Bisnow's first-ever Houston Power Women event is just around the corner. In the lead-up to the big day, we'll be highlighting the event's honorees. Today we go behind the scenes with Lynn Davis, Fidelis Realty Partners' co-founder and executive vice president of leasing & development.
Davis co-founded Fidelis Realty Partners in 2003, and it quickly established itself as one of the biggest retail players in Houston. Together with her team, she has created, renewed and processed approximately 3,000 lease transactions totaling 10M SF with a combined contract value of $1.5B.
Bisnow: Who was the first person to teach you how to be business savvy?
Davis: My first and most predominate mentor had to be my father, Billy Ed Daniels. From a young age, he made sure I knew that I could do anything I wanted to do, as long as I put my mind to it. Through his actions and how he lived his life, he made it clear that even though you must work hard to succeed, success is actually 90% attitude and 10% skill. I’ve lived my personal and business life with this in mind. In my career, the person who has taught me the most is Alan Hassenflu, and his faith in my abilities has contributed greatly to my success. After working together at Trammel Crow Co. for 15 years, we founded Fidelis Realty Partners in 2003 and have now grown to over 13M SF in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Colorado and Tennessee.
Bisnow: What is the biggest challenge for the next generation of women?
Davis: As women continue to achieve higher positions and reach higher levels of success, finding a healthy balance between career and family could prove to be the most critical chasm many women in business will face. As a leader, I endeavor to remain cognizant of this challenge and strive to provide guidance and leadership for the next generation, but it will be up to each individual to find that happy medium and make it work for them.
Bisnow: What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?
Davis: Don’t be afraid to show how strong-willed, resourceful, persistent and conscientious you are. Remember the old adage, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again? Adopt it, own it, live it. With a little patience, being tenacious will always work to your advantage.
Bisnow: What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?
Davis: Trustworthiness is a quality essential to every effective leader. It’s important at all levels to always say what you mean and mean what you say, but it is crucial as a leader. Never promise anything you can’t deliver. Use every tool at your disposal to do so and you will earn the respect you deserve.
Bisnow: What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your organization?
Davis: Deciding on your company’s purpose, mission and values are of utmost importance; the most pertinent of which should include finding, developing and retaining the members of your team. Once you do this, everything else should fall in place.
