REAL ESTATE NEWS

At a time when commercial real estate careers are increasingly defined by constant change rather than linear progression, a group of senior industry leaders in Las Vegas said longevity depends on a willingness to evolve, take risks and build strong relationships as the market shifts.

During the ICSC Las Vegas 2026 + Women in CRE track, the session "Power, Pivots and Staying in the Game: C-Suite Women on Leading, Risk-Taking and Longevity" brought together Gina Baker Chambers, Elizabeth Blau and Jodie W. McLean for a candid discussion about career inflection points, leadership and resilience. Moderated by Stephanie McGowan, the panel focused not just on how these executives built successful careers, but how they sustained them through industry cycles and structural change.

A central takeaway was that careers in commercial real estate rarely follow a straight path, particularly in sectors like retail and hospitality that have undergone fundamental transformation over the past two decades.

Chambers pointed to her early days at Fannie Mae as the moment she began to understand the breadth of the real estate business, while Blau described a far less intentional start. She initially pursued an advertising role for her school newspaper but was instead offered a retail job, setting her on a path that ultimately led away from a planned legal career and into hospitality and entertainment.

McLean's trajectory was shaped by competition early on. She recalled a formative field hockey moment when she passed up a critical shot, a decision that stayed with her and later informed how she approached risk in her career. That mindset ultimately pushed her to pursue the Chief Investment Officer role at EDENS, a move that reshaped her professional path.

"I didn't want to miss the next shot," McLean explained.

Blau's early entrepreneurial instincts also played a role in her career direction. She described childhood games of "pretend restaurant" as the foundation for a career that would later center on hospitality, entertainment and placemaking, along with what she called "an aversion to the word no."

"Sometimes you just have to go for it," Blau said.

For McLean, longevity has been tied to both specialization and timing. She described her tenure at EDENS in "four chapters," noting that what began as a short-term plan evolved into a long-term career as the company and the industry changed. After becoming CIO, she focused on mastering acquisitions, while also recognizing early that the rise of the internet would permanently alter retail real estate. That shift, she said, elevated the importance of understanding consumer behavior alongside traditional investment metrics.

That insight reflects a broader industry reality. As e-commerce continues to pressure traditional retail formats, operators and investors have had to rethink how physical spaces create value, often blending retail with entertainment, dining and experiential uses—areas where Blau's career has largely been focused.

The panelists repeatedly emphasized that sustained success depends on continuous reinvention. Blau credited the constant evolution of hospitality and entertainment for keeping her engaged, while McLean highlighted the role of personal growth and leadership development in maintaining momentum over time.

Relationships, however, emerged as one of the most critical drivers of long-term success, particularly in an industry where capital flows and dealmaking are often relationship-driven.

Chambers said that over time, she came to understand that credibility and trust were more important than having all the answers. She encouraged a deliberate approach to building networks, including being clear about the difference between "friends" and "associates" and investing in relationships that are both meaningful and mutually beneficial.

"Be thoughtful and add value to your relationships," she said.

McLean echoed that view, acknowledging that she underestimated networking early in her career and now sees it as essential to performance.

"We think we are in brick and mortar, but we are not … we are in a people business," McLean said. "These relationships make your business sticky. They're good for your bottom line."

She described hosting salon-style dinners to build a diverse network across industries, emphasizing that curiosity, consistency and reciprocity are key to maintaining those connections.

Blau added that philanthropy can serve as a powerful connector, helping build purpose-driven relationships and expand professional networks. She also stressed the importance of recognizing and celebrating others' achievements.

"A mentor can be someone you don't even know," Blau said. "It can simply be someone who inspires you."

Risk-taking was another consistent theme, particularly as the industry navigates ongoing disruption. Blau pointed to her early decision to move to Las Vegas as a defining bet on a market that had not yet reached its full potential.

"You have to be able to see a place's potential," she said.

McLean framed risk more bluntly, arguing that mistakes are a necessary part of growth.

"If you aren't making a mistake every day, you aren't learning and you aren't growing," McLean said. "Go stub your toe."

Chambers added that not all major career decisions are purely strategic. Some of her most important moves, she said, were driven by instinct rather than analysis, including moments when she chose to push beyond her comfort zone after achieving early success.

"Don't underestimate an emotional move," Chambers said. "Sometimes you have to make an emotional move to grow."

As the discussion concluded, the panelists reflected on what continues to drive them after decades in leadership roles. Chambers pointed to the opportunity to bring new and historically underrepresented perspectives into the industry, particularly in capital allocation and portfolio strategy. Blau cited passion and the constant reinvention of her sector, while McLean emphasized the ongoing pursuit of growth and connection.

"It's always been about growing myself and continuing to evolve," she said.

Taken together, their perspectives underscore a broader shift in commercial real estate. Technical expertise and market timing remain important, but long-term success increasingly hinges on adaptability, relationship-building and a willingness to take calculated risks in an environment where change is constant and often unpredictable.

Source: GlobeSt/ALM