Lindsey McAlister
Brontë Prins
Our annual list of trailblazing women are creating lasting legacies for themselves and for the city of Nashville. Now they’re sharing their stories, their triumphs, their setbacks, and their advice with us. Prepare to be inspired.
Early Aspirations
As a kid, I was extremely driven. Although I loved living in Canada (where I grew up), I wanted to see more of the world and set my sights on getting educated in America. I knew that being an international student (and particularly one coming from a big, inner-city public school) I would have to work extra hard to stand out. My ambition went into overdrive and by the end of my senior year, I was captain of the soccer team, editor of the school newspaper, student body president, and class valedictorian. Getting admitted to USC and moving to California was the most incredible reward after years of hard work towards achieving that educational goal, and I really feel that it set me on a path towards success.
Challenges Faced
Being a woman and working in a male-dominated industry like the real estate and construction industry has some definite challenges. I’m often the only woman in a room full of men, which can be intimidating, particularly when the men have 20 to 30 years more experience than I do. But what I may lack in age and experience, I make up for in tenacity and work ethic.
Work Perks
I love the people. SLC is a company comprised of incredibly hard-working and determined, yet caring, people. Although standards and expectations for performance are high, the company maintains a fantastic, family-oriented culture. I feel truly comfortable around all my coworkers, no matter how high up they are in the management chain.
Online Support
Social media, and particularly LinkedIn, has been a powerful resource for me. I’ve lived in four major cities in the last 12 years (Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville). Each time I’ve made a move, I’ve relied on LinkedIn to network and make connections. I first learned about Southern Land by clicking through a few employee profiles while browsing LinkedIn on a flight back to Toronto to visit my parents.
Advice to Others
Hard work pays off. If ever you are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, keep perspective and keep working hard. There are always going to be bad days, but, in my experience, it’s the people who don’t dwell on the negative and learn how to apply the difficult lessons they’ve learned that end up being the most successful— and the most fulfilled.
Meet Brontë Prins and other women in the local community who are the best in their fields at our annual Women in Business event.
>>> PURCHASE TICKETS
The mix and mingle reception will be held on August 24 from 5-7:30 p.m., to network with our Women in Business honorees plus 200 other local business professionals. Throughout the evening, we will be doing live Q and A sessions with each woman!
Guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres from Virgin Hotels Nashville along with wine from Biltmore Winery and cocktails from Tito's Handmade Vodka. Beverages from a full bar will also be available for purchase (credit cards only).