2026 LABJ Women in Leadership: Mentorship & Career Advice

Lucía Torres · 2026-06-04

We are incredibly proud to share that six of our own have been nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal's 2026 Women in Leadership Awards. Congratulations to Rainy Hake Austin (Executive of the Year), Deedee Howard (Mentor of the Year), Gloria Castellanos (Champion of Women), Gina Michelle (The Accelerator), Monique Navarro (Community Impact Advocate), and Jeeb O'Reilly (Mentor of the Year). Here, three of our nominees - Jeeb O'Reilly, Deedee Howard, and Monique Navarro - share the advice that has defined their careers, how they've carved out a competitive edge in one of the world's most dynamic real estate markets, and what they love about L.A. And be sure to mark your calendars - winners will be announced during a special award ceremony on June 9th. Congratulations again to our nominees! ### Early Leadership Lessons That Stick We asked each nominee: What's one leadership lesson you learned early in your career that still shapes how you mentor others today? Jeeb O'Reilly: "Early in a real estate career, it's easy to think the business is about deals, negotiations, and hustle. And those things matter. But over time, you realize the people who build durable success are the ones who become trusted long before they become impressive and successful." Deedee Howard: "One leadership lesson I learned early is the importance of having great relationships with other agents and seeing them as collaborators, not competitors." Monique Navarro: "The most powerful lesson I learned early on is that lifting others up is one of the greatest ways to elevate your own brand. Real estate is a business rooted deeply in connection - the relationships you build, the trust you earn, and the people you champion along the way are what sustain a lasting career. When I help others, I always come back to that truth: your success is directly tied to how genuinely you invest in the people around you." > "One lesson I learned early is the importance of having great relationships with other agents and seeing them as collaborators, not competitors." - Deedee Howard ### Differentiating Yourself in a Competitive Market Real estate can be a highly competitive space. How have you differentiated yourself as a leader in the industry? Jeeb O'Reilly: "In real estate, almost every opportunity comes through relationships. Clients continue to trust me with major financial decisions because I continue to keep them informed about the market and their deal." Deedee Howard: "Being 100% there for my clients when they need me, always keeping their interests at the forefront, and leading with honesty, integrity, and follow-through." Monique Navarro: "For me, it starts with relationships - with clients and equally with other agents. A collaborative spirit closes deals that competition never could. Beyond that, I've always believed in offering more than the expected. I elevate every home with intentional floral design, exceptional photography, and marketing that tells a story. The experience I create for sellers and buyers feels less like a transaction and more like a boutique hotel - curated, personal, and concierge-level from start to finish. That standard of care is what sets me apart." > "A collaborative spirit closes deals that competition never could." - Monique Navarro ### Advice for Women Entering Real Estate Today Looking back at the women leaders and mentors who influenced you, what advice would you give women entering the real estate space today? Jeeb O'Reilly: "Understand and learn that knowledge of the market creates confidence, and confidence creates opportunity. Every day is a learning experience about the diversity in Los Angeles." Deedee Howard: "From the beginning, everyone really needs to understand it's a 24/7 job and your mantra needs to be work, work, work. I would also remind women that we are much better multitaskers than men, which has always given us an edge." Monique Navarro: "Don't measure your journey against anyone else's. Focus on building authentic relationships and trust. The market will change, but the people you connect with will stay with you." ### Key Takeaways for Aspiring Leaders - Build trust before you try to impress others. - See other agents as collaborators, not competitors. - Lift others up to elevate your own brand. - Stay informed and keep your clients informed. - Create an experience that feels personal and curated. - Embrace the 24/7 nature of the work with a strong work ethic. We can't wait to celebrate the winners on June 9th. Congratulations again to all our nominees for their incredible leadership and impact in the Los Angeles real estate community.