As a follow up for this year's Woman of Influence July/August celebration, we followed up with some of the women to discuss some of their biggest challenges and obstacles they have faced as a women in the CRE industry and how they have overcome those obstacles.
For Amy Weissberger, SVP of corporate strategy for Morgan Properties, the biggest challenge she has faced as a woman in the real estate industry is feeling like she is actually heard and that she has the same equal seat as everyone else at the table, regardless of gender. "The way I've overcome it is by being prepared with facts and data that support the stance that I'm taking on a particular circumstance," she tells GlobeSt.com. Her advice for those looking to better position themselves to continue to educate, educate, educate!
Weissberger says to "Learn everything you possibly can from mentors, reach out and get out of your comfort zone. Continue to go to classes." She also notes that it is also important if you're in a hiring position to ensure you don't hire people who are just like you. "It is important to have a diverse team that can provide different perspectives on topics. I also recommend that you are always grooming someone who can be your replacement so you can continue to grow."
For Karen Williamson, SVP and California market manager at Capital One, being underestimated is probably one of the biggest challenges she has faced. But she notes that being underestimated is the easiest obstacle to overcome because "no matter who you are, if you get the job done right, people want you on their team."
After 30 years in commercial real estate, Michelle Wogan, an EVP at Transwestern Real Estate Services, has learned that she wants to do business with people who appreciate the talent her team brings to the table and who want to do business with her and her team. "Doing my best work for clients and focusing on the positive results has helped me overcome any challenge I have faced during my career," she tells GlobeSt.com. "I am very fortunate to have an empowering network around me, and I strive to surround myself with affirmative and intelligent people."
Overall, Wogan suggests to the next generation of women in the industry to work hard, stay focused and strive to bring the best service to the client and company. "Being on a team that shows respect, loyalty, dedication, collaboration and fairness will always help someone succeed."
Have you joined our group ALM Young Professionals Network on LinkedIn? We're having powerful conversations that tackle the challenges we all face early in our careers. Request to join here.
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Natalie Dolce
Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.
