In the unpredictable world of real estate development, every deal is a lesson in resilience, adaptation, and opportunity. As an entrepreneur who transitioned from media to real estate just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about navigating turbulent waters and emerging stronger on the other side.
When I started my journey in real estate development, I never imagined my first major project would coincide with a global pandemic. As COVID-19 swept across the world, I found myself facing soaring prices, an unpredictable buyers market, and a climate of fear. It was, to put it mildly, one hell of a ride.
The project I had poured my heart and resources into began to crumble under the weight of these unprecedented circumstances. I lost my shirt—and the project. But in that loss, I found the most valuable lessons of my career.
While many saw only challenges in the pandemic, I saw potential. Against all odds, I became a hotel owner during one of the most difficult times for the hospitality industry. It was a monumental task that required bringing together a team of dedicated professionals who shared my vision and were willing to work tirelessly to make it succeed.
This experience taught me that true opportunity often lies where others see only obstacles. It’s about developing the vision to see potential where others see problems, and having the courage to act on that vision.
Through my successes and failures, I’ve learned that I’m always just one relationship away from changing everything. Whether it was the partner I acquired the hotel with, the developer I collaborated with on other projects, or the team I worked with to build resorts abroad, each relationship opened new doors and possibilities.
In real estate, as in life, success is rarely a solo endeavor. It’s about building a network of partners and collaborators who complement your skills and share your vision.
Losing a major project was a humbling experience, but it also became the catalyst for my greatest growth. I realized that rebuilding required more than just financial strategy—it demanded a complete paradigm shift.
I turned to physical fitness, something I had never prioritized before. As someone who wasn’t naturally athletic, this was a challenge. But I discovered that the discipline and mindset required to transform my physical health directly translated to rebuilding my business.
The pandemic taught us all that market conditions can change overnight. In real estate, we often find opportunities in challenging situations—what I call the “5 D’s”: disaster, divorce, disagreement, disability, and death. COVID-19 added a new dimension to this, creating both unprecedented challenges and unique opportunities.
Adapting to these new realities required quick thinking, flexibility, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone. It meant reevaluating every aspect of my business strategy and being open to unconventional solutions.
As we navigated the crisis, the importance of ethical leadership became clearer than ever. In real estate, our decisions impact not just our bottom line, but entire communities. During the pandemic, this responsibility felt even weightier. Every choice we made—from how we managed our properties to how we treated our employees and tenants—had far-reaching consequences.
The experiences of the past few years have reinforced my belief that success isn’t just about achieving specific goals—it’s about developing the resilience, adaptability, and ethical foundation to navigate whatever challenges come our way.
As we move forward in an ever-changing economic landscape, these lessons will be more crucial than ever. Whether in real estate or any other field, success will come to those who can see opportunity in adversity, build strong relationships, adapt quickly to change, and lead with integrity.
In conclusion, my journey through the pandemic as a real estate entrepreneur has taught me that closing the deal on success is not about a single transaction or achievement. It’s about building the skills, mindset, and relationships that allow us to thrive in even the most challenging circumstances. By embracing these lessons, we can all work towards not just personal success, but towards building a more resilient and ethical business world.
By Jessica Myers, Founder of Ignition Zones
