At Berkadia, our success is built upon the talent and hard work of a broad, diversely skilled team. From analysts to loan closing specialists to managing directors each of our people brings a unique background, perspective and expertise. Their work allows Berkadia to remain a leader in the commercial real estate industry.
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Innovation Program Manager, Jenny Kyoung, to learn more about her role at Berkadia, what part of her role she is most passionate about, and how Berkadia has impacted her personal and professional life.
Describe your role at Berkadia.
As the Program Manager of Innovation at Berkadia, I get to work across teams to help drive continuous improvement and operational excellence. It’s a role that blends creativity, strategy, and collaboration—and I love that! I’ve found that the most meaningful improvements often come from listening closely and looking at the data. That’s how we uncover what really matters and identify smarter, more efficient ways to support our teams and streamline how we work.
A big part of what I do involves collecting, tracking, and analyzing information to craft comprehensive organizational dashboards, presentations, and reports that help us visualize where we’re headed and how we’re progressing. This supports informed decision-making and fosters a culture of transparency and growth. I also focus on driving Innovation communications—whether it’s through internal updates or curating our newsletter, The Innovator—to keep collaboration and engagement at the forefront.
Another highlight of my role is organizing Innovation-focused events, like our recent flagship annual conference, ICON. Over three days, we dive into groundbreaking discussions and build connections that fuel collaboration across Berkadia and with our partners. One of the most exciting moments is the Hackathon on the final day, where teams bring bold ideas and technical skills to the spotlight. It’s exciting to help create a space where ideas flourish, and innovation takes center stage.
What part of your role are you most passionate about?
What I’m most passionate about in my role is the ability to infuse creativity into our work and explore new possibilities. I love crafting solutions that enhance our efficiency and effectiveness. Whether it’s refining processes or developing a new report, the journey from concept to implementation and witnessing its impact is truly meaningful.
I thrive on the variety my role offers. No two days are the same, and that keeps me on my toes. The dynamic nature of the role challenges me to think differently, stay curious, and keep pushing boundaries.
What excites you most about commercial real estate?
What really excites me about commercial real estate is how the industry beautifully combines technology, people, and place. The fast-paced environment offers endless opportunities for innovation. AI, in particular, is transforming how we work, helping us identify trends and make smarter decisions faster. At Berkadia, our AI Assistant, Berkie, has been a game changer, boosting productivity and continuously expanding what we can do.
I love knowing that the work we do is shaping the future of commercial real estate, where AI isn’t just a buzzword but a powerful tool for transformation. It’s exciting to think about where this journey will take us and the real-world impact we can create through innovation.
When you’re not helping Berkadia move the industry forward, how do you spend your time?
In my free time, I love traveling and exploring new places. Spending quality time with family and friends is important to me. You can often find me assisting my husband with fixing up houses or tackling other real estate projects. We enjoy creating spaces that are both comfortable and functional, making homes more pleasant and easy to live in. It’s actually one of the things that led me to Berkadia!
Recently, I’ve taken up running outdoors with my husband, which has been a fun way to stay active and enjoy the fresh air. I also love biking during warmer months.
My favorite way to unwind in the evenings is with a sweet treat while catching up on some of my favorite shows, which helps me relax and recharge.
How has your time at Berkadia helped to accelerate your personal and professional development?
My journey at Berkadia has been a transformative experience for both my personal and professional growth. I’ve grown so much thanks to the incredible people I work with. The support, mentorship, and willingness to share knowledge here is truly special. It’s helped me to discover new strengths and stretch beyond my comfort zone.
The culture at Berkadia is truly unmatched. It’s a place where continuous learning is part of our everyday routine, and I’m constantly encouraged to take on challenges that push me to think creatively and expand my skills.
The Berkadia Way has really shaped my perspective, teaching me to see people as people and appreciate the unique value they bring. By embracing an outward mindset, I focus on honest communication and curiosity, which helps us all reach our full potential and achieve outstanding results.
Is there anything else our audience should know about you or your time at Berkadia?
The collaborative spirit here at Berkadia makes all the difference. I’ve come to realize that innovation thrives when diverse perspectives come together, and curiosity is encouraged.
Being part of a team that not only pushes boundaries but also supports one another every step of the way has deeply shaped my journey.
This experience has empowered me to embrace challenges and contribute to something greater than myself. I’m proud to be a part of this vibrant culture and honestly, the best is yet to come—I’m excited for what’s ahead on this incredible journey!