Roxann Ibe on Women Leading in Commercial Real Estate
In commercial real estate, some of the most meaningful insights come from the lived experiences of professionals shaping communities and creating opportunity along the way. That spirit is at the core of the Women of Coldwell Banker Commercial initiative — a platform designed to spotlight and elevate the women making an impact in CRE.
In a recent episode of the CRE with CBC Worldwide Podcast, Women of Coldwell Banker Commercial edition, host Jenna Hille sat down with Roxanne Ibe, founder and managing partner of Talisman Development Group. As a dynamic leader in commercial real estate development, Roxanne shared her journey, insights, and strategies for transforming underutilized and historic spaces into thriving community assets.
Here are some of the takeaways from this inspiring conversation — all with powerful implications for the future of commercial real estate.
1. Small Markets Hold Big Potential
One of the most compelling insights from Roxanne was her myth-busting take on small city development. Contrary to popular belief, smaller markets like Peoria offer significant opportunities for commercial real estate investors and developers. With less competition and more room for innovation, secondary and tertiary markets are ripe for adaptive reuse and mixed-use development. For CRE professionals looking to build their portfolios or launch new ventures, these markets offer a strategic entry point.
2. Design Intuition Is a Financial Asset
Roxanne’s background in design isn’t just aesthetic — it’s strategic. She leverages her design expertise as a financial tool, using spatial intelligence to drive ROI and streamline project execution. In today’s competitive commercial real estate landscape, the ability to integrate design thinking into development and investment decisions is a key differentiator.
3. Multi-Disciplinary Expertise Is a Superpower
Roxanne isn’t just a developer, she’s an architectural designer, a designer, a project manager, and a business strategist. At only 29, she’s built a career that spans architecture, construction, finance, and development. This breadth of experience gives her a rare ability to see the big picture while managing the smallest details.
“Wearing many hats isn’t a challenge, it’s an advantage,” Roxanne shared. “It helps me connect design decisions to financial outcomes and keep projects aligned with both vision and ROI.”
The future belongs to those who can bridge disciplines, understanding multiple facets of CRE makes you more agile and more valuable.
Roxanne Ibe’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and community in commercial real estate. From launching her own firm to revitalizing historic properties in small markets, she’s redefining what leadership looks like in the CRE industry.
Listen to the full podcast here or watch the video on the CBC YouTube channel.
Article was written with the help of AI.
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