Membership Spotlight April 2021: Meghan Henselwood

Thursday, Apr 15, 2021

As the Manager, Investments at Lotus Capital Corp., Meghan is responsible for sourcing, underwriting and negotiating real estate investment transactions across Canada while participating in the financing, asset management and development management activities of the firm. Meghan’s tenure at Lotus Capital began in 2015 when she joined the investments team as an analyst responsible for the underwriting of acquisitions, assisting the asset management team and preparing asset valuations and ad hoc portfolio analysis. 

Q: Meghan, thank you for being our Member Spotlight! You are an active member and volunteer with CREW Vancouver, what drew you to join the CREW network and can you share a few things you have gained being apart of/ volunteering with CREW?

I was drawn to CREW’s mission of business development and advancing women in leadership roles within commercial real estate. After being a member for a year I decided to volunteer and through this involvement have been able to connect and work with many great women. Volunteering has been a rewarding experience learning from so many talented women. I am excited to have been able to assist in spearheading a great new networking event for 2021 which will continue offering members a way to learn, grow and network within the commercial real estate community.

Q: Throughout your career, you have had the opportunity to work on projects across multiple asset classes and all across Canada, do you have a favourite focus area? What originally drew you to your current role?

I was drawn to my current role because I love diversity and knowing that every day will bring a new challenge. At Lotus Capital Corp. we use our intelligence, creativity and relentless curiosity to find a path less-trodden to generate optimal returns. This creates an environment where every deal is unique whether due to the financing, structure, location, the asset itself or the exit strategy.

If I had to pick a favourite focus area it would be value-add. Sourcing these opportunities requires drive and tests my agility. It forces me to leave no stone unturned and no opportunity left untapped when evaluating an asset, as not one strategy works for everything. This has had me looking into everything from simple leasing strategies to demalling retail assets or converting an office tower.

Q: If you were asked to give one piece of career advice to someone entering the commercial real estate sector, what would it be and how has this guidance helped your career?

Building relationships is key and I believe one of the best ways to do this is by picking up the phone. I find many people, including myself, default to sending an e-mail but you miss out on that personal connection. In speaking with an individual, you often glean additional information, and this personal connection starts the foundation of a working relationship. In my business, good relationships lead to collaboration and future opportunities.

Q: Outside of work, what are your hobbies/passions and what advice do you have for maintaining a good work/life balance to be able to enjoy them?

Two of my main hobbies are excellent for maintaining a good work-life balance. I started rock climbing over fifteen years ago and it is great for quieting the mind and focusing. It is a sport that forces you to be present and, in the moment, it allows you to put everything aside with a singular focus, where your next hold. I have also taken up golf in the last few years, which like rock climbing requires you to focus on your next shot. Both sports allow me to practice “mindfulness” which is a healthy way to reduce stress and maintain a good balance in life.

Q: Once travel opens up, where will be your first trip? 

Those that know me are aware of how much I have missed attending live music concerts. I plan on getting the first ticket I can to any concert – hopefully one located in London or Paris but at this point, I’d be just as happy downtown at the Commodore Ballroom.