WIN Woman Spotlight: NATALIE BREEN

WIN Woman Spotlights showcase leaders from across the country/world who embrace the skill of negotiation and advocacy to break down barriers for women: women who are champions for female empowerment within her organization and/or in her personal life.

WIN Woman Spotlights feature women and community leaders whose work aligns with WIN’s mission of elevating more women into positions of leadership. Each Spotlight features women who inspire us as professionals and inspire future generations of women. Today, we would like to highlight Natalie Breen.

Natalie Breen

Director of Business Development, Cummings Properties

As one of our WIN Woman of the Year Spotlight winners, Natalie was nominated to receive this spotlight due to her tenacity to be a woman of action, who is transforming her personal and professional environment as well as our society. Read on to learn more about Natalie, her inspiring work, and how she lives as a woman who lifts as she rises.

“Natalie was elected to serve on the both the Board of the Medford Public Library Foundation, which recently secured a multi-million dollar donation from Mike Bloomberg and privately raised $6MM for the new library's grand opening in January. It was the largest private campaign the City of Medford has ever done. She was also unanimously nominated to the Friends of the Chevalier Theatre Board, a historic theatre located in downtown that brings huge economic impact to the surrounding local businesses. In the past, she has run for public office in our hometown. Outside of extracurriculars, she is an amazing sister to her only brother, Pat, who has Autism and has started an Instagram account for him to share his musical abilities.”

We wanted to shine a light on Natalie and ask her for her best piece of negotiation advice. Here’s what she had to say.

If I weren't doing this [Business Development] I would be...

As a tarantula mom and lover of all animals, I would run an animal sanctuary. Doing that would light me up and get me out of bed even in the middle of a New England winter.

Three adjectives to best describe you:

Vivacious, empathetic, intentional

Words to live by:

Sara Blakeley is someone I work to emulate and this is something she shared that I try to live by: "Most of the reason we don't do things is because we're afraid to fail. I just made a decision one day that I was not not going to do things in my life because of fear." When you put fear aside, possibilities open up. For me, it's meant rappelling down a building for the Special Olympics, public speaking in front of hundreds, and running for public office in my hometown.

What actions do you take to help lift others?

In every situation, ask yourself, how can I help? It can be with your time, your words, your money - everyone has something to offer.

What event shaped your life's work and mission?

Being the only sibling to a brother on the Autism spectrum has been a blessing in teaching me empathy, patience, kindness, and resourcefulness. It's encouraged me to look at challenges and find the opportunity within. I give people a lot of grace and realize everyone has on and off days and that's helped me find peace in my day-to-day.

Is there a particular woman in history that has influenced you in either your personal life or career?

Sara Blakely of Spanx, again. She's my people!

Favorite self-care ritual:

I've loved reading the Boston Globe on Sundays with some coffee since I was a teenager. When I feel informed, I feel empowered. Also, I never rush through a cup of coffee.

What is your best negotiation tip?

As a woman in my 20’s managing a multi-million dollar portfolio and often negotiating large lease transactions with folks with decades more experience, I lean on these things: (1) being prepared, (2) backing up my position with data, (3) power pause - don't negotiate against yourself. Say what you want to say, be clear, and wait for a response. Too often, with an uncomfortable gap in conversation, people fill it by saying something they shouldn't! Listening more than you speak will always help.