At The Smart Agency, we’re honored to spotlight exceptional voices shaping the future of commercial real estate.
Recently, our CEO Jenn Quader had a chance to sit down with Claire Johnston, CEO of Americas for Lendlease on behalf of GlobeSt.com in preparation for the upcoming “Women of Influence Los Angeles” event at L.A. Live.
The conversation perfectly exemplifies the transformative leadership driving our industry forward.
Watch it here:
Read about some conversation highlights:
Reimagining Cities and Real Estate
During the exclusive chat, Claire shared her deep enthusiasm for commercial real estate’s role in reimagining the built environment during times of both challenge and change. She emphasized that today’s industry demands vibrant, memorable spaces that foster genuine community engagement—a philosophy embodied by Lendlease’s flagship projects like Habitat in Culver City, Brooklyn’s Greenpoint waterfront, and multiple developments in Chicago.
Each of these projects demonstrates a commitment to transit-oriented, mixed-use placemaking, with a strong focus on design, connectivity, and sustainability. Whether integrating natural design palettes inspired by local landscapes or creating seamless access to transit hubs and green spaces, these places prioritize experience and belonging—making them highly attractive to both tenants and investors.
Building for Sustainability and the Future
One of Claire’s key messages highlighted the imperative for sustainability at every phase of development. She talks about today’s residents and tenants expecting energy-efficient, low-carbon solutions that translate to cost savings and improved performance—for themselves and for asset owners. Lendlease’s leadership has been evident in all-electric designs, solar integrations, and the use of low-carbon materials, yielding measurable reductions in carbon emissions and environmental impact across major U.S. cities.
Claire also articulates an urgent industry challenge: the mismatch between existing real estate and shifting market needs. Cities globally face an abundance of underutilized office space side-by-side with acute housing shortages. She calls upon the sector to innovate—transforming legacy properties through office-to-residential conversions and adaptive reuse, scaling solutions quickly and efficiently to meet evolving urban demands.
Women Leading Urban Transformation
Claire offers a powerful vision for how women can—and must—actively shape new placemaking paradigms. Through story and personal experience, she illustrates how peer-driven mentorship and women-led collaboration fuel innovation, adaptability, and momentum during periods of disruption.
Claire’s journey, particularly during moments of career transition and growth, reinforces the necessity for women to trust their own voices, set boundaries, and bring their full perspectives to the table. She encourages women in real estate to imagine new possibilities, reshape urban norms, and contribute fully to the industry’s evolution.
Leadership, Trust, and Authenticity
For Claire, leadership is founded on integrity, resilience, and relentless follow-through. She underscores the importance of deep listening and authenticity in building trusted relationships. From the C-suite to the graduate just beginning their career, she advocates for shared accountability and valuing every perspective in crafting real estate solutions.
A Call to Contribute and Innovate
Claire’s takeaway message for the GlobeSt Women of Influence audience—and our entire industry—is clear: don’t settle for the status quo.
Real estate is ever-evolving, full of unexpected challenges and opportunities. Women, with their resilience and creativity, play an essential role in driving innovation, breaking through barriers, and realizing the potential of the cities they help shape.
As our team at The Smart Agency continues to champion diverse leadership and transformative real estate marketing, we invite our network to embrace the same spirit of collaboration, authenticity, and innovation—building a brighter, more equitable future for all.
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*Ready to elevate your story in a changing marketplace? Let’s connect.*
