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2021 Next Generation Awards
Chicago & Midwest
Linsey Smith
Leads Cushman & Wakefield’s Chicago research operations
Previously VP of consumer insights at Compass Group
Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, Northwestern University
Linsey Smith leads Cushman & Wakefield’s Chicago research operations, and colleagues say she has dramatically changed the way the firm’s research aligns with business and client objectives. A native of Cupertino, CA, Smith earned a PhD in cognitive psychology from Northwestern University and joined Cushman & Wakefield in 2019.
Linsey has a different mindset,” says Victoria Noonan, Chicago Managing Principal, Cushman & Wakefield. “She joined us with a more experiential, consumer background, and I thought how she looks at data to tell a story would transform our research. She’s done exactly that. My brokers frequently note that we have not had research of this quality, especially in terms of how it benefits client service, in their decades-spanning careers.
Noonan adds, “Her whole heart goes all the way through this. Linsey is an empathetic leader, which is rare, and a mentor, even at this early stage of her career. She recognizes talent and guides it to the right role. For example, a researcher on her team had given notice, and Linsey, aware of opportunities in Cushman & Wakefield’s evolving, national research efforts suggested he apply. We were able to retain and redirect a talented young researcher who would be difficult to replace, especially during the pandemic.”
These are just a few reasons we chose Smith as one of the Chicago/Midwest 2021 Next Generation Award winners. Connect Media’s fifth annual Next Generation Awards recognize young leaders in the commercial real estate industry who are likely to be influential for years to come.