Strategic Leadership: City Council and Real Estate with Caitlin Quander
Explore the essential elements of successful leadership and achieve your goals in the latest episode of the Developing Leadership Podcast! Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Caitlin Quander, a distinguished business leader and real estate attorney. From her early days as a City Council aide to chairing the Denver Planning Board, Caitlin shares invaluable lessons on collaboration, patience, and the art of effective leadership. Discover the keys to building lasting relationships and gaining diverse experiences through a lifetime membership in NAIOP. Plus, gain insights into NAOIP's impactful public policy work, advocating for housing affordability and navigating regulatory landscapes. Don't miss this episode as Caitlin opens up about strategic investments, board memberships, and the power of pro bono projects. Tune in now to fuel your leadership aspirations and turn dreams into reality! [00:00 - 06:39] From Law School to City Council to Real Estate Leadership Caitlin Quander, a Brownstein's Real Estate shareholder, is NAIOP Colorado's president. Recognized in 2023 by Best Lawyers and Denver Business Journal for Outstanding Women in Business. Expertise: land use, zoning, real estate, urban renewal, and public finance. Advice: take on leadership, build a peer group, network, and break goals into smaller steps. An organic journey can lead to unexpected skills, enhancing professional growth. [06:40 - 20:12] Strong Leader Traits, Goals, Market Cycle & Mentorship Strong leaders have a skill in listening and a passion for what they are leading Goals: refine edges in aspirational, programming, and servanthood areas. Early career with mentor Jeanne Robb in City of Denver. Collaboration, listening, and patience are crucial when working with different perspectives. [20:13 - 34:22] Empowering City Employees, Mission, Vision, and Goals Identifying mentors includes trust and autonomy for new niches. Being a good storyteller is key to real estate, finding the story behind each project. Great mentorship includes giving back and discussing experiences honestly. Balance is found by spending time with family and doing outdoor activities. [34:23 - 40:49] Taking on Responsibility and Asking for Help Flexible workdays have become more common due to Covid. Set parameters early about when to respond to emails and when not to. Having a macro and micro perspective on the world is important. 100 hours of pro bono work annually for stretching oneself in different ways. [40:50 - 47:32] Advice for Developing Leaders, Effective Communication, and Time Management Advice: get involved, take on responsibility, don't be afraid to ask for help. Communication and expectation setting are key for managing time and making decisions. Listening to the community is vital for development projects. Reframe conversations to make changes palatable for powerful conversations. Manage your time by understanding your priorities, discerning when to say yes or no, and seeking help when necessary. [47:33 - 48:32] Closing Segment Key Quotes: "True leadership lies in the ability to listen, understand goals, reflect on the team's aspirations, and passionately guide, regardless of the position they hold." - Caitlin Quander “Get involved, show up, listen, and stick with it. Embrace responsibility to grow as a leader in your career journey.” - Caitlin Quander Connect with Caitlin Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-quander-murray/ Website: https://www.bhfs.com/people/attorneys/p-s/caitlin-quander Visit us on our Website: https://www.naiop-colorado.org/ LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Updated for the Next Episode!