In the ever-evolving world of real estate, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. But what does it take to innovate in an industry steeped in tradition?
The latest episode of the GSC Executives podcast tries to shed light on this, with Caitlin Tye talking with Jenna Harris, Head of Co-living at Harris Associates and Co-founder of Harris Studios.
From Tech Start-up to Property Powerhouse
Jenna’s journey is far from conventional. Beginning her career by co-founding a tech start-up with her brother, she brought a fresh perspective to the property sector. “What we really identified about the space was the fact that it hadn’t come a long way in terms of how people talk about real estate and how people market assets,” Jenna explains. This observation became the catalyst for her innovative approach to real estate marketing.
The Power of Diversity in Driving Innovation
One of the most striking aspects of Jenna’s leadership is her commitment to diversity. Under her guidance, Harris Associates has achieved a 50-50 gender balance in their workforce. But why is this so crucial?
“Having a really balanced group of people is so important,” Jenna emphasises. “If you think about creating an environment that is incredibly dynamic and great, but then only having people that think a certain way, have lived a certain way, it’s so limiting to what actually is reflective of what’s out there in the world.”
This diversity of thought and experience, Jenna argues, is what fuels innovation and helps businesses stay relevant in a rapidly changing market.
Marketing: The New Frontier in Real Estate
Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of Jenna’s approach is her emphasis on marketing in the property sector. “We’re kind of in this period of change,” she notes, “bringing real estate into the 21st century, interacting with the digital world, interacting with things like AI, VR.”
By placing marketing at the forefront of their strategy, Harris Associates has managed to cut through the noise and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. This approach not only attracts clients but also helps to educate investors about new concepts like co-living.
Creating a Culture of Innovation & the Global perspective
Jenna’s leadership style fosters an environment where ideas can flourish. “We’re just very much like, you know, if you have an idea, come to us,” she says. This open-door policy creates a startup-like atmosphere within an established firm, encouraging creativity and innovation at all levels.
Another key to Harris Associates’ success is their global outlook. Through a partnership with a Singapore-based agency, they’ve opened up access to Asian capital and gained valuable insights into markets where concepts like co-living are already well-established.
Lessons for Leaders
For executives looking to drive innovation in their own organisations, Jenna offers three key pieces of advice:
- Always be inquisitive
- Don’t be afraid to do things differently
- Remain inspired
These principles have guided Jenna’s approach to leadership and innovation, resulting in a fresh perspective that’s shaking up the real estate industry.
As the property sector continues to evolve, leaders who can balance traditional expertise with innovative thinking will be best positioned to succeed. Jenna Harris’s approach offers a compelling blueprint for how to achieve this balance.
Join the Conversation
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This blog post is based on the GSC Executives Podcast episode “The Innovation Triangle: Marketing, Investment, and Global Networks With Jenna Harris.”.
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