SoCal Power Women: 5 Questions With JLL's Shauna Mattis

This limited series profiles SoCal Power Women who have helped shape cities, neighborhoods, businesses and lifestyles in Los Angeles and Orange counties. These women will be honored at Bisnow's SoCal Power Women event Dec. 13.

JLL Senior Vice President, Retail Brokerage Shauna Mattis has over 19 years of experience in retail commercial brokerage and oversees client management and leasing services throughout Southern California for JLL. Her clients include REITs, developers, receivers, and institutional and professional shopping center owners, and she has extensive experience in anchor tenant leasing and shopping center repositioning.

Bisnow: How do you describe your job to people who are not in the industry?

Mattis: I’m a problem solver! I work closely with my clients to identify the priority vacancies at each property. I then work tactically to find new retailers to occupy these spaces that will enhance the overall synergy of the center. Collaboration with my clients, knowledge of each market and relationships with my peers allow me to have the success I have had — and the results needed to solve my client’s problems.

Bisnow: What is the biggest business problem you have faced and how did you solve it?

Mattis: Finding a partner who could keep up with me and the pace of my portfolio. After 20-plus years in the industry, I have the benefit of knowing my portfolio well. For someone entering the business, this is a lot of information to take in and keep straight. Historically I thought I needed a partner with some experience, so they could complete tasks independently. In reality, having someone new to the industry with the right balance of drive and ambition is stronger. I’m excited to have found Alexandria Otto and look forward to her and I having tremendous success together.

Bisnow: What is one thing you think companies can do to address wage and gender inequality?

Mattis: Transparency and a senior level commitment to equality! Gender shouldn’t have anything to do with compensation. Compensation should be solely based on performance and qualifications. With full transparency, there would be a more level playing field for jobs and roles. In addition, a strong commitment from senior leadership needs to be in place to ensure hiring and promotions are being fully inclusive. If women are not being hired initially, they are not available for internal promotions either. Too few companies are even setting goals for gender equality. Without goals, it’s very difficult to achieve results.

Bisnow: What piece of advice do you give others entering the industry?

Mattis: Love what you do and be prepared to voice your opinions. It’s easy to become a “paper pusher” rather than “deal maker.” You receive an offer, share it with your client, receive your client’s input, and share that with the tenant. You’ve simply relayed information and haven’t provided any value.

Understand why the offer was drafted as it was, use that knowledge to advise your client, and then communicate back where the deal needs to land to be approved. Now you’re in a position to articulate and advocate for mutual success to get the deal signed.

Bisnow: What do you do to unwind when you’re not working?

Mattis: I love cooking and entertaining. During college, I worked as a catering manager at the University Center and ran a small catering company with friends on the side. After college, I chose to leave that field as I put a higher priority on spending weekends and evenings with my family. Commercial real estate was the right answer as it allowed for work/life balance. Now, I get my “catering fix” through cooking during holidays and throwing parties for friends. Plus, everything is better with a good glass of wine.

Meet Shauna Mattis at Bisnow's SoCal Power Women event Dec. 13 at the LA Grand Hotel Downtown.