Pallavi: Did you ever face self doubt, fear and low self-confidence during your tenure of professional years. If yes, how did you overcome it and what guidance will you extend to young women professionals when they are caught in the same sequence and pattern of thought process.
Betty Castro: Of course I did, and that’s perfectly natural to feel, but that feeling should be only a fleeting second. It’s important to feel that low so you can pick yourself up and go higher and higher. Never dwell on those feelings for too long – remind yourself of all your accomplishments and skills and that only you have the power to overcome negative thoughts. Positive thinking is a self-fulfilling prophecy and unfortunately, so is negative thinking!
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Pallavi: What according to you, have been some of the key work and initiatives that are being implemented in the CRE industry globally to accelerate women leadership. And what one single piece of advice would you give to women who aspire to reach the top of their profession in Corporate Real Estate.
Betty Castro: I think the CRE space is finally taking D&I seriously, but the industry as a whole has a long way to go. I think organizations like CREW have helped to recognize that while we may be taking steps, there are still strides ahead and have helped us leap forward in this regard, as well as the equity and inclusion initiatives large firms like C&W have taken on in recent years. I would advise women to make sure you have a voice and not be to be afraid to self-promote or take advantage of opportunities that present themselves like our male counter parts do. Have courage to go for what you want and don’t let anyone tell you that you “Can’t”. But above all my best advice is to know your worth! Don’t let others dictate the narrative in your head – you have the power to ensure that narrative is positive instead of negative – simply put, love yourself first, so you can love others.
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Pallavi: “She is aggressive” is something we often hear. As if it’s something to be dismissive of. More often than not, it has a negative connotation. Why do we have this underlying sentiment that something has to be wrong when a woman is ambitious?
Betty Castro: I’ve been referred to as aggressive – I take it as a compliment because I realize that what is actually trying to be conveyed is that I’m strong-willed, courageous, I know what I want and how to get it. That’s not how little girls are generally raised, especially in my generation. But I had a mother who was a trailblazer – independent, fearless and ambitious. Watching that growing up gave me the courage to be true to myself and planted the seed that I can be whatever I want to be and achieve anything I want.
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Pallavi: If one is perceived aggressive, assertive, bold, extremely confident, these attributes play out very differently in the face of competence for men and women in the business world. Do you agree or disagree, please explain your stand in detail?
Betty Castro: Sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t. It depends on the person and the layers of their personality that goes beyond these attributes. Women can be bold and confident without it being perceived as a negative, it depends how you carry yourself, how you communicate your message and depths of your beliefs and passions. We need to not get bogged down by what others think of us and be true to ourselves and live up to our full potential and frankly, who cares if it upsets some people!
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Pallavi: What are some of the most amusing and ridiculous things you have been told to play down in your professional achievement over time. Please share some of your watershed moments in your professional journey to becoming one of the leading inspiring power women in male dominated CRE industry in New York.
Betty Castro: Honestly I’ve never been told to play anything down or perhaps I have and I don’t recall because I didn’t pay attention to it. I tend to block out negative feedback that is not constructive and designed to keep women down. I have a rather extroverted personality and tend to speak my mind and I think this trait is intimidating to some people. Maybe that’s why I haven’t received that kind of feedback.
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Betty Castro is the Managing Director of Brokerage Services in Manhattan at Cushman & Wakefield and a member of CREW Network and she currently serves on CREW Network’s New York Chapter’s Board as President.
