2. Globest: Over time, how have you seen attitudes toward women in this field change? Is there still room for attitudes to shift?

In general, the commercial real estate industry continues to be predominantly male, especially in senior level positions. You might see some slight increases/decreases in different regions across the country, but we are yet to observe any significant differences. It's typical to see an abundance of women from entry level to management positions, but the percentage begins to drop as you enter the C-Suite.

3. GlobeSt: So far, what have been the most challenging and the most rewarding events in your career?

The most challenging event in my career was being a single working mother. It was hard to manage the passion for my career and be the best parent I could be to my daughter. Interestingly, my daughter now owns her own real estate company in Colorado, so I must have done something right!

The most rewarding event in my career was becoming a managing director at CBRE. First of all, working for the world's largest commercial real estate company certainly has its advantages, but my position now affords me the ability to influence change?not only within my portfolio and market?but across the country as well. I also love being a mentor and sponsor of women inside and outside the company, regardless of their business line.

4. GlobeSt: In light of criticism that women “can't have it all” how would you define “having it all”? How were you able to strike your own work/life balance?

For me, “having it all” has always meant being able to allocate my time wisely between pursuing career and personal goals. For example, when I was younger, I was pulled by the time necessary to be a good mother while being fully engaged in my career. I wanted to be terrific at both. Now that my children are grown, I am pulled in the opposite direction—I still want to be fully engaged in my career, but I also want to spend quality time with my husband. Again, I want to be terrific at both!

There is nothing worse than wanting to focus on a project and being pulled in another direction, but I have a wonderful husband who truly partners with me. Throughout my career, I've heard my competition was my male counterparts, other females, and even the younger, upcoming generation of professionals. I don't see things this way, and the feeling I get when I sit in on executive meetings is that CBRE does not feel this way either. We strive to commend talent, regardless of its source. For me, my biggest “competition” has always been with myself. I'm purpose driven and have high aspirations for myself—I am my greatest champion but I can also be my worst enemy.

5. GlobeSt: What advice would you give to younger women just starting out in the industry?

Don't hesitate to spend time with like-minded women but also learn from peers that are different. At CBRE, I'm fortunate to be on the Advisory Board of the Women's Network. It's a great organization for women of every level. We just celebrated our 13th year. With its grassroots beginning in 2000, the Women's Network started with an informal breakfast meeting involving 35 female professionals from across the United States, and has since developed into a dynamic and diverse group of more than 1,500 members and growing, including women and men at all levels of our organization, in CBRE offices around the globe and every service line.

Lastly, don't wait for your job to become a career. Regardless of the size of the company where you work, give each opportunity your undivided attention and effort. You may find that a simple “job” can become the career of your dreams.