2025 Women in CRE: Leslie Feifer, Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP

If you could change one thing about the CRE industry, what would it be and why?

Working in CRE today requires maintaining a delicate balance between managing realistic time frames and promised time frames. Oftentimes when deals come in clients want to move ahead at rapid speed without completing necessary due diligence because they fear “losing the deal”. That fear can be self-imposed, imposed by mortgage brokers, real estate agents or other sources. I would love to for the “sign it now” mentality to change and encourage thoughtful decision making to ensure enough time is devoted to understanding long-term ramifications from instant decision making.

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

Persistence, tenacity, honesty, hard work, relationship building, patience and understanding have always been important in my career. Relationships that i had no idea would be helpful in my career have lead to many successes for me. Build relationships, be honest to your clients and to yourself.