2026 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Lydia Bell, Tungsten Property

What was the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in the past 12 months, and why?

Representing Babylist on their 20,000 s/f flagship lease on Bdwy. was my most rewarding and most personal project of the last 12 months. I was an early Babylist customer, back in 2013, and watched the company grow from afar since then.

The deal came to me through a current client, and it happened that the primary decision-maker at Babylist was someone I worked with on another deal. Some deals just feel like the dovetailing of years of seemingly disparate efforts. I’m excited for NYC to see this space come to life.

What leadership lesson has made the greatest impact on your career?

The most successful agents and brokers are creative problem solvers who enjoy solving problems. They ask a lot of questions of their negotiating counterparts and hear initial protestation as an opportunity to reconsider pathways to a meeting of the minds. Also, it’s hard for people to say “no” when they’re asked directly and in person.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women entering commercial real estate?

Ask how you can add the most value to your team or a project and do the work efficiently. Seek feedback and input from senior people whose careers you admire. Most importantly, speak well of other women behind their backs.