Woman-owned Global Street Partners was founded to address this historically unmet need. Led by founder and principal Stephanie Lee, the firm has completed more than $3 billion in transactions in its first decade. Her client portfolio spans multiple industries and geographies, including regional, national and international operations. Notably, the firm has never lost a client.

Lee’s success is a story of vision and the confidence to step into spaces where women have historically been underrepresented. It’s also a testament to how she leverages a rare combination of strategic insight and execution to uncover opportunities others overlook.

Can you point to one event that triggered your interest in your career?

Not a single event but I noticed a recurring pattern during challenging times: Most companies under leverage their real estate and jump straight to layoffs to cut costs. It’s a missed opportunity because almost no one sees real estate as a catalyst for growth, scalability and competitive advantage. 

Seeing this led me to start educating leadership on a more holistic and compassionate strategy. I was an HR executive at that time, but I had also owned businesses and managed large real estate portfolios. 

I believed in myself, and my ability to show there are better alternatives to managing the business and financial environment that don’t come at the expense of other people. So, I intentionally redirected my career. 

What about this career choice did you find most appealing? 

I love the opportunity to help companies redefine their commercial real estate strategy. Real estate is a big-ticket item for almost every company. Being at the front line of pulling this lever, educating business leaders and creating impact within the organization as well as in the community is exciting. 

I have helped a company make significant changes in where they are located, how they position themselves with their employees/customers and change the landscape/skyline of a community. I help companies redefine and realign their real estate strategy to drive business growth. 

The other appeal was modeling what strategic risk-taking can look like for other business women, especially in spaces where they have historically been under-represented. My company, Global Street Partners, is one of the few woman-owned commercial real estate companies. 

What steps did you take to begin your education or training?

For technical training, I obtained my real estate license and an MBA. But all real estate licenses are residential, so education was just one step toward my goal. 

The more relevant training involved combining deep strategic business insights with hands-on execution. I brought those skills with me, having learned both on the job and from mentors. 

To be successful in this new career, I would have to apply my own experience of building teams, as well as buying and selling companies and their real estate. I see commercial real estate as not simply a commodity but a growth driver. Now, I had to set up processes and partner with my clients to evaluate opportunities strategically rather than opportunistically.

Along the way, were people encouraging or discouraging?

I have encountered people who are both encouraging and discouraging. Mentors have encouraged me to find my niche and lean into my strength – which is my extensive experience as a business leader, an investor and in global real estate. 

There are also individuals who often underestimate that a woman can be successful in this male-dominated industry. There is often a tone of surprise when I bring in a new client, close a deal or can speak knowledgeable about financial matters

Did you ever doubt your decision and attempt a career change?

Of course. When you are the only female in a room, there is always a nagging doubt if I’m in the right place or if what I have to say is credible. It helps to have others reinforce that I actually know what I am talking about. 

Women entrepreneurs tend to undervalue themselves. I’ve learned not to be afraid to stand out, and not to undersell my expertise and unique strengths.   

When did your career reach a tipping point?

I felt my career reaching a tipping point when I started Global Street Partners. It is validating to have clients and interns choose to work with me. This helps build confidence. Today, Global Street Partners is 100% referral based. I have been able to let my voice shine through and lead the industry with confidence instead of conformity. 

Global Street Partners is more than a brokerage transacting in real estate as a commodity. We advise business leaders on their corporate strategy, we coach newcomers in the industry and have partnerships with many professional associations and colleges with real estate programs. We are bridging a gap that corporations have struggled to close. 

Can you describe a challenge you had to overcome?

Earlier in my career, and in a predominately male-dominated industry, I tried to fit in by being one of the boys. I worked harder and longer than anyone else, just to gain one slice of the pie. I’ve since learned to lean into my strength, find my own voice and created a competitive advantage that is difficult to replicate. I’ve built my own credibility in this industry, and been asked to speak as a subject matter expert in many forums. I have made my own pie.

What single skill has proven to be most useful?

Finding the balance between being assertive and being vulnerable. It has helped me build genuine relationships with people who are instrumental in wanting to help me be successful. I have been able to pay this blessing forward as President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-MN), where my goal is to help other members clearly articulate their value and bring it more powerfully to the marketplace through their businesses. 

As an executive board member of Lifeworks Services, part of my role is to help this nonprofit grow strategically, so that they may provide their services more effectively in the communities they service. And with our Global Street Partners internship program, I am positively influencing the careers of our next generation of leaders. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

My partnerships with some key clients such as Northrock Partners. There is a depth of trust and support that has gone beyond simply growing my business but also enabled me to grow as a leader. This client once told me that if I was trusted to lock up their offices after meeting with them, I know that I’m part of their family. It warms my heart to have such a special relationship.

Any advice for others entering your profession?

Take risks early. Try different approaches, different relationships and extend yourself. You need to understand who is on your team and whose team you are on.

For more information, go to the website for Global Street Partners.