 | THE SPECS:
Company: JLL
Location: New York, N.Y.
Property Type: Office Specialist
Year Built with SIOR: 2017
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OVERVIEW - Why She’s the Real Deal
Saadia Sheikh, SIOR, vice president of brokerage and innovation at JLL, focuses on representing tenants and users of commercial space nationally in all transactions. She also proudly holds the distinction of being the youngest female SIOR Vice President. Beyond her impressive career, she has established the first endowed scholarship for entrepreneurship at her alma mater and founded PowerSense, a local nonprofit benefiting deaf and hard-of-hearing children She's more than just an SIOR.
HIGHLIGHTS - Get to Know Saadia
SR: How did your passion for real estate start?
SS: It all started with my first commercial real estate internship while I was attending college. I had no idea what a career in commercial real estate meant or how to even start. After that internship, I fell in love with the idea that every business needed some type of real estate to operate and grow and that I could be their partner along the way. That led me to advisory services! I’ve been having fun working with executives and business owners since.
SR: If you could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
SS: Oprah. I would just enjoy what a day in her life would entail, especially the impactful and fun things she has the opportunity to do.
SR: The person who has made a huge impact in my life is...
SS: Professor Stephen Ramseur at Texas A&M University, former chief innovation officer of JLL. The opportunity to work with Steve for three years changed not only my career but my life and many others’. The experience taught me how you can lead with true authenticity and the power in empowering others. I am forever grateful for his.
SR: How do you handle situations where you face rejection or receive a "no" as an answer?
SS: I listen and ask follow-up questions for self-reflection. That empathetic approach can lead to a yes, a way to partner in the future, or just better understanding and acceptance.
SR: What is one unique or unexpected talent that you have?
SS: I know ASL (American Sign Language). It’s so fun to connect with others in that language especially since 70-80% of communication is nonverbal.
SR: What inspired you to establish a nonprofit?
SS: I am always inspired and empowered by my parents’ drive and amazing capabilities! Both of my parents are
deaf and hard of hearing, and I realized there is an empowerment component especially for children to have
a sense of community and connection. Also, for the world and communities to collaborate with the capabilities of all, regardless of any hearing differences.
SR: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
SS: More funny things happen to my pup Winston; I am just along for the ride.
SR: What's the most remarkable hiking location you've had the chance to explore?
SS: Yosemite! It is such an amazing and dynamic place to hike.
SR: If you could host a dream dinner with any three guests, who would they be? What's on the menu?
SS: Three new people I have not met, and it would be a potluck!
SR: What fictional place would you like to visit?
SS: Encanto and Casa Madrigal!
SR: What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
SS: Being in nature, without my phone.
SR: If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
SS: No one in the room is you. Be yourself and bet on yourself!