Tiffany Manbodh shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Tiffany, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I really value integrity over intelligence or energy. because someone can be brilliant and full of constant drive, but if they don’t have integrity, the foundation for trust will be brittle. I believe in establishing connections based on trust and transparency.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I spent many years working in healthcare before transitioning into the legal industry as a court reporter, and what both careers have taught me is the importance of building trust and taking good care of people. Whether I was coaching patients or capturing the official record in court, connection and reliability have always been at the core of what I do.
With the flexibility that court reporting provides, I’ve also pursued real estate, where I get to meet new people, develop new skills, and share my knowledge of South Florida. Having lived here for over 20 years, I know the best places to explore, enjoy, and truly experience the area, and I believe that makes me well-equipped to guide people in finding not just a house, but a lifestyle they’ll love.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship I have with myself has shaped how I see myself more than anything else. In the past, I often looked for validation in the opinions of others, but I realized that real confidence comes from within. Learning to speak kindly to myself, to forgive my mistakes, and to celebrate my growth has completely changed how I view who I am. It hasn’t always been easy, but building that trust and love with myself has been the most important foundation because the moment I truly started believing in myself, everything else in my life started to align.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
One of the biggest lessons I learned came after I failed hard at something I really wanted. At the time, it felt crushing and I questioned myself, my abilities, and even if I should keep going. But once I sat with it, I realized that failure wasn’t the end of me, it was simply having information. It taught me resilience, patience, and that the path forward isn’t always linear. It’s more like a salsa dance. Failure shifted my mindset because it showed me that stumbling doesn’t mean I’m unworthy. It simply meant that I’m human and I still had more to learn in order to grow. You only fail when you give up.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
“Everyone Should Own a Home”
We’re constantly fed this idea that owning a home is the ultimate financial goal. Many call it the American Dream. You know, proof you’ve actually “made it.” But the truth is, homeownership isn’t always the smartest move. For many people, renting may be the better financial choice and also practical. Buying ties you down with property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repair costs that quickly add up.
Renting also offers freedom. You don’t have to worry about fixing a leaky roof, mowing the lawn, or being tied to one location. And for people who’d rather put their savings into stocks, a business, or other investments, renting frees up capital instead of locking it all into one property.
The truth is, renting isn’t throwing money away. It’s buying freedom and flexibility. Owning a home can be great, but it’s not the one-size-fits-all path to wealth and happiness the industry keeps pushing. Sometimes, the smartest move you can make is to choose what actually works for your life.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me is that I was more than just present – I was intentional. That I truly listened, that I gave people my time and heart, and that I was always willing to assist in whatever way I could. I want to be remembered as a good friend and someone who cared deeply about her community. My greatest hope is that I helped others see themselves in a brighter light and to recognize their potential, to believe in their worth, and to rise into their best selves. I didn’t just want to elevate my own life; I wanted to inspire those around me to create more harmony, joy, and fulfillment in theirs. My legacy would be one of encouragement, heart, and light.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themodernfloridian/
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themodernfloridian
Image Credits
Headshot photo credit: Nate Jones
Photo by Sora Shimazaki: https://www.pexels.com/photo/justice-scales-and-gavel-on-wooden-surface-5668882/
Photo by David McBee from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bird-s-eye-view-of-rooftops-1546166/
