Celebrating 15 Years: Lessons learned from the remarkable journey that started as a temp

As I celebrate my 15th work anniversary, I find myself reflecting on the journey at JLL that has brought me here. Fifteen years is a significant milestone, and I have been blessed with inspiring leaders, growth opportunities and incredible colleagues. It’s a perfect time to share some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. Embrace Change: Change is the only constant in our professional lives. Over the years, I’ve witnessed industry shifts, technological advancements, and organizational changes. Embracing change rather than resisting it has been crucial. Adaptability and a willingness to learn new skills have kept me relevant and resilient.

2. Build Strong Relationships: The importance of networking cannot be overstated. Building strong, genuine relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers has been invaluable. These connections have provided support, opened doors to new opportunities, and enriched my professional experience and added to my personal life with a new set of friends.

3. Value Continuous Learning: The world is constantly evolving, and so should we. Investing in continuous learning, whether through formal education, professional development courses, or self-study, has been key to my growth. Staying curious and seeking knowledge has allowed me to stay ahead in my field.

4. Cultivate Resilience: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of resilience—bouncing back from failures and maintaining a positive attitude during tough times. Each challenge has been a learning opportunity, shaping me into a stronger professional.

5. Prioritize Work-Life Balance: I started my career single and carefree, in my 15 year journey I've gotten married and had two daughters. I’ve continue to realize that a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success and well-being. Making time for family, hobbies, and self-care has made me more productive and satisfied in my career.

6. Lead by Example: Leadership is not just about managing a team; it’s about setting a positive example. Integrity, accountability, and empathy are the cornerstones of effective leadership. Teamwork, ethics and excellence remain core to who we are, and leading by example strengthens that with my peers and teams.

7. Stay Passionate: Passion is the driving force behind sustained success. Over the years, I’ve stayed passionate about my work by setting new goals, seeking out projects that excite me, and remembering why I started in commercial real estate. Passion fuels perseverance and inspires others.

8. Celebrate Small Wins: While it’s important to aim high, celebrating small victories along the way is equally crucial. Recognizing and appreciating these moments has kept me motivated and provided a sense of accomplishment.

9. Foster a Positive Work Environment: A positive work environment is vital for personal and team success. I’ve learned the importance of fostering an environment where open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect are the norm. Such an environment boosts morale and productivity.

10. Leave it better than you found it: I keep prioritizing how I've been given a unique opportunity to create positive change and leave a lasting impact on my organization, community, and the world. By aiming to leave things better than I found them, I foster a culture of progress, innovation, and sustainability. This approach ensures that future generations inherit a better legacy and enjoy improved conditions, rather than being burdened with problems and challenges left unaddressed.

As I reflect back on these 15 years, I am grateful for the experiences, opportunities, lessons, mentors, colleagues, clients, family and anyone I might have missed who have been part of this journey. Here’s to the next chapter, filled with new challenges, opportunities, and continued growth. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your support and encouragement have been invaluable.