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Q&A with the moderators Q&A RHB: What was different about this year’s panels compared to previous years?
think it worked out well, the conversations felt natural, and we got a lot of thoughtful answers.
Vanessa: We covered newer ground like AI and
Jessica: My goal was to move the conversation
its impact on the industry, alongside some tough yet important conversations around assault and gender-based violence. We also brought a mix of perspectives, combining Gen Z voices with someone like Kris Boyce, who has seen the industry evolve over decades.
Jillian: I loved what we did differently with the
Gen-Z panel. It felt a lot more intentional in how we structured the conversations. We went more one-on-one, which gave each person the space to open up and go deeper.
Jessica: This year felt really grounded in
honesty and candour. The conversation moved beyond ideas into how decisions get made, and what it takes to get them adopted. There was less abstraction and more operational honesty.
RHB: What were the key takeaways from this year’s panels?
Vanessa: Women are an incredible force in this
away from surface-level insights and into real decision-making: what was built, what it cost, and what changed. It worked because the panelists were willing to go there and speak honestly.
RHB: What most impressed you this year about the panelists?
Vanessa: What stands out is how the
connections don’t end when the panel does. You can see the panelists continue to bond afterward; we’re bringing a community of women closer together.
Jillian: What stood out most was their honesty.
They didn’t try to over-polish their experiences or simplify the challenges. That level of openness takes confidence, and it makes their insights more impactful.
Jessica: The range of perspectives, but a
industry, and in how they show up for each other, motivating, encouraging, and supporting one another every step of the way.
shared clarity in how they think. No one relied on corporate language. They spoke directly about trade-offs, constraints, and how they navigate them.
Jillian: There isn’t one right way into this
RHB: What topics would you like to address with
industry, and that’s a good thing. A lot of the panelists talked about figuring things out as they go, and how important it is to stay open to opportunities.
Jessica: Influence has to be built before it’s
recognized. Across roles, from founders to operators, the common thread was investing credibility early and letting results do the work. Also, leadership today is being shaped as much by life realities as by business strategy.
RHB: What was your goal as moderator, and how did it work out?
Vanessa: My goal with these panels every year is to bring real, authentic conversations to the forefront. This year, we tackled some sensitive topics and the level of honesty and openness from the panelists was refreshing. It’s what makes these discussions memorable.
Jillian: I wanted people to feel comfortable
enough to say what they think, especially because the audience for this kind of panel is often people who are in the same stage. I like to
18 | April / May 2026
future panels?
Vanessa: Next year, I would love to explore
expectations through the lens of the “Barbie” monologue, for anyone who has seen the movie, and what it says about how women are seen, what’s expected of them, and the gap between performance and reality in life and leadership.
Jillian: I’d be interested in exploring the idea
of long-term career sustainability, not just how to get into the industry but how to stay in it and continue growing. Things like evolving your skills set, handling setbacks, and redefining success over time.
Jessica: I’d like to go deeper on institutional
design: how policies, compensation structures, and operational systems either accelerate or stall progress. And more candid conversations around scale: what works in theory versus what actually holds up. Visit https://www.rhbtv.ca/iwd to watch the videos of the IWD panels and learn more from the incredible women in the real estate industry.