Linda James

Linda James has spent 2025 redefining the “inner office” experience for real estate brokerages across North America. As the founder of FyrstUp, James spearheaded the growth of a SaaS platform that digitizes the traditional brokerage whiteboard, providing a mobile-first solution for pre-market listing collaboration and open house hosting. Her leadership was particularly vital following the National Association of Realtors® settlement, as she positioned FyrstUp as a critical compliance tool that fosters transparent, in-house communication. This year, the platform expanded its adoption across the U.S. and Canada, turning a profit in its first year and attracting significant M&A interest from major industry players.

A resilient entrepreneur, James launched FyrstUp in 2023 with a mission to help agents stay “on the go” without losing the collaborative culture of a physical office. Beyond her technical innovations, she is a dedicated mentor who supports women entrepreneurs in navigating male-dominated industries with grit and consistency.

“Using my knowledge and connections for the benefit of others is always a win for me, and watching people grow and succeed because of something I helped create is the greatest payoff,” she says. For James, this nomination is an honor that validates her years of persistence, proving that authenticity and innovation are the keys to a lasting industry legacy.