A Conversation with Jennifer Leahy

Jennifer Leahy inspires us. Jennifer has been in the real estate industry for almost a decade, and is currently a team leader at Douglas Elliman. The NY suburbs resident believes that daily meditation and staying true to one’s values are the keys to success.

Q: Who inspired you growing up? 

Jennifer: My Nanna and my great-grandmother inspired me. My Nanna went against the grain of what it meant to be a woman in her time. She was a famous tap dancer, performed throughout her 20’s, and didn’t have children until her 30’s. My great-grandmother immigrated to this country from Italy with her four kids and worked as a seamstress. She also served what I think is the first meatball sub ever in her house in Port Chester, New York. 

Q: What role has mentorship played in your career? 

Jennifer: Mentorship is so important. I love mentoring my team and any agent that comes to me looking for help. I have also had many amazing mentors over my career and I am very appreciative for their influence in my life and becoming the leader who I am today. These interactions truly boosted my confidence. When I started, I believed in myself, but it was a lot of fake it until you make it. Today, entering 2023 with 8 years of being a real estate professional under my belt, I am about to close one of the largest real estate transactions so far this year in America and the second largest in the state of Connecticut. I am extremely proud of this accomplishment. .

Q: When was a time you were brave? What did you learn? 

Jennifer: In the beginning of my career, I went after a major new development project. I kept calling, writing emails and showing up to the developer’s office until he would take a meeting with me. I was relentless. After 3 months of perseverance, it all paid off. I got the listings and set the record price per square foot in that area of Greenwich, Connecticut. It was a great experience, but it also makes me reflect on some of the things I told myself when I was younger. And honestly, I would tell my younger self to not be so hard on yourself. Everything works out and true success comes from within.