Membership Spotlight: Lisa Allsworth

Friday, Sep 6, 2024

Lisa Allsworth
Executive Assistant, Adera

How did you first pursue a career in the real estate industry and how has it unfolded since?

My career journey first started in Australia, where I was working in retail sales and wanted to explore a more lucrative sales industry. After a small stint as a residential real estate salesperson, I quickly discovered that wasn’t quite the correct path and that’s when I was exposed to the administrative side of things where I was able to apply my organizational and attention to detail strengths to support other sales professionals.

When I moved to Canada, I transitioned into commercial real estate, further expanding my experience and skills working for a top Fortune 500 company and currently, a local highly awarded developer. Each day adds value to my learning curve, and working with such forward-thinking professionals keeps me inspired to grow and contribute.

Can you share how you prioritize and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities to ensure smooth operations when providing professional support?

I prioritize tasks based on the level of importance and urgency from senior management and the business, which helps me set the overall direction. Then, I work off a detailed schedule to manage meetings, plan events, make reservations, and ensure everything runs smoothly.

As an active member of CREW Vancouver, how do you see your involvement contributing to the empowerment of women in the real estate industry?

My role as Co-Chair of the Events Committee is incredibly rewarding. I help organize events that engage, inspire, and support women in real estate. One of my favourite events is the annual golf tournament. A lot of time and work goes into planning and executing this event, but it is incredibly rewarding on the day to see people come together, enjoy themselves, and network in a fun and relaxed setting.

From my own experience, I can't emphasize how important it is to seek out mentors who truly believe in your potential. Having someone in your corner can make all the difference as you navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Alongside mentorship, I encourage everyone to prioritize continuous learning and development.

If you encounter high-pressure situations or tight deadlines in your day-to-day responsibilities, what is your secret to handling them?

When faced with high-pressure situations or tight deadlines, I find it essential to take a deep breath and step away momentarily to gather my thoughts. This brief pause allows me to refocus and approach the situation with clarity. One of my go-to strategies at the end of each day is to create a to-do list for the next day, ensuring I’m prepared and organized. This proactive approach helps minimize the impact of unexpected disruptions on my schedule. By staying ahead and maintaining a structured plan, I can navigate through deadlines effectively and maintain productivity.

How do you maintain a work-life balance, and what activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

I am a huge advocate for switching off notifications on my phone outside of work hours. It’s a simple but effective way of creating boundaries and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. When I’m not working, I find solace and rejuvenation at the beach—it’s my calming and happy place. I consider myself a 'water baby' and would much prefer skiing behind a boat than on snow!