How would you describe Hines’ culture and guiding principles?

When my grandfather laid the foundation for Hines, our culture and guiding principles were deeply rooted in integrity, quality, and an entrepreneurial spirit. These values remain the cornerstone of our identity as we strive to excel as real estate investors and outstanding partners in the cities and nations where we operate. Our team members lie at the heart of our commitment to excellence while making a meaningful impact in our communities.

How pivotal is it for Hines to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce, offering a range of perspectives and experiences in business decision-making?

Our OneHines initiative is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every Hines employee feels valued and has an equal chance to realize their full potential. Spanning 27 countries with a workforce of over 4,850 professionals – of which 40% are female – we strongly believe that diverse skills and viewpoints fortify us, enabling us to better serve our investors, partners, clients, and communities. As we progress, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) remains a core focus, intricately woven into our broader, enduring Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.

Do you perceive strong opportunities for women to progress and lead within the real estate industry?

We recognize the need for greater support and opportunities for women across the industry. A key objective of mine is narrowing the gender gap within real estate. This is why I take immense pride in guiding the OneHines Women’s Network, an internal initiative dedicated to intensifying our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The overarching aim is to foster an inclusive culture at Hines, providing equal opportunities for all employees to achieve their utmost potential. As a woman holding a C-suite position at Hines, my primary aim is to elevate and empower more female leaders.

What guidance do you offer to aspiring individuals pursuing a career in real estate?

Firstly, I emphasize the importance of being a keen listener. Leaders are observed for cues on how to navigate situations, realizing that while one may not possess all the answers individually, collective efforts can overcome any challenge. Adversity has taught me resilience, urging proactive measures in uncertain circumstances. Gratitude is another key facet; recognizing and appreciating one’s team can make a significant difference, particularly for those considering a career in real estate.

On a personal note, when I assumed the role of Co-CEO, I was expecting my second child, who was born in April. It’s crucial for individuals to understand that it’s possible to prioritize both career and family in such positions – it’s not only feasible but acceptable to do so. My hope is that by the time my children enter adulthood, seeing a pregnant CEO successfully leading a firm will not be considered exceptional.

What sets Hines apart from other real estate companies in today’s market?

At Hines, our differentiation lies in our unwavering commitment to our core values, deeply embedded in integrity, quality, and an entrepreneurial ethos from our very foundation. Our approach to real estate investment transcends conventional boundaries – it’s about more than just erecting structures. We are staunch advocates for holistic development that not only enhances the urban fabric but also creates lasting value for our investors, partners, and communities. Moreover, our global footprint, coupled with a diverse and inclusive workforce, enables us to bring multifaceted perspectives to the table, fostering innovation and propelling us toward sustainable growth. We pride ourselves on our OneHines initiative, which champions an inclusive culture, empowering each member of our team to thrive and contribute to our collective success. This dedication to excellence, combined with our unwavering commitment to fostering diverse talent and experiences,  distinguishes Hines as a trailblazer in the real estate landscape.