The Leader - March/April 2008 - (Page 99)

c a r eer d evel opM eNt by jennie lazarus patricia crumley staubach’s patricia crumley educatioN is a patH to success Lifelong learning marks the path of Patricia Crumley’s career in corporate real estate. As a student and teacher, she has incorporated her love of learning throughout a career of over 25 years in corporate real estate and nearly 30 years of pursuing formal education. Not only does she have a BA in Economics, but also an MBA in Finance and Statistics, an MS in Civil Engineering, and work toward a PhD in Civil Engineering with a research emphasis on corporate real estate project management. In her current position of Chief Services Officer of the Staubach Company, Midwest Region, Crumley brings a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise in the areas of real estate business strategy, organizational effectiveness, real estate operations and project management. When asked about the most significant thing that has brought her to where she is today, she credits education and learning. “I love to learn and am rather addicted to school. No matter what I am studying, I will always find a way to apply the knowledge whether it pertains directly to real estate; or alternatively gives me a unique insight into the business of a client with whom I am working.” Crumley also acknowledges CoreNet Global with giving her the opportunity to teach as the instructor for the MCR course, Strategic Sourcing: Creating the Right Delivery Method. She states, “I have found my teaching in the EDP to be one of the best learning experiences I have ever had. In every class I come away with some new idea or fact that allows me to improve my job and deliver more value to my clients. Further, I have made some of my closest professional friends through both the classes and the CoreNet Global meetings and Symposiums.” In a dramatically changing profession, Crumley recommends three key success factors to those she mentors and advises: 1. “Focus on your personal development by gaining a very broad base in your field, as well as developing at least two areas of technical depth. A second language is also a huge bonus. This will give you a significant strategic advantage. 2. Never stop learning. Continuous improvement, especially on the individual level, is critical to just keep current and continue to move forward. CoreNet Global meetings and EDP programs are a great place to extend your knowledge and network with others from whom you can also learn. 3. It is a very small industry. Don’t forget where you came from and who helped you along the way – you will run into those folks again and perhaps will have a chance to return the favor.” This is all very good advice to someone new to corporate real estate, for sure. Even with education and a blueprint for success, there are surprises and unexpected opportunities. “Over the past five years, I have begun work with more industrial companies and found myself moving into the world of supply chain and logistics consulting. I am fascinated by the complexity of network optimization studies, labor studies, complex site selection analyses and 3 PL (third-party logistics) outsourcing. I see great opportunities evolving for professionals who understand both supply chain and real estate. Never overlook an unexpected opportunity.” To sum up her career journey, Crumley concludes, “I would have to say that the most significant changes I have made in my career came from unexpected places and took me in unexpected directions. Be flexible and see the possibilities.” 2 0 0 8 tHe le ade r 99 M a r c H / ap r i l

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Leader - March/April 2008

The Leader - March/April 2008 Leadership Contents Message from the CEO Real Estate in the News Taking CRM Programs to the Next Level A Commitment to Sustainability GSA’s National 3D-4D-BIM Program Sustainability at ABN-AMRO Getting to the Real Issues in Today’s Competitive Marketplace ManPower Consolidates Real Estate & Project Management with One Provider HP's Renee Leach and Team Como's Robin Harris San Antonio's Mario Hernandez Chicago Workplace, Mid-Atlantic, and Boston The Gold Standard: California Is the State for Innovation Pat Crumley: Education Is a Path to Success Postcards from the Edge Tribune's Stephanie Pater Economic Development in the News A Look Ahead EDP Continues Expansion in Asia-Pacific

The Leader - March/April 2008

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