TJ Edwards, who started her career working for the federal government after graduating with an architectural engineering degree, figured she would work hard and promotions would follow.

But that didn’t happen.

She pursued leadership development paths, earned certificates and waited 12 years as she was passed over time and again for advancement.

A senior leader once told her she wouldn’t be promoted because she was a workhorse and too valuable.

“It was this light-bulb moment,” Edwards said. “I'm chasing degrees, I'm chasing certificates. Do I need to rethink what I'm doing in my career? Because, obviously, I'm never going to advance here.”

After earning her Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University, Edwards secured a role as executive director at the Illinois Capital Development Board.

She was one of 28 of Chicago’s top women leaders, dealmakers, innovators and rising stars honored at Bisnow’s Chicago Women Leading Real Estate Ceremony held March 26 at Swissotel Chicago.

Edwards and several other panelists at the event advised women in the industry to follow their instincts, speak up for themselves and pave pathways for future generations to follow.

“Trust your gut,” Edwards said. “Do some self-assessments throughout the process. Make sure that what you're really investing in is your value.”

Puja Doshi, chief financial officer at NAI Hiffman, said she fell into real estate with her first job out of college. She realized how complex the industry could be and began to ask questions. This led her down a path she didn’t envision 20 years ago.

Doshi urged women to embrace their own voices and added that she intentionally assigns team members stretch tasks to help them grow their skills. She said she developed this leadership style because she wasn’t afraid to shake up how she approached situations.

“You can add a little bit of your personality to your professional career and see where that takes you,” Doshi said.

Catherine Sierakowski, group head of North American Real Estate at BMO Capital Markets, said the biggest part of advancing a more inclusive industry is creating a platform for people to demonstrate their skill sets. Success often stems from positioning talented workers in situations where they’re able to be recognized and thrive, she said.

“Giving people the opportunities to be in those positions is honestly the hardest part,” Sierakowski said. “There's so much talent everywhere, but it's identifying it and giving them those platforms is where we can elevate everyone across the industry.”

Panelists agreed they often had to blaze a new path forward with their leadership because the existing models proved inadequate for growth.

Edwards said she strives to be the leader she wishes she had earlier in her career. She works to be an advocate for her employees, doesn’t micromanage and avoids tendencies of past bosses who were “bullies.”

“All of those bad leaders taught me what not to do, and so as I lead people at my agency, I'm cognizant of that,” Edwards said.