Search
Sign In
The Value of Partnerships, Negotiations and Taking on New Challenges
NAIOP’s 2024 Developing Leaders Award recipients share lessons learned and advice for those starting out in commercial real estate.
Commercial real estate is an industry often characterized by high stakes and high rewards. Success in the field requires strategic thinking, strong communication and interpersonal skills, tenacity, and continued growth and development. Each year, NAIOP selects outstanding members ages 35 and younger to receive the Developing Leaders Award in recognition of their exceptional professional accomplishments, strong leadership qualities and dedicated community involvement. NAIOP presented the award at the CRE.Converge conference this past October in Las Vegas in front of a record-breaking audience of industry professionals.
The five award recipients recently highlighted the projects and initiatives they have found most valuable to their professional growth and shared recommendations for other young leaders to succeed in commercial real estate.
Can you talk about a project or initiative you’re particularly proud of and what you learned from it?
Lauren Carnevale, principal, national client manager, Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. (NAIOP North Texas): I’m truly proud of my journey through leadership in NAIOP North Texas. I began as a volunteer for a newer philanthropy event benefiting The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas, then advanced to be on the chapter Developing Leaders Board and serve as president. During my time on the board, I ended up overseeing the charity event in full and originating two more annual events that are extremely successful in our chapter. I am proud to now serve on the board of directors for NAIOP North Texas and hope to continue bringing fresh ideas to our membership.
Christine Curry, vice president, Selig Enterprises (NAIOP Georgia):
I am particularly proud of the work my team and I did to make 1105 West Peachtree, a $550 million mixed-use development in Midtown Atlanta, come to reality. This deal was unique in that we had one contractor and one construction contract for the entire project, making the capitalization process exceptionally complex. We successfully secured equity partners for the three components — offices, condominiums and a hotel — and a lender over the entire project. We delivered the project on time and under budget despite the headwinds created by the pandemic. My work on 1105 reinforced the value of partnerships, whether by picking up the phone to talk through a difficult topic or brainstorming how to approach a strategic decision. Ensuring you are aligning your investments with like-minded groups is critical for success.
Kelsey Kanspedos, development and construction manager, RIDC (NAIOP Pittsburgh): Working for RIDC (Regional Industrial Development Corporation) encompasses endless projects of which I am proud to be a part. RIDC’s mission of job creation through economic development fosters projects that help reinvigorate communities and spark transformational change. The projects include everything from brownfield redevelopment to test-track facilities for first-responder training and autonomous vehicles. Being a part of this organization allows me to become integrated into the different communities instead of being looked upon as an outsider building in their community.
Stephen Lindley, vice president of development, market officer, Ambrose Property Group (NAIOP Indiana): My favorite project is always the next one. What drives me each morning is the excitement of pursuing the next land acquisition, prospective tenant or build-to-suit project. While it’s crucial to celebrate wins with your team, the leaders who have shaped my commercial real estate career have instilled in me the importance of never becoming complacent. Each deal, whether a win or a loss, offers valuable lessons, and there is always an opportunity to improve and do better on the next one.
Sabreena Woods-Miller, client development manager, GBBN Architects (NAIOP Pittsburgh): One project I am particularly proud of is the real estate and development management of an emerging neighborhood in Pittsburgh. I realized that I excel at connecting various aspects through public art initiatives, award-winning historic preservation efforts, and collaboration with landowners and developers. Furthermore, I understand how crucial negotiation is for comprehending different perspectives and achieving common ground, ensuring that everyone leaves the table feeling like a winner. Mastering this skill set is essential.
What one piece of practical advice would you give to Developing Leaders who are just starting out in their careers?
Carnevale: I firmly believe we can always learn from others. Watching someone finesse their craft or network a room can be an irreplaceable skill to learn. I recommend staying humble and always recognizing there is something to be gained from all interactions.
Curry: Do not be afraid to stay inquisitive and ask questions. It can feel vulnerable, but you will likely find you are not the only one with that question, nor are you expected to know everything early in your career. This can present itself in meetings or in a new project. If you have spent time trying to problem-solve but acknowledge you have hit a dead end, do not be embarrassed to admit that you need some guidance to get to the next step. It is always better to be open and honest versus feigning understanding something and ultimately losing that precious time because you were too afraid to ask for help.
Kanspedos: Prioritize building strong relationships and a professional network. Networking and fostering connections with colleagues, mentors and industry peers can provide invaluable support and guidance. Become involved with NAIOP and other organizations that can help to advance your career. And don’t hesitate to take on new challenges. Stepping out of your comfort zone is where real growth happens.
Lindley: Establish a reputation founded on credibility and trust, and safeguard it at all costs. In our industry, success is built on relationships. If people trust you and enjoy working with you, your long-term success will follow naturally. No short-term gain is ever worth compromising your reputation. In the end, your integrity and the quality of your relationships will determine your trajectory in commercial real estate.
Woods-Miller: Keep your curiosity alive and hone your listening skills. Remember that the little nuggets of knowledge you pick up along the way — whether from a book or a casual conversation — can become an unexpected value in building connections with others. Always be open to learning and asking questions; this is where growth happens. Keep nurturing your curiosity and be receptive. These qualities will be your greatest assets.
Marie Ruff is director of marketing and communications at NAIOP.
Developing LeadersNAIOP’s Developing Leaders is an exclusive program geared specifically for commercial real estate professionals ages 35 and younger. It provides valuable opportunities to learn, grow, lead and give back at both the local chapter and national levels. Membership gives Developing Leaders access to NAIOP’s extensive network, updates on the latest industry news, targeted programs and unparalleled networking opportunities. NAIOP also offers National Forums that are specifically designed for Developing Leaders with at least four years of related commercial real estate industry experience. Visit the dedicated Developing Leaders website at naiop.org/dl to learn more about the program and become a member. |
