AZCREW
More women, more opportunities AZCREW’s new president discusses what’s ahead for the organization By ALYSSA TUFTS
W
omen haven’t always had a seat at the table in commercial real estate, but thanks to organizations such as AZCREW (Arizona Commercial Real Estate Women), more women are entering and staying in the industry, and many even have become senior executives at companies around the state. Lindsey Carlson, the 2021 president of AZCREW, is a senior vice president for Colliers International. She has been with the company for 18 years as a commercial real estate broker specializing in office space, and has been part of AZCREW for 15 years. AZCREW is an organization that focuses on the advancement and success of women in the commercial real estate industry through leadership, relationships, education and excellence. AZRE spoke with Carlson about how AZCREW is keeping members connected, what’s ahead for 2021 and how the organization is helping women advance and succeed in the commercial real estate industry. AZRE: Why is AZCREW beneficial for women in the commercial real estate industry?
Lindsey Carlson: Our mission really explains everything — it’s basically to transform the commercial real estate industry by advancing 24 | May-June 2021
women globally. What that means to our members is that by being part of this organization, you’re also part of something much bigger than just yourself, and you’re banding together to make sure the tide rises for everyone. Seventy-five percent of our members are senior members. This is especially helpful to people are just getting into the industry or are early in their career. They’re getting exposed to all these senior-level executives who can help further their career and give them guidance and mentoring. Everyone is always willing to give advice and help each other out. I’ve never once had anyone come up to me or make a call and say, ‘That person never got back to me,’ or ‘That person who couldn’t help me.’ Everyone goes above and beyond to make those connections and referrals and do deals with each other because we have such a high level of trust with each other.
We’re also part of the larger CREW Network, which has about 12,000 members globally. So not only do you have access to all your AZCREW members, but you have access to global members as well. So there’s no question you could ask that someone wouldn’t be able to provide an answer for, find resources or have some expertise on. Our members have so many tools and resources at their fingertips. AZCREW is not just for the big companies either. Some members who work at smaller organizations that don’t have a broad reach are able to leverage our network and act like a big global company, when they’re really just a regional player. AZRE: How has AZCREW engaged with it members during the pandemic? LC: We’ve really been intentional in trying to create value for our members and figuring out what it is
