2025 Women in CRE: Kelsey Johnson, EBI Consulting

What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why?

It’s too hard to pick just one! My most rewarding projects have been affordable housing and downtown revitalization properties in various cities. Being even a small part of the solution to the daunting housing crisis strikes a meaningful chord. Affordable housing projects are life-changing for so many and hearing directly from residents creates a very human and real-time connection to the work. Revitalization and adaptive reuse projects are exciting challenges and provide a sense of optimism for everyone involved. These kinds of projects usually “take a village,” so the sense of community starts even before the project is completed.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate?

If you search Google or ChatGPT for challenges women face in commercial real estate, you will find references to an “old boys’ club.” There may be reasons for this. But this element is not mysterious, and there are ways to navigate it. As with any existing industry culture, you can either conform or disrupt. There are pros and cons to both. My advice is to focus on your own professional fulfillment. CRE is a multi-faceted business. Find what you like and dislike. Be curious, ask questions, and share perspectives. Your best work will emerge when you feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today?

Listening.