March 3, 2019
What drew you to the asset management space?
I was drawn to the way that this segment of real estate allows you to look at the full lifecycle of an asset and identify areas of opportunity as well as potential pitfalls. It’s a strategic role that helps our clients reach their investment goals through a holistic approach. It’s very rewarding work.
What about this space are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about the ability to touch so many different facets of an asset, both on the operational and the investment side. Being in asset management enables me to be more versatile and have a hand in all the components of an asset’s life cycle.
Tell us about a challenge you faced in your career. How did you overcome it?
Women in commercial real estate are a minority, especially on the asset management side – which isn’t necessarily a negative, but does come with a unique set of challenges. I’ve had to ensure my voice and presence are heard and respected in a room full of men, and to this day I continue to work hard at this. The key to earning this respect lies in knowing my craft and demonstrating true expertise. This, combined with the confidence that only comes from experience, has been my formula for success. The good news is that, as more women take on senior positions on the investment side, these challenges will lessen. I’m hopeful that women getting started in real estate will see the many opportunities offered in asset management.
How has mentorship played a role in your story?
I’ve been very fortunate to have a variety of women mentor me, both directly and indirectly, throughout my career. Those experiences have been invaluable, and I feel that it’s important to pay it forward by actively seeking opportunities to mentor other women in the industry. The first step is to ensure more women are aware of commercial real estate as a viable career path, and the second is to help them enter and thrive in the industry.
This year, I’m serving as a mentor for a young woman in the undergraduate real estate program at University of Southern California which is something I plan to continue each year moving forward. The more we as women can mentor those just starting out in real estate, the better we can help them achieve long-term success.
How has the industry evolved in recent years, in terms of inclusivity?
More women are taking on senior positions in commercial real estate, which is steadily shifting the balance toward a more equal share of men and women. In certain sectors, such as property management, you tend to find more women. But on the investment side, it’s still nearly entirely comprised of men. It’s key that we begin opening these doors for women so it’s not so one-sided.
What are some ways in which it can still improve?
In some ways, the commercial real estate industry can be a bit antiquated, particularly when it comes to technology. At Cityview, we strive to be bold and innovative. Cityview’s ability to be agile in adapting to new technology and processes is a big part of why I joined the company. As we continue to grow, we look to hire people who have this same mindset.
I hope that those in commercial real estate can look at other industries that are thriving and innovating-whether it be through technology, processes or the built environment-and learn from them. The industry needs to evolve around its fixed mindset into a growth mindset. We need to seek out new ideas and methods of operating that embrace the latest technology and apply best practices from other industries so we never lose our relevancy and can attract the brightest talent of tomorrow.
Overall, what is your hope for real estate’s future?
My hope, not just for our industry but in general, is that women continue to support each other in their professional ambitions. The more we help other women push boundaries and rise through the ranks, the more opportunities we’ll all have to achieve success. This not only benefits women, it benefits the industries in which we work.
Originally published in the Mann Report Digital Edition