2022 BISNOW : Inaugural Austin Women Lead Real Estate | DeLea's Takeaways
Breaking Barriers and Forging Paths: Women Trailblazers in the Male-Dominated World of Commercial Real Estate
Bisnow hosted its very first Inaugural Women Leading Real Estate Awards featuring their inaugural class of Austin Trailblazers including Beck-Reit’s very own DeLea Becker. These accomplished women discussed everything from previous careers, recessions, and attempting to maintain a work-life balance.
See what DeLea took away from this phenomenal event!
Opportunities
Do Hard Work
Do something that scares you.
Opportunity comes in form of work that you don't always have all the tools in the tool box to do
Don’t let it scares
Hard Work trumps intelligence - can out work the smart people in the room and rise to the top in the end
Only 2% Of women own commercial real estate - get in, the water is fine.
MARKET CHANGING
Markets change drastically
Stop worrying- opportunities are out there
Prospect
You know, the other thing that happens in recessions is it becomes less crowded
And it was actually like, thank goodness we needed a little check and the people who can make a difference and work hard and make some smart decisions and get through things are going to come out in a different place.
You have more ability to add value when you can work a little bit harder or smarter or think differently. And so, you know, any of the opportunities that we have and then whatever the kind of coming future is of everything not going.
You have to have a growth mindset. You have to look at it like, okay, it's normal to feel this way, to be a little scared. It's normal to not know. People hate uncertainty. We all want to know everything, um, and ahead of time, right? So I think number one, you have to know, it's so normal to feel a little scared, but don't let that fear drive you.
Let that fear be kind of your motivation in the sense of, okay, I had this opportunity to make myself better, to work harder, learn your market. I always wanted to know more than everybody else that was sitting at the table so that I would feel like I could contribute something. Work on yourself. Work on the idea that, um, everything's attainable.
If your phone stops ringing, you're in a recession, um, educate yourself. Here is the most incredible thing for us. You can educate yourself with YouTube. YouTube, Good lord, TikTok. I mean, it is amazing the content that is out there. Um, watch it, learn it Now. Figure out who's actually putting out good content.
You don't wanna learn things that are not correct. That would be bad. Um, whenever I started in 2012, we had our offices in East Austin and, um, I looked around. There weren't, uh, many commercial brokers in East Austin, if any. They weren't, they weren't the big brokerages for sure. So I spent 18 months. I looked at everything on LoopNet.
Opportunity usually costs time or money. Wouldn't it be great if you're poised and ready to pounce? Cuz you've got both, right? So if you're making money, cuz we all have in 2020. 2020, even 21, 22. , save some of it. Be ready cuz opportunity is coming and know your market, but don't be afraid to look outside of the market.
Get out there and set meetings
Great time to make good choices
Make yourself known
MENTORSHIP
Commercial Real Estate is Steep Learning Curve
Achieve Success with help along the way
Take you to meetings, intro you to clients
Even someone you can reach out to and guide you along
Mentor each other
Call someone, everyone is FLATTERED to be asked
Call and tell them you admire where they are and would like to spend some time with you
ADVICE - Working Parents - Work | Life Balance
Incorporate Work into family
-on vacation go look at buildings
Don’t compare yourself to other parents
-don’t have to make cookies- go buy them and put in tupperware like you baked them
Talk to your kids, let them know the family dynamic, give them budgets
Pick times to do quality time with them - Football Games, Skiing, Wakeboarding - not everyday needs to be filled with Quality Time
Know you only have a certain amount of time with your kids. You don’t have to win Best Mom Awards - God made you the perfect mom for your kids.
Panel Synopsis:
In the ever-evolving landscape of industries, one truth remains constant: diversity and inclusion are essential for progress. Commercial real estate, a sector traditionally dominated by men, is no exception. The Austin Women Trailblazers of Commercial Real Estate event, hosted by Bisnow, shed light on the remarkable journeys of women who have triumphed in this male-dominated realm. From overcoming challenges to embracing opportunities, these women have redefined the norms and paved the way for future generations.
Unveiling the Trailblazers
The panel featured an exceptional lineup of women who have made their mark in the commercial real estate field:
- **Katie Ekstrom:** A Senior Vice President at CBRE, specializing in landlord representation.
- **Erin Morales:** Principal Managing Director of Avis and Young, tasked with expanding the office's presence in Central Texas.
- **Wendy Dunnam Tita:** Principal at Paige, leading the interior architecture and design studio in Austin.
- **Laura Beurelein:** Part of the marketing team at Heritage Title Company for 37 years.
- **Helen Jobes:** A veteran with 40 years in Capella Commercial LLC.
- **DeLea Becker:** Founder of Beck-Reit Commercial Real Estate and Beck-Reit Asset Management, advocating for women in business and real estate ownership.
Their diverse backgrounds and experiences provided valuable insights into what it truly takes to be a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated industry.
Overcoming Adversity
The panelists shared stories of their beginnings, highlighting moments of adversity that forged their paths. Erin Morales started in a support role and climbed her way to brokerage within 24 months. Laura Burling pivoted from a training business to office leasing, navigating the challenges of the market's ups and downs. Helen Jones' journey began during a time of job scarcity, and DeLea Becker's career pivot after becoming a mother redefined her trajectory.
Embracing Opportunity
The trailblazers emphasized seizing opportunities, even in uncertain times. Wendy Dunnam Tita spoke about embracing complexity, community building, and collaboration on a larger scale. Erin Morales, despite career interruptions due to starting a family, found her stride and soared through her thirties. Laura Burling's entrepreneurial spirit led her to align her values with her career in office leasing.
Championing Mentorship
Mentorship emerged as a cornerstone of their success stories. The panelists emphasized the importance of learning from experienced individuals and offering mentorship to the next generation. They stressed that mentorship doesn't only come from formal relationships but can be found in various forms and places.
The Value of Diversity
The panelists celebrated the value of diversity and the exponential benefits it brings to the industry. They urged young professionals to embrace their unique perspectives and use them to make a difference. They also highlighted the importance of diversity in the evolution of architecture and design, calling for a more inclusive approach.
Challenges and Triumphs in Austin
Austin, often dubbed the "coolest and hippest town in Texas," offers both opportunities and challenges in commercial real estate. The panelists touched on the thriving business landscape, while also acknowledging political hurdles. They stressed the need for a diverse presence at the decision-making table and encouraged embracing digital tools to expedite processes.
Balancing Work and Family
Balancing work and family emerged as a common theme among the panelists. They shared personal anecdotes of juggling parenting with demanding careers, emphasizing the importance of support systems, including mentors, partners, and spouses.
Conclusion
The stories shared by these trailblazing women at the Austin Women Trailblazers of Commercial Real Estate event serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit that drives success in a male-dominated industry. Their journeys inspire us to embrace opportunities, shatter glass ceilings, and nurture the growth of the next generation. The commercial real estate sector is undergoing transformation, thanks to the relentless determination of these women who have not only broken barriers but also built bridges for others to cross. As they continue to leave an indelible mark on the industry, their stories remind us that success knows no gender and that diversity is the cornerstone of progress.