Lindsay Duffy

I attribute my success to my parents pushing me at a young age to be accomplished, do thing right, and make a difference. My growth I attribute networking and putting myself out there as a main driver. I've gone through so many different career paths because of networking or opportunities that presented themselves. I have never said no to a challenge or opportunity, but let me see if I can do this, and I did. I actually got my current job because I was speaking on stage at a multifamily Women's summit here locally two years ago, and my current boss, Rachael Kish, who was hosting, approached me afterwards and asked to have coffee, and then coffee became a job opportunity. The Division President Robert Hicks and Rachael offered me this job because I made the choice to sit on stage and tell my story of negotiating, and they got to know the leader in me and what impact I could bring all by putting myself out there.

I think networking is very important because this is kind of the new normal of finding jobs. It's not the career builder, it's through connections, it's LinkedIn, it's networking, it's word of mouth, it's your reputation and your personal brand that you're building. It really is who you know, who you position yourself alongside, and what career opportunities will come.

Take chances, don't be afraid to go against the grain and make big moves if it will aid to a better strategy or business plan. Too often leaders remain quiet because they are afraid to ruffle feathers, but if you do not speak up and advocate for yourself, change may never happen.

I would say, don't be afraid. It's okay to say no, and it's okay to challenge others. I have a little nickname sometimes called the Bulldog, because I have no problem going against the grain if I feel like something is not right or something needs to be done differently. I'm all for working alongside others, but if I feel like a silo or a department or an individual is giving inaccurate data or advice to others, I will always challenge that. Think outside the box, because I always say it's okay to ruffle feathers if it provides a better outcome. Within your career journey, stand up for yourself, ruffle feathers if necessary. You cannot be the yes person. I was the yes person in my younger years many times, and I just went with the grain, and I didn't make big moves. I could have been a lot further in my career if I would have made the big moves, if I would have stood up for myself, if I wouldn't have been that yes person, and if I would have had more of a backbone at a younger age.

I'm big on not balancing work into life, by integrating the two. As a mother to four sons ranging from four years old to 16 years old, prioritizing, and protecting my time is a very important lesson that I've learned. As an effective leader, I lean into my teams when they need me the most, while having a supportive partner at home to ensure that my household runs smoothly. I'm very blessed to have a husband that can be that support for me so I can continue to grow in my career. My career is my passion, and I need to feed that passion in order to be valuable and present at home and be the best wife and mother I can be, by being the best version of me.