Women’s Equality Day | Hear From Our Agents
We are proud to celebrate Women's Equality Day by highlighting the triumphs and challenges of women in real estate. Hear from some of our incredible agents about advice they would give to young women starting out in their careers, some of the biggest challenges they have faced in their field, how they attribute their success, and more. Special thanks to our agents for sharing!
How do you attribute your success in the industry?
“I lead with the giving hand and mentor other women.” – Judy Gibbons, @therealjudygibbons
“Having a passion for new construction and a competitive mindset to never quit moving forward in my sales process continually over the years has, no doubt, elevated my success. I also have been very lucky to have had a positive mentor and principal in my corner to help me elevate my personal success.” - Jena Hendrix, @jhendrix_jamesonsir
“I forged my path by working tirelessly early in my career. I took every opportunity to learn from someone already established in the business. I took every lead that could potentially be a client. I never said no, always dressed the part, and was ready to GO get what was mine at every opportunity.” - Jill Hare, @Jillhare_chicago
“Being courageous.” - Melinda Jordan, @MJtheCloser
What is the best piece of advice that you would share with young women just starting out in their careers?
“There is enough for all of us.” – Judy Gibbons, @therealjudygibbons
“Invest in yourself, don’t quit, surround yourself with other positive goal oriented people. Do not listen to the naysayers! - Jena Hendrix, @jhendrix_jamesonsir
“Nothing is going to be handed out to you, you have to want it, you have to earn it and you have to step up to be seen and heard. Nothing is owed to you and you are competing with several others that have your skills and education so you need to do something extra to set yourself apart from the many.” - Jill Hare, @Jillhare_chicago
“Give yourself permission to be great. Grant yourself mercy when you stumble. Move boldly and gracefully through all things.” - Melinda Jordan, @MJtheCloser
What would you say to other women looking to start their careers in real estate or related fields?
“Focus on your goals and ask to take an experineced agent out for coffee.” – Judy Gibbons, @therealjudygibbons
“Be excited! Find a strong positive mentor that you can bounce ideas off of that truly wants to see you do great things!” - Jena Hendrix, @jhendrix_jamesonsir
“I get this question often and my answer is the same for both men and women but like any other career, I think you need to pay your dues to get to the top and it means working tirelessly under a top-producer in real estate to learn the lingo, learn the ropes, and how to be a boss. I would also like to add that real estate is not glamorous and it's not about working your own hours. To be successful, you have to do the dirty work and you have to work ALL the hours.” - Jill Hare, @Jillhare_chicago
“It is still okay to crawl before you walk and walk before you run.” - Melinda Jordan, @MJtheCloser
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your career?
“Loaded question...there’s still discrimination against women and ageism is real.” – Judy Gibbons, @therealjudygibbons
“Great question, I think there have been multiple little obstacles that I have encountered along the way that can hit your ego from time to time. I think when you are younger people assume you aren’t knowledgeable enough in your field at first, so you have to make sure that you are presenting yourself and knowledge in a way that proves you are the expert.” - Jena Hendrix, @jhendrix_jamesonsir
“As with most industries, I believe real estate is still male dominated as I've often had to break through that barrier to show clients that I am as qualified if not more in some areas such as new construction and definitely in negotiations.” - Jill Hare, @Jillhare_chicago
“Balancing being assertive and graceful at the same time.” - Melinda Jordan, @MJtheCloser
How has JCOMM/JSIR contributed to your success/supported you as a woman in real estate?
“Jameson Sotheby's International Real Estate is a leader in the industry in all aspects and certainly when it comes to breaking through the barriers of inequality, in all forms.” - Jill Hare, @Jillhare_chicago