50 years of Leadership Dallas: It ‘expanded my network tremendously’

By Amber Dyer, Coordinator, Communications & Marketing 

To celebrate 50 years of Leadership Dallas (LD), presented by Grant Thornton, the Dallas Regional Chamber’s premier leadership development program, we are highlighting a series of alumni to learn more about the LD experience.

Brooke Armstrong, President of Advisory Services in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas at CBRE, the global leader in commercial real estate services, shared that LD broadened her perspective of Dallas by exposing its many sides and stories. 

“I had spent my entire career focused on commercial real estate, specifically corporate users of office space, so my view of Dallas was narrow and lacked depth into the amazing organizations and functions that make our city so incredible.” 

Armstrong wanted to further her understanding of Dallas and expand her network beyond commercial real estate.  

“[I knew that LD] was the perfect program for me to achieve my goals,” she said.  

As she transitioned into her current role at CBRE, the LD program introduced her to leaders of various businesses, philanthropies, and civic organizations that taught her the fundamentals of leadership. 

“It expanded my network tremendously, not only with my own class, but also an amazing network of LD alumnae,” said Armstrong. “It was the perfect experience to prepare me for my current role as the Dallas Market leader as well as the regional leader for Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. I’m now in a position of leading other market leaders, so those fundamentals are stretched and augmented even more. A large part of my role is serving others and the communities we work in, so it’s important to me to be involved in several philanthropic organizations that address various challenges Dallas faces.”  

Armstrong’s involvement with these organizations after LD led her to realize how crucial it is for corporate leaders to understand the importance of civic and philanthropic work. 

“Without all of us working together, Dallas wouldn’t be on the incredible trajectory it’s on,” she said.  

Through the program’s extensive network, Armstrong was able to connect with Monica Latin, a fellow LD alumna, even though they were in different classes. 

“I was seeking advice as I moved into my first leadership role and I [noticed] that her role was very similar,” she said. “We had breakfast, she recommended a book, gave me some great advice, and seven years later, she is a friend, mentor and client.”  

Armstrong recommends LD to individuals who recognize the value of building connections and skillsets. 

“It’s an invaluable way to challenge yourself and grow, and I always encourage our most talented professionals to consider the program.”