In the realm of commercial real estate, leadership often takes on many forms. Lani Baker, Principal Partner and Chief Financial Officer of Holualoa Companies, is a leader focused on empowering her team and broadening opportunities for women in the industry. She thrives on the challenges that each day brings, relishing the opportunity to rally her team and witness their collective impact on the company's success.
Lani's journey began in her hometown here in Tucson, Arizona, where she cultivated a passion for finance and real estate. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, she set out to make her mark in the world of commercial real estate.
With over two decades of experience in the industry, Lani has witnessed a positive shift. Early in her career, she was often one of only a few women in the room. Now she takes note of the growing number of women attending events. She encourages women to bring along other women to industry events and underscores the need for mentorship and support to further drive this momentum.
Reflecting on her professional development, Lani credits her mother for instilling the values of dedication and hard work. Her mother encouraged her to put in her all and to take pride in her work. Not only did her mother teach her that every problem has a solution, she cherishes her mother's example of prioritizing others' needs and aims to pay it forward by mentoring and supporting aspiring leaders.
"Don’t stay in your lane," she advises young women aspiring to leadership roles, "Don't be afraid to color outside of the lines and learn every aspect of the business." Lani emphasizes the importance of curiosity, urging them to ask questions and learn skills to become the go-to member of the team. She advocates embracing your differences and encourages women to shine their light while incorporating their unique strengths.
Lani underscores the significance of celebrating successes and fostering inclusion in all aspects of life. She advocates for intentional hiring and promotion practices, highlighting the benefits of diverse and equitable leadership for businesses and communities alike. Lani notes that data has shown diverse and inclusive teams are a win-win, generating better results and benefiting the organization as a whole.
As an active member in the community, Lani has held positions as the Vice President of the Lupus Foundation of Southern Arizona, served as the past President and current board member of CREW Tucson, served on the Finance Committee for Tucson Medical Center, and is a dedicated member of Angel Charity for Children. Her outstanding contributions have been recognized through prestigious accolades such as the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 40 under 40 award, being named a Tu Nidito Remarkable Mom in 2018, and honored as the 2020 Women of Influence Real Estate Champion.
As Lani Baker continues to pave the way for future generations of leaders, her commitment to excellence, empowerment, and inclusion remains unwavering. Through her guidance and advocacy, she not only transforms businesses but also uplifts communities, leaving an indelible mark on the world of commercial real estate.