Defining Leadership: Skill, Collaboration, and Transparency

Moderator: 
Andie Edmonds, CCIM (The CCIM Institute 2026 Global President-Elect) 

Panelists: 
D’Etta Casto-DeLeon, CCIM, CCMS (Director at CBRE Loans) 
Jessica Johnson-Kelley, CCIM (President-Owner of Johnson Kelley Commercial Real Estate, Inc.)
Candis Pressley, CCIM, CRE (Managing Partner at Trinity Property Advisor)  
 

At the CCIM Institute Spring Forum in Philadelphia on April 21, 2026, the “Leadership & CRE Success Stories” panel delivered an energetic and candid look at leadership, resilience, and relationship-building in commercial real estate.  

Moderated by Andie Edmonds, CCIM, the session featured Candis Pressley, CCIM, CRE; D’Etta Casto-DeLeon, CCIM, CCMS; and Jessica Johnson-Kelley, CCIM, as they shared real-world experiences from the trenches of brokerage, lending, and development.  

Edmonds set the tone by emphasizing the importance of authenticity and experience, noting she sought panelists who had “been in the trenches, closed the deals” and could offer meaningful, actionable insight. 

Pressley, highlighted the transformative power of the CCIM network, explaining that while she initially pursued the Designation for education, “the network of everyone… was mind blowing” in how openly peers shared knowledge and opportunities. She recounted how a casual conversation at a conference turned into a full “playbook” for structuring a development deal, underscoring the value of collaboration. Pressley also emphasized confidence and persistence, sharing that stepping outside her comfort zones, such as submitting for major RFPs, was often fueled by encouragement from colleagues. Meanwhile, Casto-DeLeon offered a powerful perspective on accountability and leadership, stressing the importance of transparency: “Yes, I made a mistake…[but] I had a solution…how to fix it,” reinforcing that trust is built through honesty and proactive problem-solving. 

Johnson-Kelley contributed insights on mentorship and long-term impact, encouraging professionals to “invest early” in themselves and others, particularly by engaging with students and emerging talent. She described how outreach and mentorship can shape future careers, noting that even brief interactions can inspire the next generation of CRE professionals. Across the panel, a consistent theme emerged around leadership as action rather than title—whether it’s mentoring, taking calculated risks, or advocating for oneself in a competitive, often male-dominated industry. 

The discussion also addressed the realities of navigating that environment, with Casto-DeLeon describing her approach as being “an aggressive pit bull” in negotiations—focused, direct, and results-driven—while Pressley echoed the importance of showing up prepared and confident, even when facing skepticism. Edmonds closed the session by encouraging attendees to reflect on their own “superpower” and how it contributes to their success, reinforcing that leadership in CRE is built on a combination of technical skill, relationships, and personal accountability. The panel left attendees with a clear message: success in commercial real estate isn’t just about deals—it’s about the people, the mindset, and the willingness to lead with intention.