TULSA-“Life is all about perception,” says Angela West of Vice President/Principal CBRE Oklahoma . Not necessarily fitting in could be seen as a weakness, but West turned it into a strength, and allowed her challenges to spur her on and through her career. And the result of her perseverance? West is also the youngest SIOR Global President in the association's 70 year-old history.

GlobeSt: Describe briefly what initially attracted you to commercial real estate and what has been the highlight of your career thus far.

I was attracted to commercial real estate brokerage because it seemed to be the perfect blend of applying the technical abilities acquired in earning my Finance degree along with my creativity. I was also attracted to the concept of being compensated for what you create. I love that each client and each project is unique and I continue to learn and improve every day. I've been fortunate in my 20 year career to have had reached many of my goals and enjoyed much success on a personal and professional level. I would have to say that the highlight of my career to date is being elected to lead SIOR as the youngest Global President in its 70 year old history.

Globest: What has been your biggest challenge as a woman in this industry?

I have found that sometimes the biggest challenges in life can also create the biggest opportunities. As a 6'1” female, it is hard to blend in and pass yourself off as average – especially in 7^th grade. In my twenties, I finally grew comfortable in my own skin and began to embrace my differences, even enjoy and appreciate them. I'm forty- something now and the thing I was most challenged by as a young woman is now my superpower. I can find anyone in a crowded room and I am memorable, both are invaluable networking tools. Yes, I chat weekly with a multitude of complete strangers about my height and the missed opportunity of not playing basketball, but I wouldn't dream giving up my height calling card.

Life is all about perspective. It's not the event or circumstance you find yourself in, but what you say to yourself. At the largest real estate company in the world, CBRE, the top investment and office brokers in the nation are both women. Commercial Real Estate brokerage is a meritocracy without a glass ceiling. There is no safety net, but in turn, there are no limitations.

GlobeSt: What do you like most/least about your job and why?

I love the flexibility I can create in my schedule to achieve balance between family andwork commitments. Today's technology creates the possibility to work when and where you choose. On the flip side, this dynamic also creates the expectation to always be available. There are no “after hours” and the clock never stops. Emails flow day and night, 365 days a year which makes it a challenge to unwind and unplug.

GlobeSt: And please describe the most valuable lesson you think younger women in the industry could benefit from learning.

The most valuable lesson I have learned is to be authentic. Embrace who you are and know that your unique skills, interests and abilities are what will set you apart from your competitors. Focus on how you are different and why it is relevant to creating value for your clients.

Globest: How has SIOR helped women advance in their chosen fields? How have you worked with the organization on this?

The SIOR Foundation offers a female only college scholarship to students seeking degree in Real Estate. Our Diversity Committee provides programming and events for at our annual conferences and we offer complementary conference registrations to outstanding women in our industry. SIOR is working hard to create more diversity in our membership and in our industry. I am honored to be only one of 3 women elected to serve on the Board of Directors. At a recent lunch we took the attached photo and realized that every woman has served in a leadership capacity on a national or chapter level. Although women remain a minority in overall membership, we are well represented by each of our talented female designees.

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The Biggest Challenges Can Create the Biggest Opportunities

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