Women’s Actual Influence on Business Is Profound

Stewart: “Women want aspirational investments—something that means something to them—that are broader than stock-market investing.”

SAN DIEGO—If you’ve noticed the business world softening around the edges, it may have a lot to do with the contributions women are making there, Cumberland Private Wealth Management partner and portfolio manager Barbara Stewart told attendees at the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate at the University of San Diego School of Business’s Sixth Annual Women in Real Estate Conference Wednesday. The conference, which drew 200 attendees—including several from presenting sponsor CREW San Diego—was the group’s first afternoon event, encouraging guests to remain afterward for a networking cocktail reception.

Following opening remarks by BMC executive director Stath Karras and real estate advisor and advisory board member for BMC’s real estate policy Barbara Cambon, Stewart gave a riveting keynote address entitled “How to Leverage Gender Intelligence for Greater Success in Business.” Essentially, she made the case that organizations that have a balanced gender ratio are more successful and resonate more with consumers. In addition, she pointed out that incorporating feminine approaches in business strategy and marketing (e.g., storytelling, creating relationships, sharing, etc.) will win trust among both genders of clients and customers.