Women in leadership: An inspirational look at women that wow

As the Chief Marketing Officer of Walker & Dunlop, I often reflect on the inspiring journeys of other professional women who have paved the way in competitive fields. Our recent Walker Webcast special edition featuring seven remarkable women leaders deeply resonated with me. I’m thrilled to share how each has shaped my outlook on leadership and fueled our commitment to creating a supportive, empowering environment for women at W&D.

Embracing courage in the face of risk

Ginni Rometty’s career at IBM reminds us that growth often requires courage. Ginni’s perspective has inspired me to view risk as a gateway to progress. In our dynamic industry, it’s essential to push boundaries and step beyond what feels comfortable if we’re to innovate and evolve.

Empowering through high standards and support

Dr. Frances Frei shared a beautiful insight on leadership: the true magic happens when we set high standards while showing deep devotion to others' success. As a woman navigating a high-stakes role, her message is a powerful reminder of the balance we can achieve. At Walker & Dunlop, we aim to foster this environment through the Women of Walker & Dunlop employee resource group, where we encourage each other to grow and excel, knowing we have each other’s backs.

Championing women in sports and beyond

Former Under Armour CEO Stephanie Linnartz is passionate about advocating for young female athletes, emphasizing that sports cultivate resilience, discipline, and community. Like Stephanie, I believe in the importance of supporting young women as they navigate formative experiences. Her leadership reminds me to champion initiatives within our company that encourage young women to pursue their goals with confidence.

Breaking down bias and building inclusivity

Julia Boorstin’s reflections on “pattern matching” in corporate America illuminated the unconscious biases in hiring and leadership. Her message about inclusion motivates me to actively challenge biases and advocate for equity in all aspects of our business.

Facing uncertainty with preparation and adaptability

Mary Callahan Erdoes of J.P. Morgan spoke about the importance of preparation in managing global uncertainty. Her disciplined approach to risk management in an unpredictable world resonates with me as a marketer. In our rapidly changing industry, we must prepare for the unexpected and adjust quickly to best serve our clients and teams.

Embracing individuality and joy

Christina Wallace’s approach to life and career is centered on joy and authenticity rather than a traditional career path. She reminded me of the power of defining success in personal terms and the importance of staying true to what genuinely fulfills us.

Fostering self-esteem and community

Gloria Steinem’s lifelong commitment to advocacy and her insights on self-worth struck a chord with me. Her message about the power of community—“we are linked, not ranked”—inspires our mission within Women of Walker & Dunlop(WoWD). As we continue to grow as a company, this spirit of unity is central to creating an inclusive, empowering space for women across all roles.

These women have shown me what’s possible when we lead with resilience, courage, and empathy. I am grateful to be part of a company that supports these values, and I’m inspired to carry them forward through the work we do at Walker & Dunlop, ensuring every woman here knows she has a place to thrive.