Women in CRE: Lauren O’Neil
Find people who will champion your career, says the COO of AEW Capital Management.
Changing careers after years with one organization was one of the hardest decisions Lauren O’Neil has made, but one she doesn’t regret.
“I am learning something new every day, and with that growing as a person and as a leader,” said the AEW Capital Management COO & managing director. “It was a challenge worth taking, and I am really grateful for the opportunity.”
O’Neil spent 17 years with HFF and JLL before joining AEW in January 2022. At AEW, O’Neil oversees day-to-day operations and is also responsible for developing, maintaining and expanding key U.S. relationships for the global real estate investment management firm. She serves on the senior leadership team and risk management committee, which manages about $89.7 billion of property and securities globally and $39.6 billion in North America.
O’Neil thought she wanted to be a doctor or lawyer when she grew up, even though her father was a real estate developer. After graduating from Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in political science, O’Neil explored commercial real estate aspects that were different than what her father had done. She joined HFF, now JLL, as a senior real estate analyst, working her way up to senior managing director and office co-head, where she was involved in deal origination leading to the completion of more than $10 billion in sales, debt and equity transactions.
Follow the leader(s)
O’Neil says having a champion is crucial to a successful career and notes she has had several.
“Each played a role in elevating me to achieve my goals,” she remarked. “Having someone who advocates for you and provides opportunities to open doors and gain recognition is crucial to rising in any organization.”
O’Neil advises young professionals to say “yes” to opportunities.
“You’d be amazed at how few people raise their hand to take on a role or a special project or challenge outside of their day job,” she noted. “If you become someone that people can depend on, you will be amazed at what opportunities will come your way.”
O’Neil finds that having diverse leadership teams attracts a range of individuals to the industry.
“We must continue to educate the younger generation about the various opportunities available,” she emphasizes. “And that they don’t need to be a doctor or lawyer to be successful.”
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