Katalina Villalpando | Senior Associate
What do you love about your career?
I love helping clients understand the root of their problems and creating solutions to help them achieve success! The most helpful thing we can do for clients who put their trust in us, is listen. I’m a big proponent of listening, and then finding ways to make clients’ business better.
Tell us about something that is inspirationally important to you.
Philanthropy is inspirationally important to me. It is a strong anchor to a stable society. Philanthropy fuels people and organizations to come together and support a cause that is bigger than themselves. It keeps me grounded.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career?
Don’t let a bump in the road end your trip. If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way. Every story worth telling has a plot twist. The bump in the road is not the end of the road. Get creative and find a way to go around it.
What advice have you received that has helped you in your career?
Visualize the end result. If I visualize it, it is already happening, even if not yet in the physical form.
What does “success” mean to you?
Success is the positive consequence of one’s achievement. I measure my success by accomplishing the goal of helping my clients lead better, happier lives by expertly solving their commercial real estate needs. Also – I believe you need to have fun with the process. My dad once told me that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. Slow down and remember to enjoy the process.
What makes a good role model? Have you had one that has made an impact in your life/career?
When it comes to relationships, we are greatly influenced by those closest to us. It affects our way of thinking, our self-belief and the decisions we make. Mentorship is key in the development of young leaders. I have been fortunate enough to have constant mentors since entering the industry and I look forward to giving back as a mentor one day as well.
What are the things that have helped you excel in your life/career?
Resilience has helped me adapt to change. Nothing helps you cope with change more than expanding your mind. I believe in constant growth.