From challenge comes change. How have you been challenged in your career and how has it made you a stronger leader? There’s always challenges. I’ve been doing this for 20 years, but the biggest challenge would have to be the housing crash in 2008. I was working for a residential real estate company at the time and we were in the middle of launching a ton of projects in New York, Boston and Los Angeles. The crash came so suddenly and as a result a lot of my colleagues and friends were part of a massive lay-off. After that we had a lean and mean team to pick up the pieces and turn it around the best we could. I was the Marketing Director at the time and I had to put on several different hats to make it work. I started going on-site and working with builders and it was an amazing experience because it gave me a chance to see the sales side and how to deal with all the various touchpoints. It made me a better leader in being able to deal with the unexpected and learn how to pivot. Now I always expect the unexpected and that’s helped me understand that there are opportunities to be strategic and think about how to turn challenges into advantages.

What unique skills, qualities or perspectives do you believe women bring to the CRE industry? I think women in general have an amazing ability to think outside the box with the ability to multitask like no other. It’s ingrained in our DNA, not only a strong business sense but an empathy to go with it. The confidence we have is complemented by a sensitive side that allows us to get the job done in a different way.

How has womanhood strengthened your professional resilience? Women really go the extra mile to be seen and heard and to feel that they deserve a seat at the table. We have a sense of perfectionism. There’s also a support there from other women, we want to see each other succeed. Having that guidance from stand-out female bosses and the support of female colleagues who are there to accomplish the same goals as I am – that helps us all.

What’s the best advice you’ve received and what’s your best advice to young women working to build a career? Ask questions. Always, always, always ask questions. Earlier in my career, I was afraid to ask questions because I didn’t want to look like I wasn’t knowledgeable enough. But then I’d watch the people around me ask the same questions I was having and I realized I should speak up. I’ve learned that no question is stupid and to never apologize for asking questions. It’s the best way to learn. When I work on a project, I want to do it right the first time the best I can. That’s also my advice to other women – ask questions and listen. And learn how to read a room! It can be a hard skill at first, but with practice you’ll learn how to guage your audience. Learn how to learn from your mistakes.