Tighe: “I Realize How Fortunate I've Been”

Tighe: “I know in my heart that the days of being the only woman at the negotiating table are over.”

NEW YORK CITY—While talent certainly played a role in her illustrious career, risk-taking and the use of power is what propelled Mary Ann Tighe forward, she said Thursday afternoon in Midtown Manhattan as the keynote speaker at CREW Network’s national conference. The industry veteran, who serves as CEO of CBRE’s New York tri-state region, knows a thing or two about risk-taking. Tighe nabbed her current position in 2002 when she called the then head of CBRE—a stranger to her at the time—and said “I want to run your New York team.” The company was in fifth or sixth place at the time, she said, but today it is the number one firm when measured by margins and revenue. At the time, Tighe was serving as vice chairman of Insignia/ESG, a position which she was told “would never happen for her” just two years earlier. That conversation showed her she would have to fight for advancement on her own and she began joining industry groups—building one of the industry’s most far-reaching networks—and creating her reputation by making herself available to to the press. “Risk taking is necessary for growth,” the CEO of CBRE’s New York tri-state region declared, on the heels of closing a big deal earlier in the day. “Women often don’t take risks because they believe unless they meet the highest levels of perfection, they don’t feel it was worth the effort. But the quest for perfection tamps down the quest for adventure.” She suggested a different approach. “Instead of perfection, I’ve learned that the best thing to do is to assess the damage done [by imperfect work] and move on. This is the only way in which I want to be like men: they depersonalize the workplace and embrace their flaws. Absent risk, your life and career will be pretty ho-hum.” Meanwhile, she noted the importance of power. “Power is the ability to achieve the outcome you want. For me, it’s the ability to get people to think a new thought along with me, such as building a new headquarters for the New York Times a block away from its former offices, or moving Coach and getting the Midtown East rezoning done. It’s the ability not just to make a living but a mark.” Looking out to the audience, comprised primarily of industry women, provided hope that many are headed in the right direction, she said.  “When I look at you, I see the future of our industry, and when I see the women here from all over North America, I realize how fortunate I’ve been. I know in my heart that the days of being the only woman at the negotiating table are over.”