Do you know the difference between those two? Deloitte Real Estate director Jennifer Podmore Russell spoke to us recently about the importance of each. In terms of helping to advance women in CRE, she says, mentors are internal or external to one’s organization, and are often the ones that stay with you throughout your career. Sponsors are those that help you navigate the corporate environment on which you work and advance. They advocate for you and champion your career. Jennifer has been nominated in the Developing Leader category for the NAIOP Awards of Excellence May 28 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, fast becoming a person who young women searching for a mentor or sponsor can look up to.
Yesterday, Jennifer told us she welcomes that challenge: “NAIOP represents the best of our industry," so a nomination validates the effort I have put into my career, community and industry for more than a decade, she says. Jennifer points to Deloitte’s work with "three major Canadian retailers" in developing their real estate management plans (she couldn't tell us who they are) as something she is most proud of in 2013. Other nominees in that category are Beedie Development Group’s Beth Barry (Harrington), Form Retail’s John Buckley, Derick Fluker, and David Morris, and Wesgroup’s David Wesik.
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