2016 Women in Real Estate: Ilkay Cam-Spanos

Name: Ilkay Cam-Spanos

Title: Senior Project Manager

Email: [email protected]

Years in real estate: 16

Company Name: Langan

Year Founded: 1970 

URL: www.langan.com

Telephone: 212.479.5400

Twitter @LanganEngEnv

How did you get your start in real estate?

I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science from New Jersey Institute of Technology in 2005 and began my engineering career at Langan shortly after.

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?

CREW (Member Recognition Committee member); NJ Society of Women Environmental Professionals (founder and chair for MetroNet Committee)

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

Working at Langan has given me the opportunity to work on numerous development projects with multiple developers. I am proud to be a part of every project I worked on.

What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why?

Recently, I was given an opportunity to grow in the company and step into a bigger role. This confirmed that I have an entrepreneurial spirit combined with expertise in my field; a deep understanding of Langan’s culture and vision; and, most importantly, am a valued and trusted employee. This year I was also named one of Women Builders Council’s Outstanding Women, which recognizes accomplishments in the building industry.

What have been some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor?

I believe no one gets anywhere alone. I am lucky enough to have great mentors who show me how to be an effective leader. These mentors inspired me to start mentoring junior staff, which gives me the chance to teach others while discovering more about myself.

Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why?

When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a brain surgeon or a doctor who discovered the cure for cancer. However those dreams started to change after talking to my high school math and science tutor, who had a great vision and understood each student’s capabilities. He suggested I consider engineering in addition to medical school because he felt the future was in environmental engineering/science and real estate. I’m very glad I listened to his advice.

What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you?

I create daily and weekly to do lists, which help me determine which tasks are the most urgent. While working on urgent matters, I listen to Greek music – something about it puts me in the zone! Another strategy I use is delegating. Delegation lets me distribute tasks while empowering others to manage new tasks.

What is the best advice you have received and who was it from?

It’s impossible to pick just one. There are a few I’ve received from a college professor and one of my earlier bosses that stuck with me, including:

• Focus on the solution, rather than the problem, to save time and money – but learn from your mistakes

• Try not to read emails with a “tone” even though they can have a “tone”

• It is okay to brag about yourself