Maria Poyer, the 2023 Developing Leaders Award recipient, is driven by collaboration and exploration and has grown into a passionate commercial real estate professional specializing in acquisitions and development. With a proven track record, she has led over $4.9 billion in commercial real estate transactions over her career and has worked on a variety of developments, bringing a wealth of expertise to every project.
Maria Elena Poyer
Ms. Poyer is the Senior Land Acquisition Manager for the Americas at Microsoft Corporation. In her previous role at Amazon, she oversaw land acquisition, due diligence and development to ensure each site aligned with project requirements supporting Amazon's global customer fulfillment network. Her background is enriched by her brokerage experience at JLL and investment banking at Bank of America. Her collaborative approach fosters strong partnerships with stakeholders and investors, thrives in high-risk scenarios, and consistently delivers results.
Ms. Poyer served as co-chair of Amazon's largest ERG, “Women at Amazon,” serving a community of over 30,000 members and 157 chapters. She served on the NAIOP Corporate Executive Committee and currently serves as a Visionary on the NAIOP Research Foundation's Research Committee and is a member of select national forums. She has held leadership roles in Washington State NAIOP, including co-chairing the Leadership Development Committee, and is a board member for CREW Seattle.
Poyer volunteers weekly as a tutor with Reading Partners, a program that matches local volunteers with elementary school students who are reading below grade level.
NAIOP caught up with this inspiring luminary to learn more about his career and growth as a leader in the commercial real estate industry.
NAIOP: Who was a notable influence on your career? Did they make a difference?
Poyer: I have always believed that reaching out to others and acknowledging those who have helped me grow professionally is paramount to the success and growth of the CRE industry. This belief has been reinforced by leadership mentorship and people like Kate Bryden, Katherine Hamilton, and Bennett Gray in the NAIOP community who embody true openness in creating a welcoming environment for all. At Amazon, Brad McKeach supported my efforts and managers like Phil Diepenbrock taught me the importance of truly listening to understand. I have also been grateful and inspired by many leaders during my time as co-chair of Women at Amazon (Amazon’s largest ERG) and have been driven to promote gender equality and diversity in the workplace. On a personal level, my brother Alan, my partner John, and my harp teacher Marsha each played key roles in shaping my values, emphasizing perseverance, self-love, and unwavering tenacity. From the boardroom throughout my career to personal lessons from friends and family, every interaction has been a stepping stone to my professional path. Their comprehensive guidance has pushed me and motivated me to move forward in the CRE industry.
NAIOP: What is one practical piece of advice you would give to developing leaders just starting out in their careers?
Poyer: The practical advice I would like to offer to those who develop leaders is to embrace your strengths and focus on what you are really good at. We are often told to focus on improving our weaknesses. While it is essential to strive for balance and growth in all areas, it is equally important to recognize where your true passions and talents lie. Often, our strengths guide us to our true calling. When we start our careers, or even when we start moving forward in life, we determine our path based on preconceived notions without really understanding whether it aligns with our passion. It is okay to change direction and explore a different path. Try something and if it doesn't resonate with you, move on. Conversely, when you find your passion, dive into it with all your heart and soul. Don't get stuck on a set path. Instead, be open to a journey of self-discovery and growth.
NAIOP: How has being a member of NAIOP helped your career?
Poyer: Having been involved with NAIOP for many years, I explained to my mentor at a conference what NAIOP meant to me. I told her, “In a job, it's important to have a group of close friends, mentors, and sponsors. NAIOP gave me the space to find these things. They became my networking family, and they always supported me both in the new and exciting work I undertook and helped me through times of change.” NAIOP provided me with a platform to use a variety of skills outside of the ones I use in my day-to-day job, including event execution, group coordination, and tactical leadership. The skills I learned from these different leadership roles are now reflected in my ability to successfully manage a team of 11 direct reports.
In addition to professional growth, being actively involved in NAIOP locally and nationally has not only blossomed my career, but has also provided lifelong friendships and mentorship.
NAIOP: How do you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
Poyer: To continually grow and develop as a leader, I actively seek opportunities that challenge my current skills and push me beyond my comfort zone. I believe leadership is an evolving journey and am committed to continuous growth and self-improvement. I have learned the value of cross-functional collaboration, as understanding different perspectives is essential, especially in commercial real estate. My involvement with organizations such as NAIOP, CREW and “Women at Amazon” has allowed me to hone my leadership skills in a variety of contexts, from event execution to strategic planning. I am a strong believer in lifelong learning and make sure to attend workshops, conferences and seminars to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices. Finally, I value the guidance I receive from my mentors and colleagues and in return, I take pride in mentoring others and fostering a culture of continuous growth and knowledge sharing.
For more information about the 2023 Developing Leaders Award recipients, see Development magazine. Applications are now open for the 2024 Developing Leaders Awards.