Leadership & Management

Women CRE professionals want work environments that meet their needs both inside and outside of the office. Employers must choose to adapt or be left behind.

"I encourage the next generation to learn about all the different types of real estate and choose to focus on either the development or finance side. Once that decision is made, continue growing in that sector," says Thirty Capital Financial CEO Kevin Swill.

"I think it is especially important to challenge, find new ways of working, and be strong in your conviction that just because something has always been done one way doesn't mean that it is right for the future," says Jeremy Bernard, CEO of essensys.

"Keep learning and take advantage of opportunities because career paths in commercial real estate are not linear. The best way to position yourself for success is education," says Damla Gerhart, principal and managing director at Avison Young.

Industry veteran Alison Flynn Gaffney will assume the role and work to evolve the firm's healthcare business.

The firm has appointed CBRE-veteran Gary Jaye to direct overall investments and serve as executive managing director.

"The best lesson I have learned is to be patient," says Michelle Abramov, managing director of RIPCO Real Estate LLC.

"You want to create a work environment where employees feel trusted – a place they want to go to (and stay) when they come into the office," says Deb Donley, founder and CEO of Vocon.