Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Soto.
Hi Paola, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Everything really started when I moved to Ibiza, Spain. I was suddenly surrounded by people from all over the world, and speaking multiple languages, including Italian and German; became my superpower. One of my colleagues noticed how easily I connected with international clients and said, “You should really try real estate,” which led me to join Engel & Völkers for two years before launching my own brokerage. From there, I began collaborating with some of the biggest agencies in Europe, especially between Switzerland, London, and Paris, and my network kept growing as I moved and lived in places like Hong Kong and Shanghai. Eventually, I pressed pause on my career to focus on raising my daughter, but real estate was always in my heart, and a few years ago I came back to my first love in the U.S., getting licensed in Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. Today, as a trilingual, internationally experienced Realtor based in South Florida, I bring all of those global experiences and relationships into every deal, and I’m genuinely passionate about helping my clients build wealth and possibility through real estate.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, and I don’t think it’s meant to be. For every big “win” in this business, there are at least ten failures, near‑misses, or deals that fall apart at the last minute. What I love, though, is that every transaction is different: there is always a new challenge, a new personality, a new problem to solve, especially in commercial real estate where the structures, timelines, and negotiations can get very complex. If it were easy, everyone would do it, and the best people wouldn’t be the ones still standing.
One of the biggest turning points for me was becoming a mom. Your priorities shift overnight, but the passion doesn’t go away, so you have to find a new way to balance both worlds. Real estate has tested me, but it has also given me the flexibility to be present for my daughter while still building a business I love, which is something I’m very grateful for.
On the day‑to‑day level, there are constant challenges, whether it’s dealing with unresponsive parties on the other side of a deal or trying to make something happen for a client when every obvious door seems closed. Sometimes you literally have to go and knock on doors to find the right property that isn’t even on the market yet, because you know your client needs it and you’re determined to make it happen. It’s exhausting at times but it’s also fun, and it’s where the magic happens.
I’ve learned to embrace failure as part of the process. Every deal that falls apart, every “no,” every setback has made me sharper, more resilient, and more creative. Instead of letting those moments break me, I use them to build a thicker skin and a stronger mindset, and that’s what keeps me motivated to keep going, keep growing, and keep serving at a higher level.
We’ve been impressed with Paola Global Realty Co, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a global real estate advisor and Realtor affiliated with eXp Realty, working as part of a high‑performing team based in South Florida. Together, we serve clients from Palm Beach down to Miami, as well as select opportunities in Pennsylvania and New York, with a strong focus on high‑value residential, commercial, and investment properties. Because of my background in Europe and Asia and my ability to work in multiple languages, a big part of what I do is guide international buyers and investors as they enter or expand in the U.S. market, making complex cross‑border deals feel clear and manageable.
I specialize in high‑end luxury residential, hospitality, multifamily, value‑add, and off‑market opportunities, spaces where strategy, creativity, and vision truly matter. I don’t just “show properties”; I underwrite and analyze each deal, think like an owner, and help my clients see not only what an asset is today, but what it can become with the right plan, whether that’s a hotel conversion, a full repositioning, or a strategic long‑term hold. My affiliation with eXp Realty gives me access to a powerful global network, industry‑leading technology, and collaboration with top agents worldwide, which significantly elevates the level of service, exposure, and results I’m able to deliver for my clients.
What sets my brand apart is the mix of global perspective, advisory‑level thinking, and very hands‑on execution. I’m proud that my name is associated with integrity, discretion, and results, and that much of my business comes from repeat clients and referrals who see me as a long‑term partner in their wealth‑building journey. What I want your readers to know is that whether they are buying a first home, expanding a portfolio, or exploring complex commercial opportunities, my team and I are obsessed with protecting their interests, maximizing their upside, and turning big real estate goals into real, tangible outcomes.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve been very lucky with mentors, but it was never an accident, and I don’t think it should be.
I had incredible mentors early on in Europe, and that experience taught me to always put myself in rooms where I am not the smartest person. I actively seek out conferences, masterminds, and industry events where I can be surrounded by extremely sharp people, top producers, investors, developers, and entrepreneurs, and I treat those spaces as my “unofficial university.” What has worked well for me is being very intentional: I show up prepared, I ask specific questions, I follow up, and I look for ways to add value back, even if it’s just sharing a connection, market insight, or support on a project.
My advice for finding a mentor is simple: don’t start by asking, “Will you mentor me?” Start by showing that you are serious, consistent, and coachable. Share what you’re working on, ask for one piece of advice, execute on it, and then come back and show your results. The right mentors are usually drawn to people who take action, respect their time, and play the long game.
On the networking side, be strategic but also human. Focus less on collecting business cards and more on building a small circle of people you can grow with over years, people whose values, work ethic, and vision align with yours. Some of the most valuable relationships in my career started with a genuine conversation at an event and grew because I kept showing up, staying in touch, and finding ways to collaborate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://globalrealtyco.com
- Instagram: paolasoto_ig
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paola.soto.773811
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-soto-48530571/
