Our first major event of 2019 is a week past and it kicked off what promises to be an exceptional year at CREW Network. With a warm welcome from New Orleans CREW and attendance at a record high, we forged forward to deliver the best industry leadership development content and peer exchange as well as business experts at the 2019 CREW Network Winter Leadership Summit.
The 2019 Leadership Certificate Program launched with 70 participants and focused on executive presence. Our Leadership Summit featured a focus on growing CREW membership and developing your personal brand. These timely topics and compelling sessions were the backdrop for an even more powerful energy that is pervasive at all CREW Network meetings—there is an enthusiasm and a commitment to help one another succeed. It is unique and transformative for everyone who experiences it.

I watch individuals light up as they meet someone who can help them with a deal, or a chapter issue or just acknowledging that “the struggle is real.” The connections and transformation that happen at CREW Network are unique. It’s more than business. It’s more than leadership development. It’s that sense of belonging that you cannot find at other industry organizations. We are the place where women from every discipline of commercial real estate can find her place. From senior executives to rising stars, we are powering leadership in new and meaningful ways.

As I reflect on some of the amazing transformations in recent months, I think of 2017 CREW Network President Alison Beddard. Following her board service and completion of the 2018 Leadership Certificate Program, she was promoted to managing principal at the Salt Lake City office of Cushman & Wakefield. I think of Ligia Labrada from CREW Miami, who also completed the 2018 Leadership Certificate Program, and made the courageous decision to leave her job and start her own company. I am reminded of Kim Wingerak of CREW Calgary who decided that she needed to make a change and took a two-month sabbatical, and recently landed a role as vice president of operations at a new company.
These leadership transformations are powered by CREW Network. We are inspiring women to make decisions that move them forward in business and their careers. This is only just the beginning of what CREW will do for you. Isn’t it time that you checked out what’s missing from your professional network? Isn’t it time that you experienced CREW Network? The door is open. We welcome you to walk through and realize great business opportunities and leadership growth.
Cheers,
WM
Wendy Mann is the chief executive officer of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network and president of the CREW Network Foundation.
Twitter: @crew_wendym
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