Ones to Watch 2019: Debra Gould, Newmark Knight Frank

Year you entered your current field? 1986

If you have a mentor, who is it and how have they influenced your personal & professional growth? My mentor was my mother. She raised nine kids while working full-time as a nurse. She led by example in every aspect of her life. She had a moral compass second to none and worked harder than anyone I knew. Hard shoes to fill. 

Who or what do you attribute to your success? Working really hard (always), perseverance and passion. I love what I do and that goes a long way when times are tough. 

What advice can you offer to someone who is interested in a career in your industry? If you really want a career in real estate, start in any position you can get. You will learn something in that position you can take to the next position. Start with a smaller firm. Many are focused on the global firms, but I started at a firm that no longer exists. Cream rises to the top. Do a good job, someone will notice you. It doesn’t happen overnight.