2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Laura Miller, First VP - CRE Portfolio Manager/Team Lead, Cambridge Savings Bank

What led you to your current profession? I knew from a relatively early age that I wanted to pursue a career in finance, and always had an appreciation for real estate. My Dad worked in the construction field throughout his early career and would share his interest of old homes, architectural design, and unique building structures. I was fortunate that the university I attended also had a four-year real estate program, which allowed me to bring both interests together.

What are some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor? I was fortunate to have many mentors along the way that provided me with a strong foundation that I believe has benefited in my career and personally, and I’m very grateful for those individuals. That has motivated me to pay it forward, and I have been fortunate to be a mentor for new employees at various institutions throughout my career, including at CSB. I enjoy being able to share my experiences and knowledge with the goal of helping in any way I can. Taking the time to explain concepts, best practices, and provide background and context, and then being able to see their understanding and careers grow is very personally rewarding.

What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you? In this field, time management is extremely important, although learning to be flexible is key. I maintain schedules and lists of items and track priorities and try to anticipate a potential issue or concerns proactively. However, there are days when a customer/deadline priority arises that was not anticipated and requires immediate attention. Being able to shift daily expectations and reprioritize, with ongoing flexibility, is so important.