On being a good leader:
There are many qualities that define an effective leader—knowledge of the market and laws, being adaptable and organized, to name a few—but if I had to pick just one, I would say being a great communicator. There are so many integral relationships within a real estate firm and within every transaction. Everyone has to be speaking and hearing the same language. I always ask, what is the client’s goal? What do they want to do? How can we make that happen?
How do you maintain your company ethos?
Simple—we hire people we like. Being a small firm is great in that it enables you to really know your team. Everyone has a different strength, so we divide up what needs to be done with that in mind. There are a lot of smiles, jokes and laughter in the office. We’re a family. In our office family, I am a big sister to some and a mother to others. A birthday is never missed!
Most valuable lesson she’s learned:
When you call to mind the people you’ve encountered in your life and career, you may not always recollect what they did or said, but you always remember how they made you feel.
Most difficult lesson she’s learned:
Accepting what you can’t change. Sometimes you need to just walk away!
Describe yourself in three words.
Honest (I never lie), dependable (if I say I’ll do it, consider it done), hardworking (we experienced incredible growth as a company these last few years, which meant many long hours)
Words to live by:
“It is never too late to become what you might have been.” —George Eliot
When we’re young, the world is vast and exciting, with so many possibilities and so many paths to choose from. I was supposed to be a teacher—I have two degrees in elementary education. This quote reminds me that there’s still more to come! I believe no matter how young or how old we are, it’s always the right time to be the best possible version of ourselves.
Favorite quality in a team member:
Initiative. I love solution-oriented people who look for what’s possible and then get it done!
Least-favorite quality in a team member:
Lack of integrity. Call it women’s intuition, but within the first few minutes of meeting someone, I can usually tell when it’s missing.
An accomplishment that isn’t on her CV:
Hands down, being a wife and mother. This year my husband and I are celebrating 25 years of marriage. John is an incredible man who has been my best friend and my rock. Growing up, my mom always prepared a home-cooked meal, even if it meant cooking or preparing dinner for the next day into the wee hours of the night. That’s something I wanted to give to my family.
How do men and women compare in the workplace?
Women approach business with a broader perspective. Being organized multitaskers enables us to anticipate and neutralize situations for a successful outcome. Men, on the other hand, are able to confidently and decisively laser in on different parts of the business and focus on getting the job done.
I think we should embrace the differences and know how to best utilize them within the company, as it can create a wonderful balance. Gender diversity is key.
What could more women be doing to advance their careers?
There are so many incredible women reaching high levels of success in their careers and showing others what is possible. I thank them all for graciously and compassionately paving the way for others by their example.
