CCIM Houston: Real Talk from Real Leaders

The CCIM Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter's June luncheon brought together four powerhouse women shaping commercial real estate across Houston and beyond. The Women Leaders in CRE Spotlight panel featured D'Etta Casto-DeLeon (CBRE), Kristin Burton (AOG Living), Jenny Steelman (Third Coast Bank), and Hollan Hensley (Newmark) — and they did not hold back.

Key Takeaways from the Panel

• Relationships, integrity, and reputation still matter tremendously in CRE. In a relationship-driven industry, how you show up and how consistently you do so defines your long-term career more than any single deal.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions, raise your hand, and advocate for yourself. Visibility is earned, not given. The panelists were unanimous: self-advocacy is a skill, and it needs to be practiced.
• Career paths are rarely linear. Many of the best opportunities come from unexpected turns and challenges. The panelists' own journeys reflected this; pivots, detours, and difficult moments often opened the most meaningful doors.
• Communication and customer service remain underrated skills in our industry. Technical knowledge gets you in the room; how you communicate keeps you there.
• Honesty, accountability, and doing the right thing matter most during difficult market cycles. When the market tightens, character becomes your differentiator.
• AI, data centers, power infrastructure, and evolving capital markets will continue shaping the future of CRE. The industry is changing fast, and staying informed at the intersection of capital and technology is no longer optional.
• Houston and Texas remain incredibly attractive growth markets. A business-friendly environment and sustained population growth continue to drive opportunity across asset classes.
• On mentorship and leadership. You don't need to know everything before walking into the room, but you should never be afraid to do so. That reminder alone was worth the price of admission.

Thank you to CCIM Houston/Gulf Coast for organizing another outstanding event, and to the panelists for their candor, generosity, and insight.