Event Offers Guidance for Women in Industry

LOS ANGELES-Speakers ranging from commercial real estate executives to the author of The Emotional Toolkit outlined the strides that women have made in the industry, offered insights on opportunities for entrepreneurship and discussed strategies for success in a seminar called “the Final Frontier” at the UCLA Anderson School of Business Wednesday. The first-of-its-kind event, which brought together approximately 150 attendees, also provided insight into opportunities for women to garner the support of the institutional investment community and governmental agencies to start their own companies in the industry in both ownership and support roles.

The seminar was chaired by Leslie Lundin, managing partner of LBG Realty Advisors LLC, and co-chaired by Sonia Ransom, partner of Allen Matkins. Lundin explained that she came up with this concept of a women’s entrepreneurial spirit when looking at opportunities during the recession. “I worked in the corporate world for 19 years and I always wanted to get out on my own and be an owner and operator,” she said. “When the world crashed and burned in September 2008, I looked around and said ‘this is the time’.” Lundin explained that the groups that are formed right now are the ones that will last through the next cycle. Her overall message? “Ignite your passion.”

The seminar also featured Barbara Champoux, partner at Crowell & Moring LLP, and past chair of CREW Network’s Industry Research Committee, who presented the results of the CREW White Paper: Glass Ceiling or Sticky Floor. Champoux pointed out that women should be proactive in seeking solutions to hurdles of advancements. “Although women have been increasing in the work force, senior level promotions have remained stagnant,” she said. “Whether you start your own company, or start your own business, you need to overcome misperceptions,” she said. “It is about the quality of work, not the quantity of work.”