Host Amanda Divito Parle sits down with longtime friend, real estate attorney, and Senior Vice President of Internal Real Estate Counsel at Essential Properties Realty Trust, Kristin Walker, for a thoughtful conversation about career evolution, leadership, motherhood, risk-taking, and the realities of building a demanding professional life while raising a family.

Kristin shares the path that took her from Missouri to Colorado, from finance student to commercial real estate attorney, and ultimately from private practice into an in-house leadership role guiding legal strategy for a publicly traded real estate investment trust. Along the way, she reflects on launching a boutique law firm at 31, navigating partnership changes, and making career pivots that required both confidence and faith in her own ability to adapt.

The conversation also dives into mentorship, the power of learning through mistakes, and why letting young professionals struggle through difficult moments is often the most valuable training they can receive. As the episode closes, Amanda and Kristin reflect on the changing future of work—from AI’s role in legal and real estate industries to the importance of teaching the next generation critical thinking, resilience, and independence in an increasingly automated world.

Grounded, insightful, and refreshingly honest, this episode offers a candid look at the long arc of building both a career and a family—and the courage it takes to keep moving forward when the path isn’t always clear. ⚖️🏡

Topics Discussed 🔑

• From Missouri to Commercial Real Estate Law Kristin’s journey from finance student to practicing attorney and eventually senior leadership in a real estate investment trust.

• Starting a Law Firm at 31 Taking the leap into entrepreneurship and building a boutique commercial real estate firm.

• Transitioning from Private Practice to In-House Counsel Why Kristin chose to shift from law firm life into a strategic business role.

• Balancing Career and Family Navigating the demanding early years of motherhood while building a legal career.

• Working in a Male-Dominated Industry Learning to negotiate authority and develop confidence in high-stakes environments.

• Learning Through Mistakes Why some of the most important career lessons come from the hardest moments.

• Mentorship and Developing Young Professionals How leaders can help the next generation grow by giving them real responsibility.

• The Role of Risk in Career Growth From launching a firm to changing career paths, why confidence grows through risk-taking.

• AI and the Future of Legal Work Where artificial intelligence may help—and where human judgment will remain essential.

• Raising Independent Thinkers in an AI World Why teaching kids critical thinking and resilience may matter more than ever.

Practical Takeaways for Entrepreneurs & Leaders 🛠️

• Career paths rarely unfold exactly as planned—adaptability is a strength. • Early risks build the confidence needed for bigger decisions later. • Mistakes often become the most valuable teachers. • Leadership means giving others room to learn—even if they stumble. • The right partner at home can make ambitious careers possible. • Technology should support expertise, not replace critical thinking. • Success in both family and career requires constant recalibration. • Sometimes the most powerful strategy is simply to keep going.