We’ve all been there: that moment when self-doubt creeps in, and we question our abilities, our worth, and our potential. For me, it was just last week as I was getting ready for a meeting to prepare for a panel discussion at CREW Austin’s October Luncheon, focused on helping women get started in commercial real estate investing. I suddenly felt inadequate and afraid. I thought, Who the heck do I think I am?

For many women, stepping into the world of commercial real estate can feel like stepping into unfamiliar, intimidating territory. The barriers to entry often seem impossibly high, the industry daunting, and the voices—both internal and external—whispering, “You don’t have what it takes” can feel too loud to ignore.

But let me tell you this: those voices are wrong. They’re lies, and it’s time to let go of them. It’s time to rise above the doubts and step into your power, embracing the opportunities that commercial real estate offers.

Lie #1: “You Need a Finance Degree or Extensive Experience”
One of the biggest myths surrounding commercial real estate is that you need a background in finance, a formal education, or years of experience in the field before you can even think of getting started. This simply isn’t true.

My 20 years of business experience have been incredibly useful in my commercial real estate journey. After all, we are buying businesses, and while my experience in HR and cash flow management wasn’t specifically in real estate, it has helped me find my place and be secure in the value I add to the asset management team.

Successful real estate investors come from all walks of life—teachers, stay-at-home moms, artists, healthcare workers, you name it. Many of them didn’t start out with any formal education in finance or real estate. They started with curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a desire to improve their financial futures.

Commercial real estate may have complexities, but it isn’t beyond your reach. With the right resources, mentorship, and a community to guide you, you can learn everything you need to succeed. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and every journey starts with a single step.

Lie #2: “You Can’t Do It Because It’s a Man’s World”
Commercial real estate, like many industries, has historically been male-dominated. The boardrooms, networking events, and the deals were often spaces filled with men, and this has led many women to feel like they don’t belong or that they won't be taken seriously.

You all know by now that I am working hard to change this—and it’s the whole reason behind the Wise Network.

We are breaking down barriers, making waves, and changing the landscape of commercial real estate. We are seeing more women stepping into leadership roles, making impactful investments, and building legacies through real estate. We are encouraging the next generation to have no limitations on their goals. You are proving that women belong in every aspect of real estate—and that includes commercial investments.

Lie #3: “You’re Too Late to the Game”
I am 51 years old! I have thought that I was too late more times than I should have, that’s for sure. Another lie that holds many women back is the idea that they’ve missed their opportunity—that it’s too late to get started, that the market is too saturated, or that they’ve missed the “best time” to invest.

Here’s the truth: the best time to start is now. The market will always have ups and downs, but opportunities in commercial real estate will always be there. What matters is your commitment to taking that first step and staying consistent in your efforts. Whether you’re 25, 45, or 65, it’s never too late to start building wealth and securing your financial future.

The world of real estate has opportunities for everyone—whether you're interested in syndications, multifamily, retail, or industrial properties. The key is to learn, adapt, and be ready to act when opportunities arise.

Lie #4: “You Need to Be Wealthy to Get Started”
It’s a common misconception that you need deep pockets to get started in commercial real estate. Many women believe that only the wealthy can afford to invest in large-scale properties, but the reality is different.

Commercial real estate investing isn’t just for millionaires. There are strategies like syndications, where a group of investors can pool their resources to acquire a property, allowing you to get started without having to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars upfront. There are also creative financing options and partnerships that make commercial real estate accessible to more people.

The truth is, you don’t need to be wealthy—you need to be resourceful. With the right education, partnerships, and guidance, you can make commercial real estate a part of your financial journey.

Lie #5: “You Have to Do It Alone”
Many women shy away from commercial real estate because they think they have to do it alone, and the idea of navigating such a complex field without support feels overwhelming. But this isn’t a solo journey. You don’t have to—and shouldn’t—do it alone.

There is power in community. By surrounding yourself with like-minded women who share your goals, you’ll gain support, inspiration, and the collective wisdom of those who have been where you are. The Wise Network was built for this very reason—to empower women to build wealth together, to provide mentorship, and to offer the tools and support needed to succeed in commercial real estate.

When you join a community like the Wise Network, you’re not just investing in real estate; you’re investing in relationships, knowledge, and a support system that will lift you up and help you achieve more than you could on your own.

Embrace Your Power and Take Action
The lies we tell ourselves—or are told by others—can be powerful enough to keep us from reaching our potential. But it’s time to let go of those lies and embrace the truth: you are capable, you are worthy, and you can do bigger things. Commercial real estate is not beyond your reach.

You have the power to build wealth, secure your financial future, and create a legacy—not just for yourself, but for your family and for the women who come after you. It starts with believing in yourself, taking that first step, and surrounding yourself with a community that will support you every step of the way.

So, don’t believe the lies. Instead, believe in your potential. Your journey in commercial real estate starts now, and we at the Wise Network are here to help you succeed. Together, we can break barriers, achieve greatness, and build a future that is prosperous and limitless.

Join the Wise Network today, and let’s build wealth, support each other, and change the game for women in commercial real estate.

You have what it takes. Let’s do this.