Women Influencers

In this episode, join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of Renee Savage, an influential leader in business and commercial real estate. Discover how Renee's passion for mentoring the next generation and her commitment to hiring based on potential led to global recognition and professional growth opportunities. From overcoming introversion to reshaping the industry, Renee's story is an inspiring testament to the power of influence and the importance of building a strong reputation. Tune in to learn how fearlessness, adaptability, and embracing new adventures can lead to remarkable success.Renee Savage is an influential figure in the business and commercial real estate world, with a passion for mentoring and empowering the next generation of professionals. As the President of IRM, an organization with 18,000 members globally, Renee embraces the opportunity to connect with individuals, create impactful change, and promote professional and personal growth. With a wealth of experience in property and asset management, Renee founded Savage CRE, a consulting company aimed at supporting the industry and driving positive transformations.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:We have the power to influence and make an impact on others' lives, whether positive or negative.Mentoring and guiding the next generation is a passion that can help build confidence and propel others forward.Hiring based on potential and personality, rather than just experience, can lead to better results and provide individuals with valuable opportunities.Volunteering and being involved in professional associations can contribute to significant career growth and personal development.Building a strong reputation through integrity, treating others well, and continuously improving oneself is more valuable than a strong resume."Your reputation is what gets you in the door" -Renee SavageConnect with Veronica:WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Renee:LinkedIn

Join host Veronica Malolos as she engages in a captivating conversation with Marissa Limsiaco, an influential woman with an untraditional path from the military to entrepreneurship. Discover the invaluable lessons Marissa learned in leadership, resilience, and taking calculated risks that led her to create a thriving community of support for women in business and commercial real estate. Tune in to uncover how Marissa's journey can inspire you to break glass ceilings and seize opportunities, no matter your background or circumstances.Marissa Limsiaco is a trailblazing entrepreneur, military veteran, and inspiring advocate for women in business. As the only woman in her classes at West Point during a time of shifting dynamics in the military, Marissa faced unique challenges that shaped her leadership style and resilience. After serving in combat during the surge in Iraq, she realized the importance of seizing opportunities and not taking life for granted. Marissa's journey has taken her from the military to business school and ultimately to starting multiple successful ventures in commercial real estate and product-based venture capital-backed businesses. Her experiences as an immigrant and her passion for building supportive networks have fueled her mission to create opportunities for women in industries with limited female representation. Through her engaging story and lessons learned, Marissa empowers women to embrace calculated risks, embrace discomfort, and break glass ceilings in business and beyond.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:The speaker learned valuable lessons in leadership and resilience during their deployment in a dynamic and challenging environment.Creating a supportive community, like the speaker's group of influential women in commercial real estate, can provide invaluable support, candid information, and increased confidence.Taking calculated risks and chances, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone, is important for personal and professional growth.Embracing uncertainty and discomfort instead of pushing them away can lead to unexpected opportunities and progress in your journey.Engaging with customers, setting expectations, and asking for feedback are crucial for founders to improve their product and gain customer trust.“Comfort is the enemy of progress” - Marissa LimsiacoConnect with Veronica:WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Marissa:WebsiteLinkedIn

Discover how Tracy Kasper, a trailblazing leader in the real estate industry, overcame adversity during the recession and is now set to become the National President of the Realtor Association. Tune in as Tracy shares her inspiring journey and discusses the vital role of diversity, financial literacy, and advocacy in shaping the future of business and commercial real estate.Tracy Kasper is an influential figure in the real estate industry and a champion for diversity and financial literacy. With a wealth of experience and leadership roles, including being the 2024 National president of the Realtor Association, Tracy has had a profound impact on shaping policies and advocacy efforts that benefit the business and commercial real estate community. Growing up in Wyoming and overcoming personal and professional challenges, Tracy's journey has not only inspired others but also transformed her own perspective on the industry. Tracy's passion for promoting diversity, advocating for financial wellness, and making a positive impact on communities makes her a true women influencer in business and CRE.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Campaigning during a pandemic presents unique challenges, such as relying on virtual methods rather than in-person interactions.Learning about diversity and unconscious bias is essential for fostering an inclusive environment in business and commercial real estate.Privilege extends beyond financial status and includes considerations of personal safety and fair treatment based on race.Using positions of influence to bring in diverse leadership is crucial for promoting equality and representation.Tracy's story of overcoming adversity in the 2008 recession as a small businesswoman inspires and aligns with the podcast's focus on women influencers in business and commercial real estate.The Importance of Recognizing Privilege: "We migrate to people who look and feel like us and talk like us and all of those things. So how do I learn what diversity means? How do I learn what others are experiencing and going through? Because I come from a very different place. I had to learn what coming from privilege meant." - Tracy KasperConnect with Veronica:WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Tracy:WebsiteLinkedIn

In this episode of "Women Influencers in Business & CRE," our host Veronica Malolos sits down with Agnes Rivera, a trailblazing leader in the commercial real estate industry. Agnes shares her powerful journey as a woman in a male-dominated field, highlighting the pivotal role that CCIM education and mentorships played in her success. From overcoming challenges to advocating for diversity and inclusion, Agnes's story will inspire and empower listeners. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the podcast!Agnes Rivera is a highly respected and influential figure in the commercial real estate industry, with a career spanning over three decades. Starting in the 90s in Puerto Rico, Agnes has worked tirelessly to overcome the challenges faced by women in this male-dominated field. As a broker and leader, she has successfully navigated the industry and credits her accomplishments to her CCIM education and mentorships. Agnes has not only excelled in her own career but has also been dedicated to helping others through her involvement with the CCIM Institute and Puerto Rico CCIM chapter. Listeners will be inspired by her story of perseverance and triumph in the world of commercial real estate.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:The importance of building a strong network: Having a network of professionals in different areas of expertise can open doors and provide valuable support throughout your career.The impact of CCIM Institute on career growth: The CCIM Institute played a significant role in the speaker's career, providing educational opportunities and mentorships that helped them succeed in the commercial real estate industry.Overcoming challenges as women in commercial real estate: Agnes and Veronica faced challenges as women in a male-dominated industry, such as discrimination in commission splits and building trust with clients. It is crucial to stay strong, focused, and rely on a supportive network.The value of time management and prioritization: Prioritizing important aspects of life, such as family, vacations, work, and personal growth, helps maintain balance and success. Being intentional with how you spend your time is key.The need for diverse perspectives and support: It's important for men to understand and support the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries. The podcast aims to change mindsets and provide a platform for both female and male voices to create a more inclusive and diverse industry."Well, first of all, I think it all starts with being humble and recognizing that the reason I am where I am today is because I had people who helped me, right?” - Agnes RiveraConnect with Veronica:WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Agnes:WebsiteLinkedIn

In this episode of Women Influencers in Business & CRE, host Veronica Malolos sits down with Jeri Frank, co-founder of Stratafolio, as they delve into the challenges faced by women founders in the world of commercial real estate and the fascinating journey of building a proptech company from the ground up. Join us as we uncover the secrets of success and the inspiring stories that shaped Jeri's path in the industry.Jeri Frank is a renowned entrepreneur, co-founder of Stratafolio, and a trailblazer in the world of commercial real estate technology. Growing up in a small farm town in Iowa, Jeri's passion for people's stories and decision-making processes fueled her journey to success. With a master's degree in Women's Studies and a background in software and aerospace industries, Jeri and her husband developed and launched Stratafolio, a cutting-edge proptech platform for commercial real estate property management. Their innovative solution has garnered recognition, including being named one of the top commercial real estate portfolio property management platforms by CRE Tech. In addition, Jeri is a vocal advocate for women founders, shedding light on the challenges they face in seeking funding.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Building a successful business requires more than just creating a product; it involves constantly learning, staying updated, and adapting to challenges.Fundraising can be a significant challenge, especially for female founders in the tech industry. Women face disadvantages when seeking funding and must navigate these obstacles.The importance of offering a full-service onboarding experience for clients, particularly in the commercial real estate industry where time is limited.Immigrants face unique challenges when starting a new life in a different country, including language barriers and cultural adjustments. However, they bring unique perspectives and strengths to the business world.Diversifying assets and leveraging one's expertise can lead to successful ventures. Identifying gaps in the market and developing solutions can pave the way for innovation and business growth.“Be silent and listen to yourself” - Jeri FrankConnect with Veronica:WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Jeri:WebsiteLinkedIn

In this episode, Veronica chats with Flavia Kanyago, an accomplished real estate professional, about her journey in business and commercial real estate. Join them as they discuss Flavia's path to success, the challenges she's overcome, and the importance of mentorship and diversity in the industry. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of today's influential women in business and CRE.Flavia Kanyago, Vice President of Sales & Leasing for CrossMarc Services in Orlando, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of commercial real estate. Born in Uganda, Flavia moved to the United States at a young age and found her calling in the industry while studying at Florida A&M University. As a co-founder of the university's first real estate program, Flavia has dedicated herself to empowering and mentoring students, ensuring they have the tools to succeed. With a background in landlord and tenant representation, Flavia's genuine approach and commitment to building meaningful relationships have earned her the respect and trust of clients. She continues to make a significant impact in the industry, sharing her expertise and fostering diversity.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:The importance of balancing motherhood and a career in real estate: Flavia shares her experience of successfully balancing being a mother and a commission-based broker, showcasing the flexibility and opportunities this industry offers.Increasing diversity in commercial real estate: Flavia celebrates the growing diversity in the industry, noting the efforts of organizations like ICC in promoting diversity and inclusion and the importance of doing business with people who look like us.The impact of mentorship and networking: Flavia acknowledges the pivotal role that mentorship and networking played in her own journey, emphasizing the value of internships, conferences like the ICSC, and mentorship from industry leaders like John Crossman.Achieving professional designations: Veronica highlights her proudest moment of achieving the CCIM designation, explaining its significance in gaining respect as a female Asian broker and the impact it had on her career.Building relationships and trust: Flavia emphasizes the importance of building deep and meaningful relationships in commercial real estate, sharing her own experience of gaining long-lasting client relationships through genuineness, keeping their word, and delivering exceptional service."Understanding that you can build relationships. They're not just monetary. They're deep and they mean something. They're important.” - Flavia KanyagoConnect with Veronica:WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Flavia:WebsiteLinkedIn

Join us in this episode as we chat with D'etta Casto-DeLeon, a successful businesswoman, Director at CBRE and CCIM president, about her inspiring journey in the commercial real estate industry and the importance of having a supportive team to achieve success.D'etta Casto-DeLeon, a seasoned professional in commercial real estate, has worked her way up from managing insurance to becoming the Director at CBRE, the world's largest commercial real estate services company. With over 25 years of experience, D'etta has built a successful career through on-the-job training, proving that dedication and a proactive approach to learning can lead to significant achievements. A Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), D'etta also exemplifies the value of continuous professional growth through networking and pursuing industry certifications. In 2023, she will step into the role of Global President for CCIM, demonstrating her commitment to the industry and her drive to empower other women pursuing careers in commercial real estate.In this episode, you will be able to:Explore the inspiring stories of women breaking through barriers in competitive industries.Comprehend the necessity of hands-on learning for maximizing results in commercial real estate.Create a blueprint for harnessing the force of collaboration and support in your own success journey.Demystify overcoming self-doubt and achieving high levels of success without formal education.Reflect on the importance of commitment to learning and seeking guidance from experienced mentors."Don't come into these jobs thinking that you know everything, you have a good basis and know that you still need to learn. Learning never stops.” - D'etta Casto-DeLeonConnect with Veronica:WebsiteLinkedInConnect with D'etta Casto-DeLeon:WebsiteLinkedIn

Pinky Yee shares her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges and breaking barriers as a woman in business. From health issues to eco-friendly products, Pinky Yee's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. Don't miss this episode of Women Influencers in Business & CRE. Pinky Yee, a prominent and innovative business leader, has shattered expectations throughout her impressive 32-year career, taking Goldilocks, the beloved Filipino bake shop brand, from eight to over 800 stores worldwide. Her leadership skills also propelled her into the role of president of Domino's Philippines. Currently, Pinky serves as President and CEO of Pure Essentials Specialist Corporation, which launched the first product line of LivClean during the height of the pandemic in August 2020. A passionate advocate for empowering women and breaking through barriers, Pinky was awarded the Go Negosyo Woman Innovator of the Year in March 2022. In this episode, you will be able to:Discover powerful insights from successful women in business and entrepreneurship. Unlock the secrets to practicing mindfulness and self-care for peak performance. Uncover the benefits of adopting natural and sustainable products for a positive impact. Learn how to overcome obstacles and break barriers as a woman in today's world. Explore the significant role faith and spirituality play in maintaining focus and determination. Connect with Veronica:WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Pinky:WebsiteLinkedIn

Do you want to break free from the male-dominated real estate industry and find your own voice as a woman in business? Deena Zimmerman has the solution to empower you and help you achieve success on your own terms. Join us as we discover how to unleash your full potential and assert yourself in real estate, paving the way for a brighter future.Deena Zimmerman, a dedicated and accomplished broker and vice president at SVN Chicago, has carved out a remarkable career in the competitive field of commercial real estate. Overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry, Deena has become an expert in tenant representation and retail investment and development properties, she is driven to support other women in business and real estate.In this episode, you will be able to:Leverage networking for generating referrals and widening your knowledge base.Tackle challenges and confidently express yourself in male-dominated fields.Engage with the Goldie Wolf Miller Women Leaders in Real Estate Initiative for mentorship opportunities.Utilize the power of knowledge to gain an edge and stay ahead in the industry.Pursue your passions and take decisive steps to address unacceptable situations.If you don't stand for something, you fall for everything. - Deena ZimmermanConnect with Veronica:WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Deena:WebsiteLinkedIn