Advice We Wish We’d Heard Earlier: Women of Canada ICI

“Looking back over the past 20+ years in commercial real estate, one thing that stands out is that a reputation in this business is built over time, not overnight.

Early in your career it can feel like you need to have all the answers. In reality, the people who are successful in this industry tend to be the ones who stay curious, ask thoughtful questions, and consistently do the work well over a long period of time.

One thing has also become very clear to me: excellence is gender neutral. At its core, commercial real estate is a merit-based business. Over time, the professionals who understand the details, bring thoughtful insight to transactions, and consistently deliver on their commitments are the ones who earn trust.

Commercial real estate is fundamentally a relationship business built on trust and execution. Your reputation becomes your most valuable asset, and it is built deal by deal and interaction by interaction.

Focus on learning the fundamentals, understand how transactions actually work, and be someone clients and partners know they can rely on through both strong markets and challenging ones.”

“My advice to women entering the industry is to be curious, stay engaged, ask questions and build your knowledge wherever and whenever you are able to.

Every opportunity to learn – whether it’s understanding the details of a transaction or learning how different teams work together is valuable knowledge. “

“This industry is incredibly relationship driven, so be open to connecting with people at every stage.

Everyone knows someone who knows someone and those relationships compound over time. Attend the networking events and join the membership groups because you never know which conversation will open a door, share knowledge, or shape your career in ways you couldn’t have predicted at the start.”

“Early in your career, it’s not uncommon to feel pressure to over-explain or second guess yourself.

My advice to women starting out in commercial real estate is to remember that you’ve earned your place. The skills and perspective that brought you into the industry don’t change just because the environment is new. Staying grounded in that foundation and trusting your judgment are some of the most valuable tools you can carry with you as you grow.”

“I’m proud to be part of a team of talented women whose perspectives, discipline, and leadership contribute meaningfully to our success.

My advice to women starting their CRE careers is to learn the fundamentals deeply, surround yourself with people you can learn from, and have confidence in your voice. Your perspective is an asset.” 

“When I began my career in CRE, I was young and impressionable, often prioritizing my managers’ approval over my own ambitions. As a result, I accepted several positions that didn’t truly interest me, simply because I cared more about their perspectives on my career than my own.

Fortunately, I adjusted my mindset pretty quickly and redirected myself onto a path that ultimately brought me to where I am today. Still, I wish someone had advised me earlier to establish career goals based on my own aspirations, rather than relying on even the most trusted leaders to decide what was best for me.”

“Although I’ve just started my CRE career, the advice I would give to women interested in real estate, whether you are just starting your career or still in school, is to pursue as many real estate experiences as possible. This may include applying for internships, competing in case competitions, and attending real estate events. Gaining broad exposure will help you understand what you enjoy and allow you to make more informed decisions as you take the first steps in your career.

One of the easiest ways to get started is by reaching out to people in the industry who interest you. You might be surprised by how receptive and supportive people in this field can be. On that note, feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn if interested.”

“I’ve found that asking questions and staying detail-oriented and organized really made a difference for me. In a fast paced industry like this, taking the time to understand the numbers and the market helps things click.”