IREI Spotlights Noble’s Angela Johnson in "Her Journey" Leadership Series
Angela Johnson, managing principal and head of global client solutions and strategic partnerships at Noble Investment Group, recently participated in a special feature highlighting accomplished women in the real estate sector for the Institutional Real Estate Americas publication. She shared her career experiences, provided expert perspectives on the industry and extended empowering guidance to fellow women professionals in the field.
What inspired you to pursue a career in institutional real estate, and how did you get started in the sector?
I was inspired by my father, who was a residential real estate broker, to pursue a career in real estate. From the time I was five years old, I would go on property tours with him. I was probably the only kid who knew what a title agency or settlement day was because I associated those days with getting a new toy! Later, when I received my first investment banking analyst bonus, I called my dad and told him I wanted to buy an investment property. I purchased a single-family residential property in Houston and found so much joy building my rudimentary DCF models. It felt far more tangible than the complex financial models I was working on in my investment banking analyst program, and that’s when I knew I wanted to pursue a career in real estate.
What qualities are essential for success in real estate leadership roles?
I believe there are three key qualities essential for success in real estate leadership roles:
Relationship building: Real estate is a people-driven business, and strong relationships are the foundation of success.
Problem-solving: The ability to think critically and creatively to overcome challenges is crucial.
Apprenticeship: Learning from others and being open to guidance is invaluable in developing the skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively.
Have you had mentors or sponsors in your career? If so, how did they influence your path?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate to have both male and female mentors throughout my career, and each has influenced my path in unique and meaningful ways. Early on, a female mentor had a particularly profound impact — she helped me see potential in myself that I hadn’t yet recognized. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to take on challenges I might have otherwise hesitated to pursue.
Male mentors have also been instrumental in my growth, encouraging me to approach problems from different perspectives and challenging me to be bolder in negotiating compensation or advocating for promotions. Across the board, my mentors have provided invaluable guidance, opened doors to opportunities and pushed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have achieved on my own.
How do you approach mentoring the next generation of professionals, especially women, in the sector?
I’m very passionate about mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals, especially women. It’s harder now, as I’m a mom, wife and professional who’s often on the road with minimal free hours, but it’s still something that’s incredibly important to me. I try to share my experiences; offer guidance; and encourage young professionals to pursue their goals, even in the face of challenges.
What advice would you give young women aspiring to enter institutional real estate?
My advice to young women pursuing a career in real estate is not to feel intimidated by analytical roles or male-dominated environments. While they can seem daunting at first, they’re often where you’ll grow the most personally and professionally. These spaces challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone, develop new skills and prove your value in meaningful ways.
Be confident in your abilities and trust your perspective and contributions are valuable. Embrace opportunities that feel challenging or unfamiliar, as those are often the ones that lead to the greatest growth. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who support and inspire you, and remember that resilience and self-belief are essential to thriving in this industry.
How significant is the increasing presence of women in this sector? Have you noticed any shifts?
The increasing presence of women in this sector is incredibly significant. When I started, I was one of only a few women in the room and often felt out of place, unsure who to ask for help or how to navigate certain situations. Over time, I’ve noticed a meaningful shift — more women are entering the field, and there’s a growing sense of community and support. Seeing the progress is encouraging, but there’s still work to be done.
How do you manage work-life balance in such a demanding industry?
Managing work-life balance is challenging, and I’ve learned that you can’t have everything every day. It requires making conscious choices about how you’ll prioritize the things and people that matter most. Often, that means being thoughtful about who you might disappoint on any given day and strategic about how to make it up to them later. Self-care is also critical — I make time for myself to ensure I can show up as my best self for others.
What strategies do you use to maintain resilience and focus during high-pressure situations?
I rely on a few key strategies to stay resilient and focused:
The gym. Physical activity helps me clear my mind and manage stress.
Meditation and gratitude journaling. These practices help me stay grounded and maintain perspective.
Do-nothing days. Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to take a step back and allow myself to do absolutely nothing.
Are there any skills or habits outside of real estate that you’ve found particularly valuable in your career?
Empathy and strong people skills have been incredibly valuable throughout my career. Building meaningful connections often comes down to taking an interest in what others care about, even if those interests don’t align perfectly with your own. For example, while I’m not a skilled golfer, I’ll still give it a try because it’s a way to connect with others. Similarly, I may not love every sport, but I enjoy learning about them and trying new ones, which has opened doors to conversations and relationships I might not have had otherwise.
Beyond that, I’ve found tremendous value in exploring interests like wine and art. These passions have allowed me to connect with people from all over the world in unique and meaningful ways. Music has also been a lifelong passion of mine — I started playing the violin at the age of three, and my love for music has continued to grow, anchoring many of my travels and experiences. Whether through music, reading or other shared interests, I’ve learned that people are drawn to genuine passion. Even if they don’t share the same enthusiasm, they can appreciate it, which often becomes a bridge for connection.
Any other comments?
I think it’s important to remember that success in real estate — or any field — isn’t just about technical skills. It’s about building relationships, staying curious and nurturing a willingness to learn from others. The journey is as important as the destination, and the connections you make along the way can be some of the most rewarding aspects of your career.