2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Katie Collins, Marcus & Millichap

“Katie is a strategic leader who has brought greater focus and consistency to recruiting across the Northeast and nationally. She has established a more structured, scalable approach to building sales teams, contributing to a stronger pipeline and a more aligned path for growth across markets, supporting the firm’s long-term commitment to helping clients build and preserve wealth.” 

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

Building a national sales recruiting department designed to support firm growth across markets. In a newly created role, I lead sales recruiting strategy and execution in close partnership with leaders across the firm. By creating a more consistent, scalable approach while accounting for local market needs, this work has improved alignment across teams, laid the foundation for a stronger national talent pipeline, and established a clearer approach to supporting long‑term sales growth.

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

Starting each day by prioritizing impact over urgency.

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

Leaders who challenged me, trusted me with responsibility, and held me accountable. 

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

Focus on building real expertise and take ownership when opportunities arise. Learn the business, ask thoughtful questions, and be dependable. The strongest leaders I’ve seen earn trust by taking accountability, showing consistency over time, and following through on commitments. They also invest in relationships and their internal reputation, knowing that trust and partnership are what move work forward. Be open to feedback, stay curious, and commit to continual learning. Credibility compounds, and leadership opportunities follow when people trust both your work and your judgment.