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Women in ECR Leadership: Haley Smith

03/31/2023 ECR News

Who is a local female mentor of yours in Austin that’s made an impactful difference in your professional career?

All the women in CRE that are moms and still out there crushing it while balancing being a mother are people I look up to with admiration. Several are friends and competitors that inspire me daily.

What advice do you have for a younger woman who is looking to put her foot in the door of the CRE industry?

Networking is a crucial component. Meet everyone you can in the industry and ask them what they like/dislike about their job and what they do. There are SO many different avenues to take in CRE. I met with over 80 people before I decided I wanted to focus on tenant representation. Follow up and write thank you notes to everyone that takes time to meet with you. Companies want to see follow up and grit. The business can be tough and is extremely competitive – it’s important to show you have the skill set to make it.

For the first time in history, women CEOs run more than 10% of Fortune 500 companies. How do you think this advancement in history will continue to pave the way for equity and diverse representation in leadership?

This is an amazing piece of news, but we should be running 90% of Fortune 500 companies! Women are incredibly gifted “do it all” creatures. This advancement in history will help younger females know that it is possible to be a CEO and to not give up or settle for status quo.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

You don’t have to be on the cover of a newspaper to have significant success. Enjoy the process of growing in your career and don’t be too hard on yourself.

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