Part 1 of 4 Glass ceilings? Closed doors? No longer is that found at many CRE firms these days. JLL for one, has many strong, smart and ambitious women so in honor of Women's History Month, we sat down with a few of them to discuss the business, advice they received and more. Part one in a four part series includes: Kiana Cox, senior research Analyst in Phoenix, Arizona; Heather Frame, VP of operations in Orange County, San Diego and Nevada; Gisselle Kelley, regional director of finance for the West Region; Jen Olson, senior graphic designer in San Diego; Amber Schiada, research director for the Southwest Region; and Kacy Wada, senior marketing associate in Orange County. GlobeSt.com: How did you get into commercial real estate? Kiana Cox: It was luck of the draw. I wanted to learn more about graphic design and stumbled across a marketing internship at JLL. I applied and interviewed, but the company decided they needed to hire a researcher instead, so I asked to interview for that as well and was hired. Heather Frame: Like many, it was not planned. I majored in public relations but found myself in the residential building industry boom after college. During the "great recession" I transitioned into manufacturing and then finally landed at JLL. Jessica Gillum, VP of Marketing, who I knew from our residential builder days gave me a call, talked to me about an open position and asked if I would be interested in joining the JLL team. It's a great story of women supporting women in business. Amber Schiada: During my first semester at Cal, I began working as a receptionist two days a week at a real estate consulting firm run by Ken Rosen (the Chair of the Fisher Center for Real Estate at UC Berkeley). It turned into a full time-internship that lasted through college, and once I graduated I was hired on as a full-time analyst. Kacy Wada: How all Art History majors get into commercial real estate…a family friend at JLL recommended me. GlobeSt.com: What was the best advice you've ever received? Cox: Don't worry about things that aren't in your control. Frame: Don't sweat the small stuff. Kelley: Never look back in regret. Just move on to the next thing. Olson: Live simply. Take time to be present in every situation and enjoy the moment. Don't focus on comparing yourself to others. Schiada: Be patient and slow down. Take a breath and respond, rather than react. Wada: If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. GlobeSt.com: How has JLL and the industry supported you as a women in business? Cox: JLL is always giving me opportunities to learn and grow. This company offers a variety of the tools to do so. It's up to us as individuals to use them. Frame: JLL and the commercial real estate industry have many, many amazing women who are always willing to support, advise and cheer you on. Kelley: JLL and the industry have been very good to me. I have been extremely lucky that in every company I worked for, I have been seen as a "professional" and not as a "woman" in the business. I grew up believing I could do everything and being a woman was not going to limit or benefit me. I just needed to stay focused, act smart, be reliable, loyal, consistent and honest and I could accomplish anything I wanted. Olson: I came over to JLL when I was pregnant with my first daughter and took maternity leave four months after starting. They not only supported my leave but were very helpful and supportive when I came back as a working mom. JLL has provided me with tools through classes, mentorship, wonderful female peers and managers to advance my career growth as well. GlobeSt.com: What advice would you give to young women to succeed in the workplace? Kelley: Don't feel you need to act different than anyone because you are a woman. Expect the same as anyone who is in your role and does an extraordinary job. Olson: Don't be afraid to be you. Don't worry about what others think. Work hard and have fun in what you do. Be creative and different and figure out what your unique value is that you can bring to the table. Really get to know your business and the people you work with. Keep learning your craft and don't be afraid of change. Schiada: I would give them the same advice I would give anyone, really. Focus on your strengths and hone your best skills. Make yourself invaluable as a subject matter expert. Don't identify problems without offering solutions. And if you're just starting out, don't be afraid to ask questions and be curious. Wada: Write down your goals, work hard, play hard, practice gratitude and never underestimate yourself.