Champoux of Crowell & Moring discusses most daring career move

Name: Barbara E. Champoux Title: Partner Company/Firm: Crowell & Moring LLP Years with company/firm: 4 Years in field: 20 Years in real estate industry: 20 Telephone: 212.895.4233 Email: [email protected] URL: www.crowell.com Real Estate Associations/Affiliations: CREW Network; NYCREW Network; AREW; WX; ICSC What is the most daring thing you've done for your career? How did it turn out for you? My move from the firm in which I had many friends, "grew up" professionally and became partner, to a new firm. At a critical professional crossroad, I could remain where I was comfortable and established, and fall into a "service" role performing work originated by others, or leave the nest and try to develop work myself. The former seemed safer but more constraining - the latter was riskier, but potentially empowering. It forced me to honestly evaluate my personal and professional goals, strengths and inclinations, and several things became clearer to me about myself. This decision turned out very well, although it has had challenges. Which project, deal or transaction was the "game changer" in the advancement of your career? Fortunately, I have had several "game changers" play a significant role in advancing my career - some were deals, and others, people. One of the more impactful of those was handling the acquisition of Six Flags from Time Warner, and subsequent multi-billion dollar financing for its operations. Among other other things, my role in that project (a) contributed to my elevation to partnership that year, (b) enhanced my relationship with the client, leading to over 15 years of wonderful work and revenues; and (c) underscored my abilities as a top closer, and passions as a deal junky.