the time, figure things out and keep going when it gets difficult.

I’ve had people like that in my life. Mentors, friends, coworkers and people I’ve crossed paths with who probably have no idea how much they influenced me.

I’ve also tried to be that person for others. When I’m flying, I try to bring out the best in the people around me. Sometimes that means helping with a problem. Sometimes it means listening. Sometimes it means making someone laugh when the day isn’t going particularly well.

After 35 years in aviation, and through my experiences in real estate, I’ve learned that working with people is every bit as important as knowing the technical side of the job. Communication, decision-making, handling conflict and understanding how your attitude affects others all matter.

That’s a big part of why I wrote Leadership in Flight.

The book is about having a flight plan for your life. It’s about understanding yourself, setting goals, communicating better, making good decisions, dealing with difficult situations, handling setbacks and continuing to move toward where you want to go.

And along the way, it’s about bringing other people with you.

Because success isn’t just about getting where you want to go. It’s also about the people you help along the way.

That’s what Leadership in Flight is really about.

Your flight plan for navigating life and leading with clarity and confidence.

📖 Leadership in Flight
https://a.co/d/04TL5Ldz

BenSternLeadership.com

10/01/2026

Life can change in a moment.

One phone call. One diagnosis. One unexpected moment can suddenly make us realize how much we were taking for granted.

The people we love. Our health. A simple dinner together. A conversation we kept putting off. The ordinary day we thought we would have again tomorrow.

We don't always need another lesson. Sometimes we just need the reminder to slow down, appreciate what we have, and make time for the people who matter most.

That's a lesson I've learned through life, and one I wrote about in Leadership in Flight.

If this speaks to you, take a look at the book. I hope you find something in it that helps you navigate life a little better.

📖 Leadership in Flight
https://a.co/d/04TL5Ldz

BenSternLeadership.com

09/29/2026

Over the years, I've learned a lot about leadership.

Some of those lessons came from flying. Some came from business and real estate. And some came from simply making mistakes, dealing with difficult situations, and figuring things out along the way.

One thing I've noticed is that the same things that make us better leaders can also make us better at life.

Here are 7 that I've learned to pay attention to:

1. Put your phone down when someone is talking to you.

I know we're all busy, and I'm guilty of this too. But when someone is talking to you, put the phone down and actually listen. Look at them. Give them your attention. It seems like a small thing, but it can make someone feel like they matter.

2. Give yourself a few seconds before responding when you're angry.

I've learned that the first thing you want to say isn't always the best thing to say. Take a breath. Give yourself a few seconds to think. You can still say what needs to be said, but you might say it a little differently.

3. Do what you said you were going to do.

If you tell someone you're going to do something, make every effort to follow through. And if you can't, let them know. People don't expect you to be perfect, but they do want to know they can count on you.

4. Be willing to say, “I was wrong.”

We're all going to get things wrong. I've certainly had my share of mistakes. There's no reason to make excuses or try to shift the blame. Own it, learn from it, and move forward.

5. Don't assume everything is about you.

Someone's having a bad day. Someone doesn't return your call. Someone says something that rubs you the wrong way. Before you react, remember that you may have no idea what's happening in their life. Sometimes it's better to ask what's going on than to assume you know.

6. When you make a mistake, figure out what you can learn from it.

Making a mistake isn't the end of the world. The bigger problem is making the same mistake over and over without learning anything from it. Take a step back and ask yourself what you could have done differently. Then use that lesson the next time.

7. When you don't know what to do, take the next step.

There have been plenty of times in my life when I didn't have the whole plan figured out. I think that's true for most of us. Sometimes you just have to make the best decision you can with the information you have and take the next step. You can adjust as you go.

None of these are complicated.

But they're not always easy, either.

To me, that's what leadership really comes down to. It's not just about having a title or being the person in charge. It's about how you communicate, how you treat people, how you handle pressure, and how you take responsibility when things don't go the way you expected.

And those same skills can make a pretty big difference in everyday life.

That's really what Leadership in Flight is about.

I wrote this book from lessons I've learned through aviation, business, real estate, relationships, mistakes and successes. It's not just about leading other people. It's also about learning how to lead yourself.

If you're looking for practical ideas you can use in everyday life, I'd be honored if you gave it a read.

📖 Leadership in Flight
https://a.co/d/04TL5Ldz

BenSternLeadership.com

09/11/2026

Grew up in New York, and spent a good portion of my childhood down in Manhattan. On September 10th, exactly 24 hours prior, I flew over the World Trade Center with UsAirways and got to see the towers as close as I had ever seen them, as we flew up the Hudson river and landed uneventfully into LaGuardia Airport. Made it home to Charlotte shortly after.

Everyone remembers where they were that day. I got to see everything unfold from home with my buddy, Alex Romero. Never forget. 🙏

09/10/2026

🏡 JUST LISTED IN LAKE NONA — VILLAGEWALK!

Looking for a true “lock & leave” lifestyle in one of Lake Nona’s most desirable communities? Take a look at 11804 Astilbe Dr., offered at $414,900.

This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and a kitchen that opens to the living and family rooms—perfect for entertaining.

The private owner’s suite features a custom built-in closet and en-suite bath, while the second bedroom has its own custom closet and convenient access to the second bathroom.

Enjoy your morning coffee or evening glass of w**e on the screened-in patio, with a peaceful, private setting and no neighboring home directly in view.

Additional features include: • 2019 HVAC
• 2025 water heater
• Newer appliances
• New carpet in bedrooms
• Hurricane shutters
• Whole-home gutters
• Central vacuum
• Updated blinds throughout
• 24-hour guard-gated community

VillageWalk amenities include walking and biking trails, tennis, pickleball, basketball, multiple heated pools, fitness center, clubhouse, and an on-site café. Plus, you're minutes from the VA & Nemours hospitals, UCF College of Medicine, Orlando International Airport, and Lake Nona’s restaurants and attractions.

Listed by:
Steven Horner, PA
Broker Associate | RE/MAX Prime Properties
📱 321-226-8499
🌐 steven.orlandorelocation.net
📧 [email protected]
📍 311 S Main St., Winter Garden, FL 34787

$414,900 | 2 Beds | 2 Baths | Lake Nona – VillageWalk



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