CREW Up: Why Women Still Face an Uphill Climb in Brokerage | Leslie Teskey & Laura Valean

Women are gaining ground in brokerage, but progress toward parity remains slow. CREW Network’s Leslie Teskey shares details in this podcast hosted by CPE’s Laura Valean. Women now account for 31 percent of commercial real estate brokers in the U.S., up 10 percentage points over the past 15 years, according to CREW Network. While progress may feel slow, 2026 President Leslie Teskey sees reason for optimism. In this episode of CREW Up, Commercial Property Executive’s Laura Valean sits down with veteran broker Teskey to discuss why brokerage remains one of commercial real estate's most challenging—and rewarding—career paths for women. Historically viewed as an industry dominated by aggressive sales tactics and old-boy networks, brokerage today increasingly rewards skills that Teskey believes many women bring to the table: listening, empathy, relationship-building and problem-solving. "People want to be heard," she noted, arguing that understanding clients' needs often matters more than delivering the perfect pitch. At the same time, Teskey acknowledges that significant barriers remain. From the financial risk associated with commission-based careers to caregiving responsibilities that still disproportionately fall on women, brokerage can present unique challenges. She also shared candid stories from her own career, including instances where clients or fellow brokers questioned her credibility because she was a woman. Yet Teskey remains hopeful about the future. With a growing network of mentors, sponsors and advocates, and a new generation of highly confident young professionals entering the workforce, she believes women are better positioned than ever to thrive in brokerage. Here's a breakdown of the discussion: (0:59) Women’s advancement in brokerage (2:16) Participation vs. power (3:22) Skills that women bring to brokerage (5:42) Imposter syndrome (8:08) Barriers that make brokerage harder for women today (9:22) Women who’ve changed the game in brokerage (10:54) Is flexibility real in brokerage? (12:15) What makes brokerage a rewarding career for women (12:58) The next generation of women brokers (15:26) The future of women in CRE brokerage #commercialrealestate #podcast #brokerage #womeninbusiness