How many years have you been in the commercial real estate industry?

I have been in real estate for 18 years… 3 in commercial and 15 on the residential side.

What motivates you?

I love understanding why people (end users) make real estate decisions. From an analytical perspective, numbers tell one side of the story. On the other end, in-person experiences tell another. Being able to understand both sides while studying macro trends and using that data to anticipate what specific demographics are going to want 3-5 years in the future is something I love doing.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone entering CRE?

Understanding your skill set while also finding an area that interests you.  There are a lot of areas and roles within commercial and residential to explore, many that people are unaware. My role didn’t exist when I started with my firm. I focused on data and analytics which, over time, morphed into other aspects and elements like design development, trend forecasting, etc. I had the benefit of creating my own role and doing what I love to do every day. The other piece of advice would be to be a sponge. Even today as an expert in my field I am constantly learning from clients, peers, and the greater market.

What’s your favorite thing about real estate?

That every market, neighborhood, property is completely unique. Additionally, markets and trends are constantly morphing with time. COVID was a perfect example of how our industry was able to quickly adapt and evolve even in an extreme and unexpected situation. The transition of in-person to virtual real estate sales and leasing, amenity adaptation for more work from home, etc. This all happened during a very short period of time was incredible to see the flexibility and evolving process of our industry.

What’s your biggest career accomplishment?

Every project I work on that gets built and sold out or leased up by my team. I’ve had the privilege of being a part for some of the most iconic buildings/ projects in and around Greater Boston, each that had its own challenges, opportunities and lessons learned. My daughters (ages 2 and 5) are always very impressed when we drive into the City, and I point out all the buildings I’ve work on. So as a working mom that is incredibly rewarding.

Why do you find ULI valuable?

ULI is fantastic for the connections. The network piece which in many cases evolves into friendships is a huge benefit of ULI. Being able to share experiences and learn from other colleagues in the same and different fields is a great resource.

What are you reading, watching, or listening to now?

Given I drive into the city four days a week, my routine is Bloomberg Markets on my way to the office and Prime Country on my way home. Political news is tough right now so I’m constantly switching between networks to get a variety of perspectives. Lots of online articles…I’m constantly reading reports on different markets and trends across globe.

What are you looking forward to?

Hopefully an environment with lower interest and more development. Given the current climate and some long-term challenges with building in Boston there isn’t a lot in the pipeline given the housing shortage we have in every neighborhood.