From Intern to Industry Leader: Tori Nook's Journey in Commercial Real Estate

In this episode of The Spotlight: A Women Speak CRE podcast, host Allison Weiss interviews commercial real estate entrepreneur Tori Nook. Tori shares her journey from her beginnings at John Carroll University to becoming a stand-out retail broker and industry leader.

She discusses the importance of internships, networking, and flexibility in achieving success. Tori also highlights her transition to starting her own company, Anchor Retail, and how she has built a culture of flexibility and empowerment within her firm.

The conversation delves into the significance of vulnerability, work ethic, and maintaining relationships in driving professional growth. Tori also speaks about her recent foray into social media to expand her influence and connect with broader audiences.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:28 Tori's Journey into Real Estate

01:26 Internships and Early Career

03:17 Transition to Commercial Real Estate

04:49 Building a Network and Gaining Experience

06:44 Launching a Career in Retail Real Estate

08:44 Keys to Success in Real Estate

22:34 Entrepreneurial Leap and Starting a Business

34:39 Hiring Challenges and Solutions

35:21 Flexibility in the Workplace

38:30 Adapting to COVID-19

44:29 The Importance of Social Media

00:52 Early Career and Internships

01:07:25 Persistence Pays Off: Early Lessons

01:08:14 Balancing Motherhood and Professionalism

01:09:12 The Importance of Hard Work and Integrity

01:15:23 Entrepreneurial Journey: From Broker to Business Owner

01:24:47 Building a Flexible and Supportive Work Environment

01:35:32 Embracing Social Media for Business Growth

01:44:35 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

Guest | Tori Nook

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torirendanonook/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tori_nook/

X: https://x.com/ToriNook

Website: https://anchorretail.com/

Host | Allison S. Weiss

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsweiss/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonsweiss/

Website:

Finding Balance in CRE: Abigail Sievers' Success Story

In this episode of The Spotlight - A Women Speak CRE Podcast, host Allison Weiss interviews Abigail Sievers, an industrial broker at JLL in Indianapolis. Abigail shares her journey into commercial real estate - from her early dream of becoming a news anchor to finding her niche in industrial brokerage.

She details the challenges and obstacles she’s faced throughout her career, including navigating maternity leave & motherhood in a male-dominated industry, and prioritizing family while growing a thriving brokerage business.

Abigail emphasizes the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and having an abundance mindset.

Today’s conversation also covers Abigail’s strategic use of LinkedIn for business development, the boundaries that help her balance a busy personal life with professional ambitions.

Abigail’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and finding support in both personal and professional spheres.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:41 Abigail Sievers' Career Journey

05:06 Transitioning from Marketing to Brokerage

08:35 Leveraging LinkedIn for Business Development

18:15 Balancing Motherhood and Career in CRE

20:48 A Supportive Business Partner & Ally

25:14 Navigating Career Transitions

29:03 Mindset and Personal Growth

31:27 Building Relationships in a Small Market

39:11 Balancing Work and Family

41:00 Future Aspirations and Final Thoughts

Guest | Abigail Sievers

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-sievers-ab987226

Firm Profile: https://www.jll.com/en-us/people/bio-broker/abigail.sievers

Host | Allison S. Weiss

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsweiss/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonsweiss/

Website: https://www.crerecruiting.com/

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Connecting Beyond Walls: Garland Fuller on Third Spaces and Community

In this episode of The Spotlight - A Women Speak CRE podcast, host Allison Weiss interviews Garland Fuller, an award-winning third space culture and belonging consultant. With over 15 years of experience, Garland specializes in creating environments that foster community and connection.

During the conversation, Garland discusses her journey into commercial real estate, her role in transforming AAREP LA, and her current work focused on reimagining community spaces.

The discussion covers the necessity of nuanced approaches to office space utilization, the importance of integrating human-centric design, and innovative ways to activate underused spaces.

Highlights include Garland Fuller's “People, Place, Program” framework, the concept of third spaces, and the impact of evolving work environments on community building.

This episode underscores the importance of adapting to new cultural and technological shifts to create meaningful, engaging workspaces.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:09 Garland Fuller's Background and Career Journey

06:49 Diversity and Inclusion in Commercial Real Estate

10:06 Transforming AAREP LA

17:02 Reimagining Work and Space

25:36 Resetting Expectations in the Workplace

27:12 Challenges of Returning to the Office

28:23 Innovative Uses of Space

30:42 Revitalizing Community Gatherings

32:14 The Role of Virtual Reality in Real Estate

33:41 Event Trends Making an Impact

39:23 Implementing Effective Organizational Changes

43:05 The Third Space Academy

48:43 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

Guest | Garland Fuller

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garlandfuller/

Website: https://garlandfuller.com/

Third Space sign up: https://bit.ly/EnrollThirdSpaceAcademy

EARLYBIRD CODE for $100 OFF for The Spotlight listeners

Unplugged Session Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SyW6mxigS76vgx0mhCNf4A

Follow Garland Fuller: https://prodigious-designer-8603.kit.com/2998145cf6

Host | Allison S. Weiss

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsweiss/

Instagram:

Likable Badass: Insights from Alison Fragale on Success and Influence

In this episode of the Spotlight A Women Speak CRE podcast, host Allison Weiss interviews Alison Fragale, an organizational psychologist, professor at the University of North Carolina, and bestselling author of 'Likable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve.'

The discussion centers around building social capital through an authentic, yet strategic framework of self-promotion, promotion of others, and asking for promotion.

Alison also delves into the challenges and strategies for women in male-dominated industries, the importance of bringing your authentic self to work, and how to navigate career transitions.

Listen in for additional insights on the role of public speaking, the evolving workplace dynamics in commercial real estate, and practical advice for women aiming for leadership roles amidst the large demographic shifts impacting the CRE industry in the next 5-10 years.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:46 Welcoming Alison Fragale

02:39 The Concept of Likable Badass

03:39 Building Social Capital

04:09 Self-Promotion Strategies

07:23 The Power of Other Promotion

09:18 Asking for Promotion

14:43 Effective Email Responders

19:01 The Role of Public Speaking

22:04 Preparing for Generational Shifts in CRE

26:43 Navigating Parenthood and Career Decisions

27:08 Balancing Career and Family Life

29:32 Adapting the Workforce for Women

30:18 Advocating for Work-Life Balance

32:39 Supporting Women in Male-Dominated Industries

34:06 The Importance of Lifting Others Up

37:02 The Power of Individual Impact

38:36 Agree or Disagree: Thought-Provoking Statements

45:39 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

50:46 Podcast Conclusion and Takeaways

Guest | Alison Fragale

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonfragale/

Website: https://alisonfragale.com/

Order Likeable Badass: https://alisonfragale.com/book/

Book Alison as a Speaker: https://alisonfragale.com/speaking/

Host | Allison S. Weiss

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsweiss/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonsweiss/

Website:

Running Life's Marathon: Heather Ewing on Breaking Barriers in Commercial Real Estate

In this episode of the Spotlight, a Women Speak CRE podcast, host Allison Weiss interviews Heather Ewing, founder and CEO of Abstract Commercial Real Estate.

Heather, a seasoned commercial real estate strategist and international marathoner, shares her unconventional journey into the industry, highlighting the life-changing car accident that propelled her into seeking her true purpose.

She discusses the integration of her personal passions, like running, with her professional life, and how these experiences sharpened her discipline and resilience. Heather also offers insights into navigating the commercial real estate market, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, strategic risk-taking, and continuous personal and professional development.

The conversation reveals how Heather balances her creative spirit with her business acumen, making her a standout leader in the retail and restaurant brokerage landscape of Madison, Wisconsin.

00:00 Introduction to Heather Ewing

02:33 Heather's Journey into Commercial Real Estate

03:06 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose

03:48 Transition to Commercial Brokerage

04:59 Starting Abstract Commercial Real Estate

05:15 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change

08:48 The Role of Family and Personal Growth

12:42 Running and Real Estate: A Parallel Journey

18:36 Building a Unique Brand in Commercial Real Estate

23:07 The Importance of Providing Value

24:03 Making a Splash in the Market

26:04 Embracing Authenticity in Business

29:30 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Industry

34:12 The Power of Personal Stories

37:56 Mindset and Daily Routines

42:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Social Media Details

LinkedIn/Instagram/YouTube: @WomenSpeakCRE

Website: https://www.womenspeakcre.com/

Host | Allison S. Weiss

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsweiss/

Instagram: @allisonsweiss

Website: https://www.crerecruiting.com/

Guest | Heather Ewing

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermewing/

Website: https://www.abstractcommercialrealestate.com/

Thriving with Kindness and Excellence: Jen Hill's Journey

In this episode of the Spotlight: A Women Speak CRE Podcast, host Allison S. Weiss engages in a deep conversation with Jen Hill, a distinguished leader with a 27-year career at one of CRE’s largest and most prestigious firms.

Jen shares her passion for culture, strategy, and execution, drawing from her extensive experience across a wide variety of verticals and asset classes within JLL. Jen emphasizes the importance of curiosity, relationship-building, and introspection in career growth, alongside her distinctive leadership style that balances kindness with high standards of excellence.

The conversation also touches on Jen's investment journey, showcasing her strategic approach to wealth creation. Towards the end, the discussion highlights the value of aligning one's career with personal values and fostering a kind yet high-performing work environment.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:17 Meet Jen Hill: A Strategic Trailblazer

03:27 Jen's Career Journey in Real Estate

09:50 The US Army’s Housing Privatization Project

27:36 Mentorship and Career Advice

32:19 Starting the Day with Purpose

32:57 The Importance of Introspection

33:54 Balancing Kindness and Excellence

34:33 Kindness in Leadership

37:38 Navigating Workplace Culture

41:43 Building Strong Relationships

48:28 Investing as a Woman

56:00 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Social Media Details

LinkedIn/Instagram/YouTube: @WomenSpeakCRE

Website: https://www.womenspeakcre.com/

Host | Allison S. Weiss

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsweiss/

Instagram: @allisonsweiss

Website: https://www.crerecruiting.com/

Guest | Jennifer Hill

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hill-5812555/

Kate Brodock’s LinkedIn

Kate Brodock’s latest CRE adaptive reuse project

Building Impact: Carrie Bobb’s Real Estate and Legislative Legacy

In this episode of the Spotlight - A Women Speak CRE podcast, retail expert Carrie Bobb shares insights from her extensive career in commercial real estate.

Carrie discusses her career retail leasing & placemaking, merchandising strategies, and her favorite projects, including leasing One Paseo in Del Mar.

Her foray into digital strategies with HelloJenny, further acquired by Foundry Commercial, is highlighted as a key development in aligning social media with real estate transactions.

Most notably, Carrie talks about her pivotal role in the creation of 'Carrie's Law,' which removed arbitration for sexual assault cases in the workplace.

This conversation delves into her journey of faith and personal development, her eventual move to Nashville, thoughts on future career steps, and reflections on balancing professional and personal life.

Additionally, the episode ends with a light-hearted and impromptu segment featuring Carrie's young son, Jack, discussing his interests and aspirations.

00:00 Introduction to Carrie Bobb and Her Achievements

03:11 Carrie's Early Career Journey

05:17 Finding Her Niche in Retail

07:09 Going Independent and Career Milestones

09:15 Balancing Competition and Relationships

20:36 Carrie's Law and Advocacy

25:44 Faith and Professional Resilience

28:22 HelloJenny and Social Media Strategies

33:36 The Importance of Social Media for Young Professionals

34:33 AI and Social Media: The New Search Engines

36:09 Creating Authentic Content: Your Personal Voice vs. AI

37:48 Navigating Social Media Platforms: X and LinkedIn

38:58 Balancing Social Media and a Personal Life

45:30 Reflecting on Career and Future Goals

51:19 Clearing the Runway: Making Space for New Opportunities

59:52 Special Episode: A Fun Chat with Jack

Social Media Details

LinkedIn/Instagram/YouTube: @WomenSpeakCRE

Website: https://www.womenspeakcre.com/

Host | Allison S. Weiss

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsweiss/

Instagram: @allisonsweiss

Website: https://www.crerecruiting.com/

Guest | Carrie Bobb

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriebobb/

Instagram/X: @carriebobb

In this episode of the Spotlight, a Women Speak CRE podcast, host Allison S. Weiss welcomes Danielle Sprouls, founder of Unscripted Pivots, executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of 'WTF Women That Flourish: Transform Your 'What the F' Moments into Your Greatest Wins.' Danielle shares her transformative journey from being an attorney and commercial real estate executive to launching her own coaching business. She discusses the pivotal moments in her life, her approach to overcoming fear, and the importance of embracing unscripted changes. Danielle also highlights her connection to her grandmother, DiDi, and the powerful lessons she imparted. The conversation provides valuable insights into resilience, the importance of community, and the courage to pivot with purpose.

00:00 Introduction to Danielle Sprouls

02:56 Danielle's Book: WTF Women That Flourish

04:04 The Origin of WTF and Unscripted Pivots

05:18 Danielle's Career Journey: From Law to Real Estate

07:43 Personal Life and Career Pivots

10:47 Embracing Change and Finding Purpose

20:11 The Power of Faith and Sobriety

25:32 Living with Intention and Community

28:18 Navigating Job Transitions and Promotions

28:50 Embracing Intuition and Legal Training

29:45 Life Milestones and Career Pivots

30:58 The Importance of Fear and Failure

34:00 Moving to California and Starting Anew

37:37 Mentorship and Giving Back

41:45 Launching Group Coaching and Final Thoughts

Social Media Details

LinkedIn/Instagram/YouTube: @WomenSpeakCRE

Website: https://www.womenspeakcre.com/

Host | Allison S. Weiss

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsweiss/

Instagram: @allisonsweiss

Website: https://www.crerecruiting.com/

Guest | Danielle Sprouls

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellesproulsesq/

Website: https://www.unscriptedpivots.com/

X: https://x.com/The_WTF_Lady