OLYMPIC VALLEY, CA—At the GlobeSt. Women of Influence conference, numerous women recognize the significance of developing an authentic leadership voice as an ongoing personal development journey. Balancing compassion, assertiveness, and sincerity can often feel like navigating a precarious tightrope. During a leadership panel on Wednesday morning, panelists emphasized that discovering this genuine voice can profoundly impact the management of high-performing teams and drive positive change within the CRE Industry.
Deena Zimmerman, vice president of SVN Chicago, stressed the importance of aspiring to leadership roles and being unafraid to ask for what one desires. She acknowledged the challenges women may face in their climb to success, noting the need for heightened preparation and perseverance. Zimmerman embraced the notion that there's nothing wrong with being the most knowledgeable person in the room and advocating for one's expertise.
Courtney Ettus, chief marketing officer of Crexi, added that it's acceptable to acknowledge one's imperfections and vulnerabilities while striving to be the best version of oneself. Emphasizing the power of asking questions, she believed that curiosity benefits everyone and fosters growth.
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Ettus encouraged attendees to recognize their worth and believe they deserve their current positions. She motivated them to pursue their goals with determination and tenacity, assuring them that taking the first step towards their aspirations is already a victory. "When times are hard, it is how you respond to those hard times and how you come out in the end."
Zimmerman reinforced the idea that believing in oneself is only part of the equation; it's equally crucial to believe in the potential of those around you. Supporting and empowering others can lead to collective success and growth.
Marissa Limsiaco, Co-Founder of Otso, shared her own experience of overcoming intimidation during her time at West Point. She emphasized the value of asking questions, even if it means feeling vulnerable, as it leads to deeper understanding and learning. Limsiaco highlighted that true leadership isn't about being the loudest or most powerful, but rather the one who seeks knowledge through inquiry.
Check back with GlobeSt.com for more from the Women of Influence conference and check out the stories below for what you might have missed.
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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.
