Michelle Simmons, PMP

I attribute my success to disciplined thinking, strong execution, and genuine collaboration. I approach complex problems with structure and clarity, but I also place a high value on listening to the people closest to the work. I view my teams as true partners, not just direct reports, and I create space for their ideas to be heard, tested, and strengthened.

I am highly collaborative by nature and believe the best solutions come from combining analytical rigor with diverse perspectives. I encourage innovative thinking and thoughtful risk-taking, and I enjoy taking an idea—especially one that originates from a team member—and working through it together until it becomes either a practical solution or a well-reasoned decision not to proceed.

Most importantly, I focus on doing the work thoroughly and responsibly. Every initiative is evaluated with diligence, transparency, and long-term impact in mind. That commitment to thoughtful execution, continuous learning, and shared ownership is what has consistently driven strong results throughout my career.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was simple: be kind.

Early in my career, I was very focused on results and efficiency, and at times that meant being too quick or transactional in my interactions—especially with vendors. A mentor once reminded me that everyone I work with is trying to succeed, provide for their families, and do good work, just like I am.

That perspective changed how I lead. I became more intentional about listening, showing respect, and building true partnerships instead of just managing transactions. As a result, my relationships with vendors and partners became stronger, more collaborative, and more productive.

Leading with kindness has never meant lowering standards. It has meant raising the level of trust, accountability, and mutual respect—and that has had a lasting impact on my career and the teams I’ve been fortunate to work with

I would encourage young women entering this industry to invest early in both their technical skills and their confidence. Learn the fundamentals, understand the financial and operational drivers behind decisions, and never be afraid to ask thoughtful questions.

Be willing to think strategically and approach problems with curiosity rather than fear. This field is complex and constantly evolving, and the strongest leaders are the ones who stay open-minded, adaptable, and collaborative.

Just as importantly, advocate for yourself. Speak up, take ownership of your work, and don’t wait to be “perfect” before stepping into opportunities. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, and remember that your perspective brings real value. When you combine competence with integrity and resilience, you build a career that lasts.

One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in our field right now is navigating rapid change while maintaining stability and performance. Shifts in how and where people work, evolving customer expectations, and broader economic pressures continue to reshape how real estate and infrastructure portfolios are planned, financed, and operated.

Remote and hybrid work have permanently altered demand patterns, particularly in commercial office and mixed-use environments. At the same time, the explosive growth of digital infrastructure and AI-driven platforms is creating unprecedented demand for resilient, high-performance data centers and mission-critical facilities.

Another critical challenge is aligning long-term asset performance with customer success. Operators must balance financial discipline, operational reliability, and service quality while adapting to changing tenant and user needs. Organizations that can integrate strong governance, transparent data, and collaborative partnerships will be best positioned to succeed.

Ultimately, the greatest opportunity lies in building smarter, more sustainable, and more adaptable systems—ones that support both business objectives and the people who depend on them.

The values that matter most to me are honesty, trust, and accountability. Trust is the foundation of everything I do—trust in my team, in our partners, and in the systems we build. When people feel trusted, they take ownership, perform at a higher level, and work with greater confidence.

At the same time, I take seriously the responsibility of earning and maintaining that trust. Whether I am working with clients, colleagues, or vendors, I believe credibility is built through consistency, transparency, and follow-through. People need to know that if I make a commitment, I will honor it.

In both my professional and personal life, I strive to lead with integrity, respect, and reliability. Those values guide my decisions, strengthen relationships, and create environments where people and organizations can thrive over the long term.