2025 Ones To Watch - Industry Leaders: Deborah Smith, The CenterCap Group

Recent goal and impact:

Under Deborah’s leadership, CCG transformed its scope of services to grow its private placement business. Recognizing the need for a more targeted, sophisticated investor outreach strategy, Deborah led a complete overhaul of the firm’s investor coverage. This disciplined, data-driven approach has expanded access to key LP segments. By combining strategic insight with operational excellence, Deborah positioned CCG not simply as a service provider, but as a long-term partner uniquely equipped to guide clients through every challenge and opportunity the market presents.

Giving Back: 

I was very fortunate to present on a panel at the YPO Business Summit in Dubai the end of 2024 about current real estate trends in the US market. It was an amazing opportunity to talk about the changing landscape in the US with peers from around the world.

Best advice for new leaders: 

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.

Who was/is your role model and/or leadership mentor?

I had an extraordinary associate on the first deal I worked on in my career, he showed me the ropes. 

Turning problems into opportunities: 

The RE investment landscape is in the midst of profound change. A surge of new entrants, volatile capital flows, and increasing commoditization of information have reshaped the field. Survival demands agility; success requires vision. Under Deborah’s leadership, CCG’s a forward-thinking advisor, willing to take informed risks on its convictions to unlock growth avenues for clients. From recognizing insurance capital’s evolving role, to identifying niche strategies before mainstream, to understanding the convergence of RE and infra, CCG translates market volatility to strategic advantage.

Sharing knowledge and expertise:

Over Deborah’s 20+ year career, she’s become a respected intellectual force and frequently out front on real estate trends, having attracted a dedicated following across the industry through publishing pieces in PERE, NAREIM, REBusiness, ConnectCRE covering emerging trends across asset classes and investment management sectors. Deborah’s a vocal role model for the next generation of women interested in finance, an active mentor to young female professionals through WX-New York Women Executives in Real Estate, a board member on the public REIT (NYSE: AIV), and on NAREIM’s membership committee.

Best books, podcasts, or apps for aspiring leaders:

 The Wall Street Journal and Grit by Angela Duckworth.