Kristen Wilson-Asman

I attribute my success to faith, relationships, tenacity, and persistence. Commercial real estate can be unpredictable, particularly when you are working on commission, and there are going to be seasons when the results are not immediate. I have learned that you have to stay present, stay consistent, continue showing up, and never give up. The relationships you build over time become one of your greatest assets. My background in ministry has also helped me tremendously. It taught me how to listen to people, understand different perspectives, lead with compassion, and build trust. Those skills are invaluable when you are asking clients to trust you with a multi-million-dollar property. My accounting background has been equally important because understanding commercial real estate means understanding financial statements, valuation, and the fundamentals that drive an investment. I am also grateful for the people who have invested in me and for the opportunities I have been given to serve and lead within the industry.

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that relationships matter. In this business, people need to know that they can trust you, and trust is not created overnight. It is built through consistency, keeping your word, understanding your client’s needs, and being willing to show up even when there is no immediate transaction attached to the relationship.

I would also encourage people to recognize that opportunities often come from simply making yourself useful. Early in your career, find successful people who are doing what you aspire to do and ask yourself how you can make their lives easier. Become indispensable. Sometimes the opportunity is not immediately obvious, but successful people often have more work and opportunities than they have time to pursue. If you are willing to contribute, learn, and serve, those relationships can open doors.

Most importantly, do not underestimate the power of persistence. You may not see the results of your work today, next month, or even next year, but consistent effort compounds. Keep building your network, keep learning, and keep showing up.

Network intentionally and become an active member of your local professional community. Find successful rainmakers and ask how you can help them then become so valuable that they cannot imagine doing their work without you. Learn the numbers, understand the business, listen more than you speak, and build relationships based on trust rather than transactions. Do not be intimidated by being in a male-dominated industry; bring your expertise, your perspective, and your authentic self to the table. Most importantly, be persistent your consistency can become your competitive advantage.

Commercial real estate continues to demand adaptability, financial sophistication, and strong relationships, while women are still navigating an industry where they remain underrepresented in many leadership and sales roles. At the same time, the industry presents tremendous opportunities for professionals who are willing to understand the numbers, develop specialized expertise, and build authentic relationships. For women entering commercial real estate, there is an opportunity not only to participate in the industry but to become influential leaders who help shape its future.

Faith, integrity, compassion, empathy, family, perseverance, and service are the values that guide me. I want my professional relationships to be built on trust and my personal life to remain grounded in the things that matter most—my faith, my marriage, my children, and my commitment to serving others. For me, success is not simply about what I accomplish; it is about how I treat people along the way and whether I use the opportunities I have been given to make a meaningful difference.