2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Alisha Reddy Kondapu, SkyTrade

“Alisha combines technical depth with a clear sense of how to drive growth in a new market. From building scalable outreach systems to improving how we engage with partners, her work has had a real impact. Alisha brings focus, curiosity, and a practical approach that helps move things forward.” 

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community?

One thing I’m proud of is setting up a structured and automated way for us to find and reach the right people. I brought together various industry tools and automation workflows to make outreach both less manual and more targeted and impactful. It helped us move faster, stay consistent, and build a repeatable process for engaging with municipalities and partners as we expand into new markets.

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you?

A big challenge has been working in a space that’s still taking shape. There isn’t always a clear playbook for growth in low-altitude airspace, so a lot of it comes down to testing, learning, and adjusting quickly. I focused on building simple systems we could iterate on, which helped us stay flexible and make better decisions as we learned what actually worked.

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization?

I try to keep things simple with clear priorities, ownership, and space for people to figure things out. I encourage others to think beyond just completing tasks and understand why their work matters. I also share what I learn, especially around tools and automation, so we can all work smarter. For me, it’s about creating an environment where people feel comfortable trying, failing, and improving.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate?

I’d say focus on understanding how your work connects to the bigger picture. It’s easy to stay in your lane, but the real growth happens when you start thinking across functions. Stay curious, try new tools, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Building small systems that save time or effort can create a big impact over time.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader?

End each day reflecting on wins and lessons, then set the next day’s priorities.

What book, podcast, or app has most influenced your approach to leadership?

Personal journaling. Reflection has shaped my leadership more than any book.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey?

Leaders I’ve worked with, each shaping how I think and make decisions.