Women leaders shaping the future of real estate asset management

Don't miss this exclusive pre-event Q&A with trailblazing women in real estate asset management. Driving leadership and innovation in this traditionally male-dominated field, learn candid insights on overcoming professional challenges, the transformative power of mentorship, and proven strategies for building resilience during economic uncertainty. You can learn further illuminating discussions at IMN's Real Estate Asset Management conference, October 6 at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District, where more visionary leaders will share key insights on the horizon of real estate asset management. Register today!

Lisa Swain, Managing Director & Head of Asset Management, Aravest

1. What have been your most significant challenges and triumphs as a woman advancing in real estate asset management, and what advice would you give to the next generation of female professionals entering this traditionally male-dominated field?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been staying authentic in environments that often prize conformity. In a fast-paced, high-stakes industry, it’s tempting to mirror the loudest voice in the room or lean into the more traditional playbook. Holding onto my own leadership style-one rooted in collaboration and transparency has proven that this approach is not only sustainable but powerful. By leading with openness, recognizing the contributions of others, and giving credit where it’s due, has allowed me to build strong and more motivated teams and partnerships with constituents at all levels. Helping others rise, while delivering results, has been both my proudest achievement and my most rewarding responsibility.

My advice would be to:

1) Lead as yourself, not as who you think you should be,

2) Shine a light on others,

3) Stay curious and adaptable.

2. How has mentorship shaped your career trajectory, and what strategies would you recommend for women looking to build powerful professional networks in commercial real estate asset management?

Real estate is as much about people as it is about assets; strong networks and trusted partnerships will carry you further than spreadsheets alone. Early on, I benefited from woman mentors who not only shared technical knowledge, but also modeled resilience, integrity , and leadership under pressure.

3. In your experience, how do you strengthen resilience during economic downturns, and what risk mitigation strategies have you found most effective when future-proofing assets?

Resilience in hotel asset management during downturns is about removing hesitation – there’s no room for second-guessing. Rely on analytics to make quick, confident decisions that protect liquidity and preserve asset value. That means acting decisively on cost containment, pivoting demand strategies in real time, and holding operators accountable for agility. Downturs reward discipline and data-driven execution, but they also highlight the importance of strong partnerships – with operators, brands, and lenders-to position the hotel asset for long-term recovery.

Melody Garcia, Executive Director, JP Morgan Chase Asset Management

What have been your most significant challenges and triumphs as a woman advancing in real estate asset management, and what advice would you give to the next generation of female professionals entering this traditionally male-dominated field?

My journey in real estate asset management has been marked by unique challenges and triumphs. I started my career on the operations side without a formal degree, which meant I had to work harder and longer to advance within the organization. I was keenly observant of each asset manager, eager to understand the reasoning behind their inquiries. Curiosity played a crucial role in shaping my career, as did my relentless pursuit of understanding every facet of the industry. There was constant pressure to perform at a higher level and to anticipate answers for every meeting. Being a woman in the operations side posed additional challenges. While the multifamily industry is predominantly female at lower levels, the VP level and above is largely male-dominated.

My guiding principle was to maintain integrity and focus equally on advancing my career and supporting other women in their professional journeys. I realized that my experience could outweigh formal qualifications, and I learned to leverage that experience and knowledge to drive value.

To the next generation of female professionals, I would advise knowing your value and understanding what you bring to the table. Seek out mentors who can guide you in the industry. Have confidence in your voice and be willing to share your ideas and perspectives. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and focus on uplifting women in the industry. You will be amazed at how you all rise to the top together.

Build your network, knowledge, and deal pipeline at IMN's Real Estate Asset Management conference, October 6 at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District, where industry leaders will share key insights on the horizon of real estate asset management. Register today!