Alison De Souza
Alison De Souza is an accomplished operations leader, mentor, author, and certified life coach with more than 20 years of professional experience, including over 14 years in the commercial real estate industry. Currently serving in an operations leadership role with Integral Group, she is recognized for driving organizational efficiency, implementing scalable operational systems, and uncovering significant cost-saving and revenue-capture opportunities. Alison approaches operations with a philosophy centered on seamless execution, believing that successful organizations function like a swan gliding effortlessly on the surface while strong operational systems work diligently behind the scenes. Her expertise spans process improvement, vendor and contract management, change management, and operational strategy, with a proven track record of identifying long-standing inefficiencies that have resulted in substantial financial savings for organizations.
Prior to her current role, Alison held leadership and operations positions with organizations including Berkadia, CBRE, and SThree, where she developed a strong reputation for strategic problem-solving, team leadership, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. She also serves as Managing Director of Alison Smith Events, further demonstrating her versatility in leadership, branding, event management, and organizational development. In addition to her extensive operational background, Alison is a Certified Qualified Life Coach and Scrum Master with Agile training, combining technical expertise with a passion for mentoring and personal development. She actively supports interns, young professionals, and emerging leaders by helping them establish SMART goals, build confidence, and navigate their professional journeys with purpose and structure.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Alison is deeply committed to community service, mentorship, diversity initiatives, and philanthropic work. She has participated in numerous volunteer initiatives, including partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, youth mentoring programs, ministry work, and advocacy initiatives supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion within commercial real estate. Her contributions to community leadership and mentorship have earned her several honors, including the Alison J. Day Proclamation from the Town of Brookhaven, New York, the Annual Forgiveness Award for Community Service, and the Author Advocate Award from Dr. Rita Ali. As co-author of the “Outlived the Labels” book series and an advocate for empowering others through education, mentorship, and service, Alison continues to inspire future generations through leadership rooted in faith, perseverance, compassion, and intentional impact.
• Certified Qualified Life Coach
• Scrum Master / Agile Certification
• Night School – BS in Computer Programming
• Cornell University – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certificate
• Annual Forgiveness Award for Community Service
• Alison J. Day Proclamation – Town of Brookhaven, New York (November 11)
• Author Advocate Award – Presented by Dr. Rita Ali
• Operation Black Vote (OBV)
• Black Sox (B-L-A-K-S-O-X)
• Youth Mentoring
• Ministry Work
• Co-author of 'Outlived the Labels' book series
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the grace of God, hard work, and perseverance. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don't actually get up and show up, how is anybody going to know how talented you are? I've learned that it's not just about having abilities, it's about being present and willing to put in the effort consistently. Even when I didn't have the best start in life, growing up in a single-parent household without some of the luxuries my friends had, I made sure not to let that define my path. My mother made sure I had experiences that helped shape me, exposing me to different cultures and cuisines, which gave me a broader perspective and almost a sense of adventure that I carried into my professional life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is to remain flexible and fluid in both life and business. I often reflect on the philosophy of being “like water,” adapting to circumstances while continuing to move forward with purpose. I have also learned the importance of simply showing up and being present. Opportunities often come to those who are visible, dependable, and willing to put themselves in positions where their talents and work ethic can be recognized.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to remain present, seek mentorship, and never allow their background or early challenges to define their future. It is important to establish structure in your personal and professional growth by setting SMART goals and creating clear plans for success. I also believe in helping others along the way, building meaningful relationships, and maintaining confidence in your abilities regardless of the obstacles you may face. Your circumstances do not determine your ceiling unless you allow them to.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in operations today is the ability to implement systems and processes that reduce manual work, improve efficiency, recover missed revenue, and create significant cost savings for organizations. At the same time, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring that institutional knowledge is embedded within systems and roles rather than tied solely to individuals. Organizations must also continuously adapt to operational changes, evolving technologies, and the need to rebuild and strengthen professional networks in changing business environments.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are faith, hard work, perseverance, service to others, and being fully present for the people around me. I believe leadership is about consistency, reliability, and supporting others in meaningful ways. Whether in my professional role or through mentoring and ministry work, I strive to lead with integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility to help others grow and succeed.