because it causes doubt in others. That’s
just good leadership, regardless of whether
you’re a man or woman.”
While many still regard being a woman
in commercial real estate as a limitation,
others view it as an advantage. Vicky Schiff,
co-founder, managing partner and COO
of Mosaic Real Credit, for one, notes that
“Smart, experienced women stand out and
we have the innate ability to listen, observe
behavior and communicate well with our
team, partners and counter-parties.” In
addition, she says, doing so will help oth-
ers open up more, which, she says, trans-
lates into strong business relationships
and the ability to assess a situation with
potentially more information.
THINK BIG, MAKE IT PERSONAL
When it comes to the best advice for the
next generation of women in commercial
real estate, Epstein says to think
big. “Women should be tough, responsible
and thoughtful leaders but not afraid to
blaze forward despite the obstacles. You
need to expand in the face of fear and not
cower from it.”
Carey adds that every woman should
think like an entrepreneur. “Whether you
are high or low in the corporate hierarchy,
finding solutions, creating opportunities
and contributing to the company in ways
that show you are ‘thinking like an owner’
will help you stand out and make you
indispensable in the long run.”
Mindy Gronbeck, director of property
management at Hawkins Cos., says what
has helped her succeed in the industry is
to treat every conversation personal and
try to find a common ground to connect
with the person.
“Sometimes it is as simple as theweather, other times it is whatever experience you may be going through but alwaysstart with a comment that opens up a personal conversation then talk business,”says Gronbeck. “In more times thannaught I remember and am rememberedby these ‘little’ conversations and not(through) the deal made.”
MENTORS AND ADVOCATES
Having both a mentor as well as an advocate are also key, says Trisha Miller, execu
“I MAKE A POINT
TO SPEAK UP ON
EVERY SUBJECT, IN
EVERY MEETING AND
RESPOND TO ANYTHING
I RECEIVE ABOUT BIG
COMPANY DECISIONS.
IF YOU SIT BACK AND
WAIT FOR OTHERS,
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE
OVERLOOKED.”
KRISTI SIMMONS
A Principal at Aquila Commercial
Advice From The Trenches
. . . continued on page 68
