2017 Women in Professional Services: Lynn Cosma Wenkert of Harras Bloom & Archer LLP

Name: Lynn Cosma Wenkert

Title: Counsel

Company Name: Harras Bloom &Archer LLP

Years in Real Estate: 35+

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of? NYS Bar Association Real Estate Committee and Suffolk County Bar Association Real Estate Committee.

How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career? Tact. I once heard it said that diplomacy is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a manner that they are looking forward to making the journey. We can’t always deliver news that clients want to hear, or turn an adversary into a BFF. We can however, treat people with respect, chose our words carefully and be aware of the impact of our actions upon others.

How do you play your strengths to your advantage in your career? I am persistent and have a sense of humor. I try to be persistent to a point just shy of annoying, and I never take things personally or too seriously. I hope to never lose the ability to laugh at myself or to appreciate the beauty of imperfection.

What trends are you seeing so far this year? There seems to be a confidence, almost a swagger which is emerging in investors. I’m seeing an increase in commercial property acquisitions as well as commercial transactions in general.

What do you do for fun? I love travel, gardening and am a voracious reader.