Reflecting on its decade of impact, the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) network has resulted in a significant increase in the number of women members, speakers, and leaders at all levels of ULI.   As we kick off Women’s History Month, are delighted to spotlight the following superstars:

Julie A. Johnson
Executive Vice President, Colliers

What advice were you given as a young woman that you can attribute to your success?

Create your personal brand and keep this in the forefront of everything you do.  Create your business plan and review and evaluate regularly.  Develop strong relationships with everyone you come into contact with – some friends will become clients and some clients will become friends.  Network every chance you can.  Get involved with the industry and the community and ask a lot of questions to those who are where you want to be.  Work hard!

As you seek to assist/mentor the next generation – either in your company, your industry, or the community – what area are you focused on?

Making sure the next generation, especially the young women, are able to have a seat at the decision-making table and have the opportunity to make the impact that will set them apart and give them the opportunity to succeed and grow their success. 

Did you have a mentor?  Was your mentor male or female?  Does it matter?

I’ve had lots of mentors who showed me how to lead by example, both other brokers who had more experience, and also managers and corporate leaders I’ve met through organizations like ULI, NAIOP, CCIM, AZCREW and others.  Not having one mentor to go to with questions or advice, I asked many people, male and female, who I trusted, and got several perspectives and created a solution that best fit with my personality and goals.
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Betty Niles
Associate Broker, United Real Estate Specialists

What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

Over 52 years working in the Industrial, Commercial and Residential Real Estate Field. Received my Brokers License from the Arizona Department of Real Estate 09/19/1977.  Today, still working with residential clients listing and selling. At “90” I love what I do, enjoy keeping educated with all the new documents, changing rules and client’s needs.

What advice were you given as a young woman that you can attribute to your success?

Listen and learn all that is available in your field…conferences, programs or classes… attend as many as possible (in person).  You always come away with so much information (especially when you hear other people express their thoughts and results on the subject).

Make it a point to meet at least 10 new people at each function. I have found they are a wealth of information in their area of expertise and always available to help you when you have questions.

Have you seen a generational shift in how women are viewed today in your industry vs. when you got started?

Yes, definitely…I remember attending a week-long class that NAIP/NAIOP had in Newport Beach, California in the early 1970’s.  I was the only woman and 35 men. Women have been widely accepted in the industry, due to the educational programs offered and companies hiring more women in the various positions available to both men and women.

Did you have a mentor? YES  Was your mentor male or female? Male, boss and owner of the company.  Does it matter?  NO
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Jennifer Baldwin Ruby
Director of Development Operations, Langley Properties

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

There are a handful of meaningful accomplishments that give me pride – tough rezoning cases, job opportunities that provided advancement, complicated land deals, brutal city final walks! But I’m most proud of my career as a whole. Anyone who knows me well has heard me tell the story of what a fluke this path was for me, so I would say I’m most proud of taking that chance years ago to jump into something totally unknown. I always talk about how fortunate I’ve been, which is absolutely true. But we all know that fortune isn’t accidental; I’m immensely proud of how hard I’ve worked and the relationships I’ve built, all of which contributed to the many amazing opportunities throughout my career

As you seek to assist/mentor the next generation – either in your company, your industry, or the community – what area are you focused on?

I emphasize relationships. And by that, I don’t mean hundreds of LinkedIn connections or the never-ending “let’s catch up over coffee.” Those things have their place, but investing in meaningful relationships is everything in this business. This has to go beyond the business development angle; it’s about developing a circle of trusted confidants for advice and support as well as the next level of connections who know you either by some interaction or maybe only by reputation. And I think an aspect that gets overlooked is finding at least a few people who share life parallels. I’m incredibly lucky to have a crew of women who work in real estate and are mothers. My dad once said to me “Hold on to those women; they might be the only people who truly understand your life.” And my dad is the smartest person I know, so I’ve tried hard to do exactly what he advised.

What critical issues do you think leaders need to turn their attention to now?

We MUST continue to invest in the next generation, in our future leaders. I can’t believe we’re still talking about it but the recession had a devastating effect on our industry, not only with talented people leaving altogether but also with years of limited opportunity for advancement for those who stayed. We simply weren’t bringing along our successors. This has significantly improved the last few years, and programs like ULI’s Partnership Forum and Young Leaders make a real difference. I had a recent conversation with a friend at Pulte Homes who told me about a former intern who he’s since promoted several times. We both agreed those are the best experiences, when we can bring other people along.
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Laurel Lewis, SIOR
Managing Director | Office, NAI Horizon

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I recently received my designation as an SIOR. SIOR members are expected to adhere to a strict code of ethics and professionalism.  Ethics have always been paramount in my career. In addition to ethics, to earn the SIOR designation individuals must demonstrate a high level of achievement and knowledge and experience in the commercial real estate industry. Clients can expect a higher level of service and I am proud of that.

What advice were you given as a young woman that you can attribute to your success?

I don’t know if it was advice, but as a young person I never really felt that there was anything I couldn’t do.  I played street football with the boys and Barbies with the girls. Even as a child of the 60’s (yes I am a Boomer) there was no one telling me that girls had to break through a glass ceiling. All options were available and still are. Even though there are fewer female CRE brokers, I see no gender barriers.

As you seek to assist/mentor the next generation – either in your company, your industry, or the community – what area are you focused on?

If I could give anyone advice and particularly young women, it would be to speak up, contribute to discussions and share ideas, continue to learn, develop your skills and product knowledge, believe in your value, and remember that the compounding effect of actions create a successful career over time.  Cheryl Sandberg told women to lean in and take a seat at the table. Success is a team sport, build a network.

Have you seen a generational shift in how women are viewed today in your industry vs. when you got started?

There has been a generational shift in society’s view of women in the workplace in general. Much of the shift is due to the strides made by our mothers and grandmothers. There is more emphasis on inclusivity and gender diversity.  I am proud that young female CRE brokers have tenured women to look to for inspiration. And don’t forget that the support of men in our lives is equally important. Kudos to both men and women for the significant changes we are experiencing.