Emily Stampanato is a dynamic client leader for CannonDesign’s global commercial practice. She loves the human side of her work, meeting with people, building relationships and working together. Her focus is guiding each unique client toward unexpected and bold solutions.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up and where did you go to school?
I grew up all across the Midwest. My family moved six times while I was a child. Through that experience, I developed my passion for meeting new people and narrating stories. I loved the thrill of moving, but was happy to land at Purdue University, the place I felt most at home. From there, I graduated with a bachelor of arts in interior design.
When you were young, what did you aspire to be?
I wanted to be a meteorologist. Sometimes, I still do. I’m fascinated with natural disasters and the consequences of global warming. When significant hurricanes, tornadoes or other weather events occur, I follow them—the science behind each of them, their causes. I find weather and the natural environment fascinating.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was fortunate to intern for an amazing firm in Indianapolis while I finished my senior year of college, which ultimately afforded me the chance to move to Chicago. The firm I worked for specialized in healthcare and education and I was immediately thrown into large projects with direct impact on communities. It was surreal to me as the curriculum in college doesn’t prepare you emotionally for the impact that design can have on a population of people. In six years’ time, I went from graduating during the 2008 recession and making my way to Chicago as an intern, to director of interiors for the same company.
After six years in healthcare and higher education, I took a leap to the commercial side of the market where I worked as director of marketing for a firm. It was in this role that I discovered my passion for business development, and my love for the fast-paced and disruptive nature of commercial real estate.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get on your feet, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
Amidst the 2008 recession, a man named Mike Czyrka took a chance on me. He took me in, made me part of the Chicago family and gave me the necessary tools and support to make a name for myself. The loyalty of the “family” that I had the pleasure of working with for six years is something people spend their whole career trying to find. Looking back, I credit this to him.
Every good mentor always tells you never to burn bridges because this industry is so small. That’s proved so true in my experience. Now, 12 years after meeting Mike, I’m working at the firm where his career started. So many of his former peers still work for CannonDesign and are now mentoring me in similar ways.
What does a day in the life of Emily Stampanato look like?
I am so incredibly fortunate that no two days in my life look the same. For some, I realize that probably looks and sounds like chaos, but for me it’s where I thrive. It’s not uncommon for me to split my day between business development, marketing and design. The common denominator for me is always the people. I never lose touch with the human side of our business. I am enamored by people’s stories, their passion and their innovation—so I follow it.
Lately, I’ve played a key role in national business development. We’re always trying to work with innovative companies ready for new ideas and novel solutions. Those types of companies aren’t bound by geography, so we go where they go. It is thrilling work.
What do you like most about your job?
I’m incredibly fortunate to work for a team where there are no real limits. Working in CannonDesign’s commercial practice, I have the freedom to pursue any idea or possibility that can make a difference. I’m never held back or boxed in. I love that. It empowers and inspires me incredibly each day. It allows me to be a free spirit in all aspects of my job.
I love competing for and winning new work. I find energy in pursuing exciting projects that push our teams outside our comfort zones. I love the chase. I love the competition. And, I love winning those kinds of projects and making them our reality.
Looking to the future, what do you hope to achieve/work on that you haven’t already?
My ultimate goal is to grow into a national leadership role for our team. I’d like to oversee our national business development efforts or maybe even the practice in full one day. As I said before, I am all in on the commercial market, I want to lead our teams to success on every front.
How do you spend your time away from the office?
There’s a few ways I spend my free time away from work. I have a black lab who is my fur baby. I spend a ton of time spoiling her. I also enjoy lake life. I’ve been boating on the same lake for the past 30 years. It’s a way of life for our family. Finally, I’m secretly trying to become the next Barefoot Contessa.
What is your favorite place that you have traveled to? Where do you hope to go next?
Favorite place I’ve been is definitely Singapore. My parents actually lived there for a stretch of time. So, when I’d visit, we were able to really connect and immerse ourselves in the local culture. The city has such a cool urban scene, great architecture and the summer I spent living there was remarkable.
Someday, I am definitely headed to Italy. My family is Italian and something tells me spending a summer in Italy—the landscapes, the history, the beaches, the wine and food—would be remarkable too.
CRE Future Leaders: Emily Stampanato
