Here’s the latest feature in our Common Ground campaign for Gender Equality. All this year, we’re saluting women who are blazing trails in commercial real estate and related fields, paving the way for others to follow. Here’s to every achievement earned, every milestone passed, and every glass ceiling shattered! We had a great conversation with Robyn Reiss, Executive Director of Commercial Observer, the authority on commercial real estate leasing, financing, deals and culture.
Robyn Reiss
Under her leadership, Commercial Observer continues to be the leading platform to connect and inform commercial real estate professionals — including building owners and managers, brokers, commercial lenders and professional services firms. Their weekly coverage, up-to-the-minute updates, and live events provide an essential mix of breaking news, interviews, features, exclusive industry columnists, and in-depth analyses of market trends.
We spoke to Robyn to learn about her career, her achievements, and her advice and encouragement for other women. Click on any or all of the videos below for her thoughtful responses and reflections.
Q: How did you get your start in the business?
Q: Did you or do you have any role models in the industry, or someone who influenced you in a significant way in the field?
Q: Have you seen changes in gender equality since you started in the field?
Q: What’s one major milestone or achievement you can share from your career?
Q: Is there something you would still like to accomplish in your career?
Q: What advice would you give to women who may be starting out, trying to break in, or trying to advance in the field?
Q: As part of our campaign for gender equality, we’re working with Bottomless Closet, a local non-profit that helps disadvantaged women who are transitioning from unemployment and public assistance into the workplace. Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for these women who are attempting to find work and establish a career – in any field – in spite of severe hardship?
Q: Last question, on a more lighthearted note: what’s the last great book you read or show you binged?