Pay It Forward: "Overcome Self-Doubt. Imposter Syndrome is Very Real"
"My advice would be to start out on a successful team to pick up good habits and have access to additional resources and support," says Kandace Douglas of Silversands Villas.
Kandace Douglas is a real estate sales & marketing director at Silversands Villas and specializes in new development and luxury real estate.
Splitting her time between NYC and Grenada, Douglas is also working with the chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority on the WISH Foundation, which is helping to impact the lives of her fellow Grenadians, as well as revitalize the tourism industry that was devastated by COVID-19.
What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle as a woman in your particular role/? How have you overcome those obstacles? Overcoming self-doubt. Imposter syndrome is very real, especially for women in the workplace. Finding your voice and trusting your gut in male-dominated spaces takes a great level of mental fortitude. For me, it’s all about my 3 pillars: meditation, exercise and education. These help me to achieve the mind, body and soul alignment I need to remain clear, centered and on top of my game.
What about your current role/position at the company are you most happy with? I’m the Real Estate Sales & Marketing Director at Silversands Villas, part of the Silversands Grenada 5-star resort on Grand Anse Beach. My family is originally from Grenada, so I’m connected to the lifestyle and beautiful community this island provides.
What is the best piece of advice you have received that has helped you succeed in your industry? Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity,” is a Will Smith quote that I heard when I was first starting in the business and it resonated with me so much that I kept it posted at my desk for years. It was and has been, a constant reminder to get rid of any mental and social constructs that impede, inhibit, or deter my ability to succeed at the highest level.
Would you advise a younger person to begin a career in CRE? Real estate is such an integral part of all our lives, whether it be residential or commercial. My advice would be to start out on a successful team to pick up good habits and have access to additional resources and support. This is not an easy business and there are so many things that can only be learned through experience. Finding the right team will allow you to build a stronger foundation upon which the rest of your career will rest.
Please share with us the best lessons learned or a surprising component about your unique journey. The most important lesson I learned was to prioritize my mental and physical wellness above all. My Peloton bike has been my savior throughout this pandemic. And I am constantly reading and educating myself, not just about real estate, but more importantly, about emotional intelligence and self-mastery. I truly believe that becoming the best and highest vibrational version of yourself is the best gift you can offer the world.
In your opinion, what take-a-ways did we learn from the COVID-19 crisis? COVID has definitely been a hard reset. It has reminded us of the impermanence and fragility of all things. The whole world came to a screeching halt in a way we thought could only happen in movies. It was terrifying. Change is inevitable, but acceptance of that fact is where true strength lies. Acceptance allows you to see opportunity instead of obstacles and to become flexible and malleable in the face of uncertainty and adversity. The pandemic has also given many the gift of time. Time to recharge, reassess, and redefine what a successful life looks like. And that’s a beautiful thing.
Where would you say commercial real estate needs to improve for women? Women oftentimes must work twice as hard to gain the respect and trust needed to succeed in this industry. There really is no simple solution as value is something that is determined on an individual level. This is not something that can be fixed at a macro level. Women – and the myriad of ways that we may process, think and respond to situations, although different from our male counterparts, need to be seen as just as valuable. A “seat at the table” means nothing if your voice is still not heard.
How can women better position themselves for success both in general and in your specific area of focus?
- Education – I believe in constantly educating ourselves and honing our craft. This can be not only through taking industry courses but in all of the various ways we can better ourselves overall- whether mentally, emotionally or professionally.
- Be persistent – There are many challenges in this industry so women need to be persistent in pursuing their goals and dreams.
- Believe in yourself, your background, and your knowledge.
- Truly listen to one another, not to respond, but to understand. That’s how we become better professionally and personally.
What, in particular, can women bring to the table as the industry continues to grapple and come out of the COVID-19 crisis? Women, by nature, are the nurturers, so oftentimes, that comes with a greater sensitivity to what others are experiencing. That is a superpower. True understanding will allow one to better predict and prepare for the needs of the post-pandemic client and industry on a whole.
Find more CRE career advancement tips and inspiring stories from industry leaders in our Pay It Forward series.
