Six Lessons from My Career as a Woman in Industrial Real Estate

By Jessica Ross, Managing Director, Integrated Services, Link Logistics

My career in industrial real estate has been anything but traditional. After transitioning from the finance sector to real estate in 2009, roles in strategy and financial planning led to my current position as managing director of Integrated Services at Link Logistics. Unexpected pivots, new challenges and strong teamwork have shaped my journey and approach to growth. Here are six key lessons I’ve learned along the way—insights I hope will be useful to others as they forge their own career paths.

1. Lateral Moves Can Be Just as Powerful as Promotions

A mentor once shared that career growth isn’t just about moving up. Sometimes, moving sideways is just as valuable. Expanding skills and perspectives through lateral moves helped me build a strong foundation for leadership. A new title isn’t the only measure of progress; broadening expertise is just as important.

2. Early Career is a Time to Learn, Not Just Perform

Starting a new role can feel like pressure to prove yourself immediately, but the best advice I received was to treat the first few months as a learning period. Asking thoughtful questions and absorbing as much as possible lays the groundwork for long-term success. No one expects you to know everything on day one. What matters is how quickly you grow.

3. Confidence Comes from Experience and Support

Confidence builds over time. When I was offered my current role, I didn’t say yes right away. Instead, I asked questions, gathered insights from leadership and made sure I fully understood the opportunity. Their belief in me, combined with my past experiences, gave me the confidence to take the leap. Seeking input from trusted mentors can provide clarity when making big career decisions. Organizations like CREW Network are also invaluable for fostering connections and finding support.

4. Success Requires Adapting Your Leadership Style

Early in my career, I thrived in high-intensity environments where speed was everything. But as I stepped into leadership, I realized different teams have different needs. I’ve learned that leadership is about listening, building trust and creating an environment where people feel valued. Flexibility in leadership is key to building strong teams, and results will follow.

5. Curiosity and Big-Picture Thinking Drive Growth

I’ve always been drawn to understanding the bigger picture. When I moved into real estate, I wanted to do more than manage financials—I wanted to understand the industry inside and out. I encourage my teams to think beyond their tasks and see how their work fits into the broader business. Staying curious and engaged makes work more meaningful.

6. The Right Culture Makes All the Difference

Company culture plays a huge role in career success. When evaluating new opportunities, I consider the work environment as much as the job itself. Link Logistics’ open and supportive culture gave me the confidence to take on new challenges. Now, I foster that same culture in my teams by building trust, encouraging collaboration and maintaining open communication.

Every career journey is unique, but I believe these lessons are universal. Whether you’re just starting out or stepping into a leadership role, embracing new challenges, building strong relationships and staying curious will serve you well. Industrial real estate has been an exciting, ever-evolving space to grow my career, and I look forward to seeing how the next generation of leaders shapes our industry.