2025 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Mary Leahy, Erland Construction

“Mary is a true team builder who leads with empathy, determination, and follow-through. A lifelong learner, she’s grown from an administrative role to Senior Project Manager over 28 years at Erland, managing some of the company’s largest projects. Clients value her hands-on leadership, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.”

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you? Challenges are part of our business. A mentor once told me that I’d gain more credibility by saying, “I don’t know.” That advice stuck with me. It taught me that humility builds trust, and that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about recognizing where you are, being willing to learn, and having the determination not to stay there.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate? Be curious and stay humble. Ask questions, listen more than you speak, and never be afraid to admit what you don’t know. Build relationships grounded in trust and respect. Every experience, even the challenging ones, is a chance to grow into the leader you’re meant to be. And remember to celebrate the wins along the way, no matter how small, they’re all part of the journey.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader? Practice gratitude, give grace, and pause to recalibrate, simple habits that keep me grounded daily.

What book, podcast, or app has most influenced your approach to leadership? The Five Dysfunctions of a Team reminds me that trust, accountability, and conflict build success.