LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (LIV SIR) is a company that celebrates women in leadership. From our President in Colorado to our many female brokers and managing brokers, women are thriving in their careers at LIV SIR. These women are embracing the highest standard of professionalism, finding innovative ways to do their jobs, and lifting others.
As we’ve taken a look at women in the real estate as a whole, we can’t overlook the construction industry. The first chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) was started in 1953 by a group of 16 women in Fort Worth, TX. Since then, NAWIC has grown to 115 chapters all over the United States. A surprising fact about the construction industry is that female construction professionals earn 95.5% of what their male counterparts make.
Women also have more of a hand in designing and constructing buildings, with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards reporting that 2 in 5 new architects are women. Zaha Hadid became the first female to win the Pritzker Prize (the Academy Award of Architecture) in 2004. Since then, five other recipients have been women.
As we celebrate the achievements of women in real estate, let’s meet some of the leaders, the decision-makers, and the entrepreneurs here at LIV SIR, part of the Majestic Realty Collective.
Cristin Barringer, SVP Operations, Majestic Realty Collective, Colorado
Q: Who inspires you?
A: My stepmother was a huge inspiration in my life. Her desire to ensure our family always looked their best continues to set my expectations for how I present myself at work daily. When I became a stepmother myself, she understood the challenges of feeling like an outsider. She reminded me that I was a capable parent making solid decisions that came from a place of love and always encouraged me to move forward with confidence.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: You offer more value than you think you do. Never be afraid to speak your truth.
Q: What are some of your favorite events/places/activities to enjoy in Colorado?
A: I love going to concerts at Red Rocks. Music is life! I also frequently attend Nuggets and Rockies games. And I enjoy white water rafting anywhere the water flows high enough.
Q: What recommendations do you have for other women as they strive for greatness?
A: Never underestimate the power of working together. You will never know everything. Bring others into those areas where you are less of an expert. Let others shine for their contributions.
Q: As students and young women starting in our careers, many of us envisioned ourselves in certain industries or roles. How is your current position similar to, or different from, what you anticipated for your career?
A: I was once told by a supervisor that I would never be in a management or leadership role because I was too emotional. I believed him, but little did I know that those same emotions would allow me to connect with others through empathy. Treating everyone as an individual person and supporting them with kindness through their greatest successes and lowest points.
Q: Who is a mentor or role model that has helped pave the way for your success?
A: Mark Musselman. He spent hours working with me to develop my sense of self, leadership style, and general understanding of engagement in the workplace. He was patient, kind, and firm.
Q: How have other women supported you through your career, maybe through networking, collaboration, or accountability?
A: I’ve been very blessed with strong relationships. I’ve never interviewed for a position I wasn’t recommended for by another woman in my professional circle. Each of these women have become great friends in my life and have always been honest with me about my performance within our working relationship.
Q: What sets apart the LIV SIR leadership team?
A: The LIV SIR team has a people first, highly collaborative, supportive, and transparent environment. Each staff member and broker is viewed as an asset and treated as such.
Q: How do you set the tone for a productive and successful day?
A: My cup of coffee! It’s part of my morning routine. Getting that cup and being in the office on time makes for managing anything that comes across my desk possible.
Christina Davies, VP Managing Broker, Boulder
Davies and the LIV SIR Boulder Office at a team building event
Q: Who inspires you?
A: Shannel Ryan, President of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Colorado inspires me on a daily basis.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Prioritize selfcare and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who uplift and encourage you. As you achieve success, remember to lift other women up and support them.
Q: What are some of your favorite events/places/activities to enjoy in Colorado?
A: I enjoy going to the mountains to ski Vail or Beaver Creek in the winter and I enjoy hiking in the summer. I also love supporting our local sports teams by going to CU football and basketball games, Denver Nuggets Games and Colorado Rockies games with my family.
Q: What recommendations do you have for other women as they strive for greatness?
A: Greatness is not a destination, it’s a journey. Believe in yourself, set clear goals, never stop learning, and embrace challenges!
Q: As students and young women starting in our careers, many of us envisioned ourselves in certain industries or roles. How is your current position similar to, or different from, what you anticipated for your career?
A: There have definitely been unexpected twists and turns along the way. Flexibility, adaptability and a willingness to continually learn are essential for navigating the complexities of a career journey.
Q: What sets apart the LIV SIR leadership team?
A; Their sincere gratitude and deep appreciation for the staff and brokers. The LIV SIR leadership team really cares.
Q: How do you set the tone for a productive and successful day?
A: I established a morning routine that sets a positive tone for the day, this includes gratitudes, positive affirmations, and exercise.