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helley Balanda is a pioneer in commercial real estate, reimagining strategy and operations through her boutique firm Footprynt. Founded during the pandemic, Footprynt has quietly driven transformative changes for top companies, earning Balanda the 2025 Transformational Strategist in Real Estate award.

    Balanda's approach is built on simplicity: working closely with a few clients at a time to deliver results-driven strategies. Her model embeds deeply into each firm's unique DNA, reengineering operating models and integrating AI into decision-making workflows. Since its launch, Footprynt has unlocked over $50 million in enterprise value.

    Balanda's 20-year real estate career spans acquisitions, joint ventures, and enterprise-wide transformations across various asset classes and geographies. Her transition from brokerage to operational strategy in 2014 marked a turning point, allowing her to focus on the day-to-day decisions that shape companies' futures.

    Growing up in Western Massachusetts, Balanda learned to adapt and create order in uncertain environments. This skill has defined her professional identity and inspired Footprynt's "Y" symbol, representing structure, clarity, and intentionality in complex moments.

    After losing access to financial resources during college, Balanda took a full-time job at a Boston real estate investment firm while attending night classes. This experience sparked her interest in the built world, where she discovered the complexity behind buildings and ecosystems.

    Balanda's career has been marked by movement and diversity of thought across roles, disciplines, and cities. She has worked on high-profile deals, including the 2013 Ghirardelli Square acquisition, and transitioned from brokerage to operating roles in 2014. Founding Footprynt was a transformative milestone, allowing her to work across various projects and company types.

    Balanda faced obstacles, including job insecurity and the need to rebuild professionally and personally without a clear roadmap. However, she stayed close to the work, remained curious, and kept showing up. She also learned to trust her instincts, prepare relentlessly, and lead from a place of observation and clarity.

    Throughout her career, Balanda has been fortunate to have mentors who championed her curiosity and supported her growth. One pivotal moment early in her career stood out when a leader asked her to walk them through how she made a mistake, showing her the power of thoughtful, patient responses.

    Balanda's leadership philosophy is centered on observation, context, and deliberate action. She advises the next generation to stay curious, create structure, and build their own path when faced with uncertainty. Her goal for Footprynt is not just growth but influence – being a quiet force behind platforms that are built to perform and last.