BOSTON—What is the success mantras of Greatland Realty Partners CFO Lauren Sullivan? “I do my best to make sure my team and mentees have the tools and the space to succeed,” she says. “Success to me means setting a goal and working towards it but being flexible to adapt to the unexpected things that inevitably come up along the way.”
Ms. Sullivan will be honored as the Outstanding Women of Commercial Real Estate 2024 by the Boston Real Estate Times on Feb. 22, 2024 at its Annual Awards gala at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA. To register for the gala, please click here.
With over 15 years of experience in the commercial real estate sector, Ms. Sullivan oversees finance, technology, human resources, and company operations. She is also involved in Greatland’s investment decisions and capital strategy. Prior to joining Greatland, she held senior finance roles at Related Beal and Pembroke and started her career at Deloitte.
“I enjoy many things about my work, but the most fulfilling part of my job has been to work with some amazing teams, learn from those around me, and offer mentorship and motivation to others in the industry,” says Ms. Sullivan. “I have also really enjoyed helping Greatland grow and take pride in seeing the company mature.”
Boston-based Greatland has emerged as leading developwer and owner of life science, innovation, and strategic workplaces. Some of the firm’s recent projects include:
- Revolution Labs in Lexington, a 180,000 SF purpose-built lab building that Greatland successfully delivered 100% pre-leased, ahead of schedule, and within budget in 2023.
- Riverside Labs in Weston, an under construction 340,000 SF lab campus that secured financing for Phase 2 construction in Q4 2023.
- 275 Grove Street in Newton, a 510,000 SF best-in-class strategic office workspace that Greatland acquired in 2023 with renovation plans to improve the tenant experience.
- Lexington Labs in Lexington, a 300,000 SF campus that was fully converted for lab use in 2023; occupants include Thermo Fisher, Braskem, Nikon, and Olix Pharmaceuticals.
- CambridgePort Labs in East Cambridge, a 55,000 SF under construction lab campus available for occupancy in Q3 2024.
Ms. Sullivan is passionate about the continuous improvement of company processes and is focused on maintaining the speed and accuracy of Greatland’s reporting and operations to deliver best in class service to their partners. She is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University. She is also a board member of the Real Estate Finance Association (REFA), a division of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, and is active in various local charitable organizations around Boston.
Most of Ms. Sullivan’s free time is spent with her husband and two sons enjoying their Boston neighborhood and bouncing between different kids’ sports, music, and school activities. She enjoys running, hiking, exploring new restaurants, and traveling.
Here is a Q/A with Ms. Sullivan:
Boston Real Estate Times: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Lauren Sullivan: I enjoy many things about my work, but the most fulfilling part of my job has been to work with some amazing teams, learn from those around me, and offer mentorship and motivation to others in the industry. I have also really enjoyed helping Greatland grow and take pride in seeing the company mature. This is what drives me to do my best work and I enjoy raising my hand to help in areas outside of my comfort zone. I learn something new every day which keeps me challenged and motivated.
BRET: What do success and failure mean to you?
LS: Success to me means setting a goal and working towards it, but being flexible to adapt to the unexpected things that inevitably come up along the way. I try to find little “wins” each day to keep myself energized and positive. I think it’s hard to completely fail at something, and it’s ok if you do; what’s important is to admit to your mistakes, to learn how you could have achieved a different outcome, and to move forward positively having had that experience.
BRET: What is the one thing you attribute your success to?
LS: I’ve always had a strong work ethic and high standards for myself – I commit fully, professionally, and energetically to everything I do (for better or worse!). I’ve also had some great mentors and teams at Deloitte, Pembroke, and Related Beal that I am very grateful for all of their advice, support, and belief in me along the way. I also wouldn’t be able to do all that I do without my husband being an amazing supporter and equal contributor on the home front.
BRET: To which charitable, community and professional groups do you belong and why?
LS: I am on the Board of Directors of the Real Estate Finance Association (REFA), a division of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB). I believe strongly in representing women leaders in Real Estate and Finance and serving as a visible mentor to the next generation of young, female professionals in this space.
As a resident of South Boston for the past 15 years, I have also been active in my local community, including the Planning Committee for the Annual Southie Family Fun Day, where I partner with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s Better Beaches program for a grant to support the free, diverse, and inclusive event at Marine Park in South Boston.
BRET: In what way do you feel you have most positively influenced or served the local community, your company/organization or professional field?
LS: I try to provide a positive leadership style and take the time to listen to those around me. I do my best to make sure my team and mentees have the tools and the space to succeed. Focusing on listening allows me to fully perceive and get to the bottom of problems to offer thoughtful solutions.
BRET: Is there any aptitude, gift or talent that not many people know about you?
LS: Despite being on the financial side of the business, I do love the creative side as well. I first became interested in real estate through architecture in high school and dreamed of becoming an architect one day.
BRET: What are your hobbies and interests?
LS: Running and Barre classes keep me sane in my day-to-day. Travel and outdoor activities reenergize my spirit. I also love getting my creative side out with arts and crafts, but it’s mostly kids’ projects these days.
BRET: Your favorite books?
LS: I enjoy reading business leader books for ideas and inspiration, but one of my favorite non-business books is Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. I couldn’t put it down.
BRET: Your favorite quotes?
LS: My team hears these often – “An hour now saves a hundred later”, and “Progress not perfection”.
BRET: The one person you would like to meet and why?
LS: Michelle Obama, I just think she is great. I loved her book, “Becoming”.
BRET: Your core values you try to live by?
LS: Kindness, generosity, gratitude, optimism, humility, balance, laugh often.
BRET: What inspires you?
LS: Definitely my kids. I’m in awe of the way they live entirely in the present moment and always have their minds and hearts open to new ideas, people, and places. They have endless curiosity and creativity, and are continuously inventing solutions to tackle the problems at hand, both big and small, real and imagined.
