Yardi RISE held a fireside chat with Yardi Solutions Consultant, Sonia Brahimi and Director, Global Account Management at CBRE, Kinga Rassinier. The session focused on personal career journeys, the power of networking, and overcoming challenges in the industry.
Making Connections
During the chat, Rassinier explained that her path to working at CBRE in the US was primarily due to connections and networking. She highlights the challenges of securing a job in the US as a non-citizen, including the need for sponsorship and proving oneself over American candidates.
She applied for her role during the post-COVID period when borders were still closed, adding another layer of difficulty. However, having support from leadership in France and long-standing relationships with US colleagues helped her secure her role. Furthermore, her involvement in co-chairing the Women in Leadership Group at the French-American Chamber of Commerce, based in the French Embassy in DC, opened more networking opportunities. This allowed her to connect with influential leaders in both French and American communities.
Relationships & Networking
Rassinier emphasised the importance of relationships and networking in her current role, noting that professional success depends on delivering results and managing relationships well.
When asked for networking tips, she acknowledges that, while everyone is busy, maintaining and developing connections is vital. She stresses the value of self-introduction and clear communication about one’s goals, even if stepping out of one’s comfort zone is required. Attending events is rewarding — connecting with just one person can lead to broader opportunities.
Stay Genuine to Yourself
Kinga believes in the power of being personal and genuine, showing interest in others during networking rather than relying heavily on social media. Her approach to promoting herself centres more on listening and authentic interactions.
Challenges in Real Estate
In terms of challenges as a woman in real estate, she feels fortunate to work in supportive environments both in France and the US, where women are well represented in leadership. However, early in her career, being young and female meant struggling to be taken seriously. Her advice: trust your professional skills, never let others diminish your value, and understand that your worth is validated by the fact that your company has chosen you. Remember not to be too humble about your achievements – use references as credibility boosters.
Key Networking Tips
- Be Personal & Genuine
- Building networks comes from genuine personal relationships.
- Focus on the individual, not just their role or company – people do business with people, not just companies.
- Share personal details (like personal interests) to build meaningful relationships.
- Don’t Underestimate Small Gestures
- A kind word, a personal anecdote, or a thoughtful comment can make a lasting impression.
- Remembering details or being kind goes a long way in building rapport and trust.
- Listening is Key
- Don’t dominate conversations – instead, make room for genuine exchange.
- Always Follow Up
- After meeting someone, connect with them on LinkedIn and send a note – this shows initiative and helps maintain relationships.
- Push Through Discomfort
- Stepping out of your comfort zone to attend events—even when tired—can lead to surprising and valuable connections.
Maintaining Positivity & Building Bridges
Inclusivity is key – more women are taking on leadership roles in real estate, and men should be part of the conversation to support change. The focus should be on collaboration rather than division, with shared goals for progress. The future of women in leadership looks positive and the conversation needs to continue to keep pushing for the changes we want to see.
RISE to the Challenge of Networking
The session finished by emphasising the importance of authentic connection, the role of supportive networks like RISE, and the power of sharing experiences across regions and roles. Rassinier and Brahimi underscored that success is deeply rooted in human relationships, not just professional transactions.
Want to learn more about Yardi RISE? Check out our previous posts or see the hashtag #RiseWithYardi on socials.