Becoming a Leader Starts with Leading Yourself

Written by: Mark Hanna, CCIM Believe me—I understand the desire to be an overnight success. I wanted the same thing. But I learned the hard way that overnight success can take 10 years if you work really hard. The people who seem to make it “overnight” usually spent a decade mastering their craft, showing up every day, and relentlessly pursuing their vision.

In my early 20s, I spoke at middle schools, high schools, and leadership conferences about a concept I called "Becoming the CEO of You." The idea was simple: You have to act like you’re the CEO, and your company is you. Every decision, every action, every habit—these are the building blocks of your success.

This is exactly how my journey started. Before I built a commercial real estate firm, before I affiliated with a global brand, I was just Mark Hanna, an individual looking to be successful, make an impact, and ultimately be happy with my work. If you’re waiting for someone to give you permission to lead, stop waiting. Call yourself the CEO of yourself. Take personal responsibility. Make a 10-year commitment. And then work toward your vision every single day.

The Journey to Leadership

I started my career in commercial lending at 19 years old. It was an incredible learning experience—one that taught me how to structure deals, analyze investments, and understand the financial backbone of business. But I wanted more. I wanted to build something, to have a direct impact on the market, and to create opportunities.

In 2018, Hanna Solutions was launched as a commercial real estate firm with the goal of delivering strategic real estate advisory services in South Texas. It started as a vision—an idea fueled by experience, relationships, and a commitment to growth.

Fast forward to January 1, 2025, and we now operate as SVN | Hanna Solutions Commercial Real Estate, having affiliated with SVN International—one of the top commercial real estate brokerages in the USA. Our mission is clear: to bring top-tier commercial real estate advisory to South Texas.

But the truth is, none of this happened overnight. It took years of learning, networking, executing, and staying consistent even when I didn’t see immediate results.

What Are the Best Lessons I've Learned on My Journey?

• Never Give Up – If you truly believe in what you are doing, never quit. The path may change, the plan may adjust, but your destination stays the same.

• Persistence Breaks Resistance – Success isn’t about luck—it’s about pushing forward when things get tough. Keep moving, and eventually, you’ll break through.

• Lead Yourself First – Before you can lead others, you need discipline, clarity, and complete ownership of your actions. Success starts with personal accountability.

• Think Long-Term – Most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year and underestimate what they can accomplish in 10 years. The real path to success isn’t quick—it’s consistent, intentional effort over time.

• Master the Details – Become an expert in your craft. Learn everything you can. Read, watch YouTube videos, Google everything. Subscribe to market experts. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow.

• Your Network is Your Net Worth – Don’t just collect contacts—add value to your network. Be a resource. Connect people. Help others win, and in the process, you’ll win too.

• You Will Fail—But It’s Only Failure If You Quit – Every setback is a lesson. The difference between successful people and everyone else? They don’t quit. Take small failures and turn them into wisdom.

• Success is a Daily Commitment – The difference between people who succeed and those who don’t isn’t talent—it’s daily execution. Win the day, every day.

My Leadership Philosophy

My leadership philosophy is simple: Lead by example. Prioritize people. Stay focused on results.

• Discipline and Mastery – If you don’t control your habits, your habits will control you. Success isn’t about luck—it’s about consistent execution.

• Culture Wins Every Time – The best teams aren’t built on pressure; they’re built on trust, accountability, and shared purpose.

• Long-Term Thinking Creates Long-Term Success – Don’t just think about today—build for 10, 20, or 30 years from now. The choices you make today shape your future.

Final Thoughts

The truth is, there are no shortcuts. Leadership starts with leading yourself first. If you want to build something great—whether it’s a business, a career, or a legacy—it starts with daily discipline, self-education, and a commitment to the long game.

So call yourself the CEO of yourself. Take responsibility. Make the 10-year commitment. And then show up, every single day, and do the work. Because in the end, slow and steady wins the race. Mark Hanna, CCIM Managing Director SVN Hanna Solutions Commercial Real Estate