There’s always another appraisal to write.
Another review to complete.
Our greatest enemy isn’t lack of valuation skills.
It’s our chronic busyness that’s stifling strategic leadership.
Our industry doesn’t play to win. We play not to lose.
Intelligence isn’t the issue. Appraisers are sharp.
The real gap is agency.
Appraisers don’t believe they have permission to change things.
That’s the lie.
In the valuation space, agency means no longer waiting for others to lead.
We’ve internalized the idea that change is someone else’s job.
Agency is choosing to lead from where you are with some swagger.
It’s saying:
I’ll invest money on leadership training.
I’ll lead with my voice instead of hiding in my introversion.
I’ll speak my opinions on socials since the world lives in the comment threads.
I’ll invest my time with Gen Z instead of complaining about them.
I’ll participate in webinars, meetings and actively network.
Agency unlocks:
Innovation– Leverage opportunities with AI, playbook process and culture building.
Credibility– Better educate the market that valuation professionals are the difference between informed risk and reckless bets.
Attraction– The next generation values purpose and doesn’t care how we came up in the business.
3 Ways to Build Agency
1. Lead with Curiosity – Elevate others. Teach. Share.
2. Challenge Everything – If it’s always been done that way, question it.
3. Shift from Operator to Builder – Tactical work sustains. Strategic work scales.
Agency isn’t rebellion. It’s responsibility.
Your agency gives others permission to step up. And when enough of us step up?
The industry shifts.
So ask yourself:
What growth are you avoiding?
Look up from your desk.
It’s time.
