Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 CREW Network Convention in Austin, Tex. The event brought together professionals from across the commercial real estate industry, including leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are shaping what’s next in the commercial real estate arena. Over several days of panels, workshops and networking, one message stood out clearly: the industry is evolving faster than ever, and the pace of innovation continues to accelerate. As someone who helps individuals and companies shape their professional stories, I was struck by the range of lessons I extracted from the various voices showcased during the conference. There are new stories being written every day that will impact the trends shaping the commercial real estate landscape. True leaders will look for opportunities to address the challenges with inspired leadership.
Top Real Estate Industry Trends
This year’s convention made it clear that technology and workforce dynamics are reshaping every part of commercial real estate. Throughout the sessions, two major themes kept coming up: artificial intelligence and labor shortages. Both are having a major influence on how we plan, invest and lead.
Speakers across different sectors agreed that AI is no longer a distant idea. It is already helping teams make smarter, faster decisions. From automating underwriting and lease administration to using predictive analytics to improve the tenant experience, AI is changing how we work. Many presenters also pointed out that success with new technology depends on finding the right balance between automation and human expertise. That balance is where great leadership thrives.
At the same time, labor shortages continue to shape how companies approach development, construction and operations. This challenge is especially evident in areas like life sciences and healthcare, where technical skills and experience are in high demand. Panelists shared how leading companies are tackling the issue through mentorship programs, flexible work models, and cross-training opportunities. The goal is to retain institutional knowledge while helping the next generation of professionals gain the experience they need to lead.
Current Developments and Challenges in Life Sciences and Healthcare
Life sciences and healthcare were major topics at this year’s event, and for good reason. Even with tighter capital markets, demand for innovation hubs, research campuses and adaptive reuse projects remains strong. Experts emphasized that the future of these sectors depends on collaboration between developers, institutions and technology partners. AI is already playing a bigger role in areas like site selection, lab design and operational planning.
Still, the shortage of skilled professionals remains a challenge that can’t be ignored. Engineers, lab technicians and healthcare staff are in short supply, and that reality influences where projects are located and how facilities are designed. Many companies are responding by creating wellness-focused workplaces, choosing sites close to talent hubs, and using technology to help smaller teams achieve more.
Stories to Inspire: Leading with Authenticity
As in past years, the keynote speakers shared powerful stories about resilience, authenticity and transformation. Their insights were a great reminder that leadership is not only about strategy but also about staying true to yourself as you grow and change.
The opening keynote came from Chely Wright, who shared her remarkable journey of breaking boundaries and embracing reinvention. Recognized as the Academy of Country Music’s Top Female Vocalist in 1994, Chely rose to fame with chart-topping success and wide industry recognition. In 2010, she made history as the first country artist to come out publicly as LGBTQ+, solidifying her place as a trailblazer. After years spent advocating for inclusion and cultural change, she took a bold new step during the pandemic, moving into the corporate world and eventually into commercial real estate. Her story was a reminder that success can take many different forms, and we each have the power to define it for ourselves.
Chely closed her talk with a reflection that stayed with me. After a friend asked how she felt about an article titled “Ex–Country Music Star Chely Wright Reinvents Herself in the Corporate World,” she realized that everyone has their own headline, one that captures their unique story. Her message was simple but powerful: authentic leadership begins when you take ownership of your story.
The convention wrapped up with another inspiring speaker, The Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. At just 37, she became the country’s youngest leader in more than 150 years and quickly became a global example of empathetic leadership. In a fireside chat with CREW Network President Cindy MacMillan, Ardern spoke openly about overcoming self-doubt, leading through crisis, and redefining what strong leadership can look like. Her words brought the week full circle, reinforcing a message that carried through every session: authenticity, empathy and courage are the true hallmarks of leadership today.
Final Thoughts
As someone who spends her days helping people tell their professional stories, I am reminded that whether through innovation, inclusion or authenticity, our industry is clearly moving toward a more thoughtful and human-centered future. Technology will continue to change how we work, but it is the people, their ideas, tchael Bondheir resilience, and their willingness to grow that will keep driving real estate forward.